New Summer Menu At Z’Tejas – Media Tasting

There is something new sizzling at Z’Tejas Grill in South Coast Plaza. They have just rolled out their summer menu and I had a chance to try several of their items last week. I recommend that you dine outside on their patio as it has a lovely view and plenty of shade if you need it or sunshine if you want it.

Z’Tejas has a complimentary cornbread that is served before your meal and it is fantastic. It is brought out in a cast iron skillet so it is warm and delicious and not too sweet. If you eat Gluten-Free you may just have to close your eyes.

Cocktails

I started out trying the skinny adult agua fresca.  This drink looks super refreshing but don’t let it fool you. It is SPICY! It has 1800 Silver Tequila, strawberry, watermelon, serrano, lime, and agave.

My dining partner tried the Skinny Garden Margarita which had 1800 silver tequila, cucumber, lime, cilantro and agave. While a little tamer this also had a nice kick to it!

Appetizers

Next up we sampled the Tejas Trio. This appetizer is amazing and huge. A lot of places skimp on the portion when they do a trio style dish, but not ZTejas, there is enough to feed at least 4 people.  It had Guacamole which was thick and chunky just like I like it, salsa picante and chile con queso. Their queso is really delicious. I could eat it on anything. I even dipped the corn bread in the queso and it was terrific.

Next up was our entrees. I ordered the Crab Cake Salad and I was very happy I did. I love crab and was very impressed with this dish. It comes with three hearty crab cake patties atop a bed of shredded cabbage, grape tomatoes, roasted corn and pepitas tossed with a jalapeno basil dressing. It was crunchy and flavorful and the portion size was huge for lunch. I even took half of it home.

New Summer Menu Entrees

My friend ordered the Habanero Chicken Pasta and she thoroughly enjoyed it. It was chicken breast served over a bed of angel hair pasta with baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and capers sautéed in a light habanero-citrus wine sauce. The sauce looks a little on the heavy side when you first get it but if you just toss it then everything is covered and it has the perfect consistency. I even tried a bite and I would order this next time.

My daughter who is a tiny little 2-year-old and eats like a bird ordered the Mac and Cheese ate nearly half of it. This is not your ordinary Kraft mac and cheese. This dish was so good and I couldn’t believe it was a kids entrée. There are huge pieces of sliced Achiote chicken served on top of creamy pillowy home-made mac and cheese. Let’s just say there was nothing left after I “tested” it for her.

Dessert

Lastly, it was time for dessert. We all shared a slice of Strawberry Ice Box Cake.. It had sweet ripe Strawberries that were layered with lady fingers and lightly sweetened with fresh whipped cream. I liked that this dessert was not too sugary. It was the perfect ending to a great meal.

For more information visit Z’Tejas on Facebook and on Twitter.