Zinnia Cafe a ray of culinary sunshine

Customer service skills certainly come to the table at the new Zinnia Cafe in Mill Creek.

Owned and operated by four partners who all previously worked together at Nordstrom, Christopher Giusto, Joe Bounds and Kimberly and Matthew Bregar ensure that a great dining experience is indeed their style.

The cafe serves what the partners call “new American” cuisine. This, according to Kimberly Bregar, is basically just regular American food, but with a slightly new concept, which she describes as a “flair.” The food is mostly meat and potatoes, but it has a more visual display, she said.

When I arrived at the cafe, I was greeted with red and yellow walls, one with a particularly large red flower that had been painted by one of the owners. Although a rather small building, after a quick chair count, I determined the place could hold well over forty diners.

Almost before I even ordered, my food was in front of me. And even before that, the waiter, Matthew, brought me some bread. It is a wonderful thing when a waiter brings food you are not expecting.

My entree choice was the Sullivan Street Chicken, and I do believe it lived up to its name. My chicken breast had mozzarella covering the top and lemon-parsley oil drizzled about the plate. Garlic mashed potatoes and a medley of carrots and onions also made a debut on my plate. But not for long.

I do believe the waiter was intent on making sure I was stuffed, which was confirmed when he offered me dessert. I declined, although I had seen such treats as chocolate cake, tarts and cheesecake on the menu. Nonetheless, he kindly brought me a peanut butter cookie. I guess I must have looked like I could use a cookie, and I surely could not refuse a homemade one.

Now for a little more history on the interesting restauranteurs from Nordstrom. Two of the partners, Matthew Bregar and Christopher Giusto, still work full-time at Nordstrom. The four worked together for about three years before they decided to “do their own thing.” Three of them worked at the restaurant at Nordstrom, with the exception of Giusto, who is a manager in the mens’ suit department.

“It was everyone’s idea, but mostly Joe’s,” said Kimberly about who actually brainstormed the idea to open Zinnia Cafe.

Regardless of whose idea it was, it was a good one.

The cafe is open for both lunch and dinner, and have a variety of panini sandwiches and salads available for lunch. The cafe also bakes its own breads and desserts.