Cooperative Living September 2023 - 35

DINING WITH PEGGY
T ●●●●●●●● to Longevity
by Peggy Hyland, Contributing Columnist
Staunton's Zynodoa stands the test of time
N
estled in historic downtown Staunton, Zynodoa
Restaurant will transport you to another world.
Stepping off the quaint city sidewalk next to the
theater, diners enter a sleek, modern setting. The walls are
decorated with local artwork, as well as a list of the farmers
who provide the farm-to-table food that Zynodoa
is known for.
The bar area is warm and welcoming, with imaginative
cocktails and mocktails served up by staff with remarkable
combined longevity. One bartender told me she has
been there 11 years, which speaks volumes about the
establishment and its clientele. The wine list is wellsourced,
with a solid emphasis on Virginia vineyards.
The knowledgeable staff is happy to guide you through
your options. We started with the bruléed cast-iron
cornbread. I could happily make a meal out of that on its
own. The top was crispy and the inside had the perfect
texture, and it went beautifully with Concord grape jelly
and European-style whipped butter, both from nearby farms.
I love beets, so I moved on to the Van Deesel Farm beet
salad, which had two kinds of beets and goat cheese (always
a match made in heaven) with spicy arugula. My companion
opted for the Virginia blue crab fritters, which were
incredible. Their pillowy texture was enhanced by a spicy
remoulade.
Bruléed cornbread
Beet salad
Vinegar-braised
●●●●●●●
My main course was the Polyface Farm vinegar-braised
chicken, which also featured Edwards Smoked Surrey
Sausage. It was done in a style reminiscent of gumbo, so
the flavors and spices shone without the vinegar taking over.
The pickled fennel on top was a delight, and the entire dish
was swoon-worthy.
My dinner companion went for the Burner's Beef
tomahawk ribeye, which comes with a thorough provenance
to the beef farm and their herd, dating back to the 1970s.
The care given to the cattle is obvious with every bite, as
this ribeye was some of the best beef I have ever eaten. The
exterior had a flawless crust, the interior was melting without
excessive marbling, and the black garlic steak sauce gave it
all a smooth balance. It came with perfectly mashed potatoes
and incredible zucchini that was almost caramelized.
Stuffed from our meal, we debated skipping dessert. Our
server talked us into the elephant heart plum and cheese tart,
saying it was the perfect size to split. He was right, and it was
just the right size to end the meal. Topped with fresh mint,
the tart had the perfect crumble and was not too sweet.
While not specifically a gluten-free restaurant, Zynodoa
has plenty of top-notch gluten-free options, as well as
delicious vegetarian offerings. They also have pre-show seating
times for the adjacent Dixie Theater. On weekends, the street
is closed to vehicle traffic and outdoor seating is available. 
Plum and cheese tart
●●●●●●●s Beef tomahawk ribeye
Zynodoa Restaurant
115 E. Beverley Street
Staunton, VA 24401
(540) 885-7775
zynodoa.com
co-opliving.com
September 2023 ● Cooperative Living ●
33
http://www.zynodoa.com http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living September 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cooperative Living September 2023
