Zak's Pleasant Valley Inn Reviews

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Midwest Express Magazine Sept/Oct

Tucked away in a small, quiet, middle-class neighborhood in the suburb of West Allis, Pleasant Valley Inn can be difficult to find. From the outside, it appears to be just another of the area's many well groomed ranch houses.  From its surroundings and décor, Pleasant Valley Inn might be taken for another of the traditional supper clubs that can still be found scattered throughout Wisconsin.

Its offerings, though, are far from ordinary. The first clue that Pleasant Valley Inn might be more than it appears is the warm bread basket brought to the table as you are seated. Nestled inside are small house-made rolls filled with jalapeno-Jack cheese and miniature muffins- on one visit cherry, and the next blueberry.

To start, try the grilled gulf shrimp served Tuscan-style with oil, basil tomatoes and garlic. The amazing seafood bisque, a rich and creamy soup accented with scallops and shrimp, can be considered a meal in itself.

Entrees will satisfy a wide variety of tastes. Daily specials often include a fresh fish dish such as grilled salmon ,. The pasta is equally innovative. The penne with lobster is a rich dish made with garlic, spiny lobster and Pernod cream sauce. Grilled pork tenderloin with a maple-mustard glaze is always a favorite, as is the grilled bone-in rib eye steak many patrons favor. To finish, the Opera is an unusual selection -dense almond cake soaked with espresso and layered with chocolate ganache.

Pleasant Valley Inn isn't where the "see and be seen" crown eats, and that's just fine. This is a friendly crowd, less concerned with what they're wearing than with what's on the menu. They're never disappointed.

"Since acquiring the Pleasant Valley Inn last fall, Zarko (Zak) Zigich has broadened the already  strong menu and begun adding his personal touches to the popular West Allis supper club.   

Now called Zak's Pleasant Valley Inn, the upscale, but casual restaurant is located just 3 blocks north of W. Oklahoma Ave. at 9801 W. Dakota.  Surrounded by a residential neighborhood on a property that once was a community park, the inn welcomes diners with the friendliness associated with a typical Wisconsin supper club.  Long-time employees continue to provide a high level of service under the new owner.  Improvements to date include the addition of a new bar area and live entertainment by popular Milwaukeeans Paul Vierck and Fran the Piano Man on Fridays and Saturdays.

Chef Obed Figuerora has extended the already strong list of entrees that range from steaks, chops, seafood and roast duck to European specialities like Burek and other dishes  that are popular in Zigich's native country of Croatia.

Now open only for dinner, Zigich plans to begin luncheon service as soon as he completes landscaping projects.  A new entrance is planned, as well as improvements inside the restaurant and in the gardenlike patio."