: This longstanding Ventura restaurant has a charming setting: a '30s-era cottage. Chef Salome Cervantes knows his way around the kitchen, and service is warm and welcoming. Fresh seasonal vegetables are a nice counterpoint to the rich flavor of slow-roasted wild boar with demi-glace. The deep flavor of Tellicherry peppercorn works well with steaks like filet mignon and a 12-ounce New York strip, the latter of which is served in a Maytag blue cheese and Cabernet reduction, or béarnaise. Lighter fare is popular at lunchtime. A grilled chicken pesto baguette is topped with sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes and mozzarella. Daily pasta specials may include penne tossed with sautéed chicken, fresh herbs, red chili flakes and garlic butter. There are a variety of crisp salads, too, and a grilled vegetable sandwich. The star of the dessert menu is Zack’s namesake pie: silky smooth chocolate ganache on a pecan crust topped with whipped cream. A fish-of-the-day and ravioli-of-the-day keep things interesting for the many regular patrons. The wine list includes numerous boutique selections from the Central Coast.

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Cafe Zack

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