Vegan Food Review: Zhateau Zorbaz

On one of those last glorious days of fall, my friend Sheri invited me to a morning of kayaking on and around Big Sand Lake.

We were treated to a clear sky, leaves turning, a variety of fish visible in the clear water below us, and an otter swimming close by, cautious but curious. After a good workout of kayaking and hiking, we turned our attention to a late lunch. Zhateau Zorbaz is close by. I ordered a pizza with some veggies, hold the cheese.   

Sheri wondered if the guacamole dip would be okay to share with me. The waitress asked the cook, and he came out to explain that the guacamole dip was vegan, but that the tomato sauce was not—they add cheese in the sauce. He reviewed the menu, noting that there was little that I could eat, as their beans were not vegan.

He graciously offered to make me something.
There are some lessons here. First, don’t assume something is vegan (tomato sauce on pizza, refried beans). 

Second, most cooks are very willing to make something that will work, if they have the time and the ingredients. I wish I had gotten his name. He was an excellent example of providing great customer service.

Zhateau Zorbaz has a lovely outdoor eating area. We sat in the sun and I enjoyed a large platter of rice enchiladaz (if they are true to their Zs, they should spell that enzhiladaz) with ranchero sauce, lettuce and tomatoes. Sheri shared the freshly made guacamole dip and it was a nice topper on the enchiladaz. In addition they served complimentary “bottomless” chips and salsa. 

It was a very satisfying meal, a pleasant ending to a perfect day.

Zhateau Zorbaz is at 22036 County Hwy 7 near Dorset, Minn. (218) 237-1969, www.zorbaz.com
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