Can I zest a lemon without the aide of a zester or microplane?!
Answers: You can use the small holes on a regular (cheese) grater, but it doesn't work as well as a microplane. Zesting citrus is one of my least favorite cooking tasks!
Sure, use a serrated knife. Draw it across the fruit using only the serrated points to cut into the skin. It will take longer, but it works in a pinch.
potato pealer I used to to that way in there, the box grater was a real pain, the Microplane is wonderful I give it as hostess gifts.