652158 Sun Sep 13 20:51:19 -0700 2009 0 20 General Tristate Archive 0 5027583 Earlier this week my wife and I took a trip to Upstate NY, to a bike shop in Alfred Station. It is located about 2 miles from the metropolis of Alfred. I was surprised to discover that Alfred has two universities, Alfred University and a state university. It is so small that it does not even have a grocery store; all it has is a convenience store that is well-stocked with beer - it is, after all a university town. We were staying overnight at a B&B, and asked the owners where we could eat, fully expecting to be pointed to a place that had a neon sign proclaiming "EATS". Instead were were recommended a restaurant called "Za Café". It is located in an old house that is very homey-looking. We started off with miso soup that was quite unlike any other miso soup I have ever had. The broth was really delicious, as were the veggies in it. We were told by our friendly waitress that it was made in-house by the chef/owner. For a main my wife had the grilled salmon, which was very nicely done, while I had the poached (I think) halibut in a lemony cream sauce. The fish was done to perfection, and the sauce was very pleasant too. We shared a dessert of a warm pumpkin cake that was served with whipping cream. It was moist and tasty. The bill was a pleasant surprise: for the meal, including 2 glasses of Pinot Grigio, the total (excluding tip) was $50. We wanted to return for lunch the next day, but it was closed - they serve dinner only. We settled for a wrap and a sandwich at a small cafe called Nana's. It was simple but tasty. Sun Sep 13 20:51:19 -0700 2009 13143 souschef