Z Chop Haus iss located at the Zermatt Resort in Midway, Utah in Heber Valley, just a short drive from Park City. We made reservations online for 6:30pm. There was a big Microsoft conference going on at the resort, so we were glad we made reservations. When we arrived the hostess quickly greeted us and seated us in a nice, cozy booth. It was December and the restaurant ambiance was warm and welcoming. There were candles at the tables and the lighting was dim – which is why all of our photos are somewhat dark, sorry.
First thing I noticed and was happy about was that the menu I viewed online matched the menu that was given to us at the restaurant. I don’t know how many times I’ve gone to restaurants, looking forward to ordering something that I saw on their online menu, only to be disappointed it’s no longer being offered when I arrive. So off to a good start, Z Chop Haus. Thank you.
Appetizers
For an appetizer we ordered the Gruyere Fondue which comes with chilled vegetables and french bread ($9). It just makes sense to order fondue here given the Swiss theme. Other appetizers that I would try next time would be the Bratwurst with Sour Cabbage and the Calamari Fritti Provencal. The Fondue dip was very good and balanced just right. Not too salty, not to thick, not too thin. Just right. The vegetables were parboiled for tenderness, but not overdone. Again, just right.
Instead of bread being served at each table, they bring little homemade soft pretzels with a mustard butter which I thought was awesome. Nice, unique touch!
(Sorry about the dark photos, no flash.)
Soup
It was a cold evening, so we were in the mood for warm soup rather than a cold salad. My friend ordered the Swiss Onion Soup ($7) and I got the Lobster Bisque (8$).
We asked Regan how was Swiss Onion Soup different than French Onion Soup and she said they were pretty similar. To us, there didn’t seem to be a difference. It had a nice, rich beef broth with sweet, caramelized onions topped with a round of french bread and gooey cheese. When I googled, “swiss onion soup” the only recipes were for creamy soups that were chicken stock based. So who knows? Anyhoo, the soup was fabulous and that’s all that matters to us. 🙂 My lobster bisque was tasty too, but I think I would have rather had the Onion Soup.
Entrees
For our entrees, we ordered from the “Favorites” section of the menu. My friend ordered the Pork Tenderloin Schnitzel with Spatzle, Spinach and Tomatoes ($20). I chose the Crispy Duck Breast with Port Wine Demi Glaze and Sauteed Mushrooms ($7) as a side. Since it is a European style steakhouse, they do serve prime aged steaks which I’ve heard are delicious. For example, they offer a 21-day Dry Aged New York Striploin and Ribeye, but we preferred to get some of their other specialties this time and try steaks on the next visit. Perhaps the Chateaubriand Carved Tableside for Two.
My friend’s Schnitzel was huge! It was nice and crispy on the outside and fork tender. He really enjoyed it, but ended up taking half home.
I never had duck before so wanted to give it a try. I was asked how I wanted it cooked and told them as the Chef recommends, rare. The fat layer on the outside was nice and crispy, the inside tender and almost beefy tasting. I also felt it was a rather large portion. The Port Wine Demi Glaze was so rich and delectable, bursting with flavor and an awesome accompaniment to the duck. I am a big mushroom fan and my sauteed mushrooms were some of the best I ever had. Tender, not spongy and full of flavor.
Our Overall Experience
Our waitress, Regan, was very polite and attentive just the right amount as were all the servers. The hostess seated us, another person would fill our water glasses and another would serve us our food at just the right time. All worked together as a professionally trained team as you should expect in any restaurant. Each course was delivered to us with a smile and Regan checked on us just the right amount of times without being bothersome. We would definitely go to Z Chop Haus again, especially when we have visitors in town. It’s in a beautiful location, the ambiance of the restaurant is so inviting, the service is great and the food is everything you expect from a fine dining experience. This time we had a $70 Groupon that we purchased for $35 which was a really good deal. Z Chop Haus is not cheap, but definitely worth it for those once-in-awhile visits to a really special restaurant.
Website, Location and Map
Z Chop Haus 435-657-0180
784 West Resort Drive, Midway, UT 84049
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