Awards

Sareé Mulhern was recently certified a level one Sommelier as recognized through the United States Sommelier's Guild. Her enthusiasm has earned Zoës the Wine Spectators "Award of Excellence" as well as Portfolio's "Crystal Stem Award". Zoës wine list offers a selection of over 290 unique and desirable wines including twenty different by-the-glass offerings. Sareé is available to assist you with any questions about selections, pairings, or just to expose you to something new and different.

This is the highest dining award from America's leading Travel Provider. With the highest standards and strictest guidelines, AAA was impressed by the excellent culinary creations of Chef Jerry Weihbrecht, the elegant décor, warm ambiance, extensive wine list, and fine service they experienced at Zoës, making us the only four Diamond Restaurant in Virginia Beach

The most successful fundraiser to date was held by Hampton Roads March of Dimes. 20-30 area chefs donate time, food and most importantly talent, to make the Star Chefs Auction a Gala event. Throughout the evening dishes are being judged by industry professionals to determine the recipients of varied awards. As the highest honor, the Chef's decide which dish they prefer the most, and our Chef, Jerry Weihbrecht won this prestigious award, welcoming him into the Star Chef Alumni.

Portfolio Weekly awards its Golden Forks annually to recognize area restaurants for outstanding food and service. Zoës opened in October of 2003 to critical acclaim and the 2004 Golden Fork let area diners know there was a new destination for excellent food and superior service. The 2005 Golden Fork acknowledged our continued effort to keep Zoës excellence a cut above the rest.

This magazine is the most recognized authority on Wine and Wine happenings with over 2 million readers world wide. Wine Spectator recognizes restaurants with superior wine programs in the annual restaurant issue. A small number of restaurants receive this award indicating a balanced wine selection of varietals and regions spanning the globe. Zoës is honored to receive this award of excellence.

This is the Annual award for excellence with wine in Hampton Roads. Portfolio Weekly seeks out restaurants that have a strong emphasis on their wine programs: Wine List, Pairing, Wine Dinners, and Staff Education.

Left to Right: Brian Lane, Jerry Weihbrecht, Sareé Mulhern, Jarrod Rosenburg, Kathrine Sennessy

The Virginia Pilot -Readers 2005 poll voted Zoës "Cup of Hot Chocolate" the best chocolate dessert in our area. It is a new twist on the traditional Chocolate Soufflé, made with Valhrona Chocolate and baked for 20 minutes in an oversized coffee mug. The outer layer is firm with a hot (gooey) liquid center. The dessert is accompanied with a Gran Marnier spiked cream (served on the side). It is truly a chocolate lover's dessert.

Chef Weihbrecht stunned everyone present at this year's annual charity event. This year's theme, "Under the Big-Top," inspired Chef Jerry to use all of his culinary skills in creating "Citrus Unagi (Eel) Cones." It is a dish that captures the unique flavors of the region through ingredients, preparation and imagination. Chef Jerry served Citrus Unagi (Eel) in hand dipped chocolate cones. Accompanying the Unagi were chocolate-covered organic Oyster Mushrooms, from Sedley, VA.