Apparently, Z' Tejas is not just a Tejas thing... There are locations in California, Utah, Arizona, and Washington as well. This was brought to my attention recently, as my best friend (and fellow Z' aficionado) got me a gift certificate online and it came to me from Phoenix. I recommend the gift certificate highly, as you can send it remotely (my friend sent mine from North Carolina), and it even comes with a personalized message! Very nice.
Z' Tejas is an excellent chain, and I've been addicted to this restaurant since the first time I visited. And it's all because of the catfish beignets.
My first Z' experience was at the Arboretum, and to be quite frank, I didn't like my dinner that night. I had ordered the wild mushroom enchiladas. Come to find out, this is the only item on the menu that I've tried that I actually dislike. (Proof that you should never write off a place based on a single tasting.) The complementary cornbread that they serve was quite excellent, however, and I was sold on the beignet appetizer. Cornmeal-crusted bits of flaky catfish served with a chipotle mayo. *Eyes roll into back of head.*
This past Saturday, I got all of my favorites, including a $3.50 brunch special mimosa... You've gotta live it up when lunch is on someone else's dime! As a tribute to my best friend, I ate his favorite dish: the smoked chicken chile relleno. One of my favorite relleno's of all time, this chile is packed with savory chicken, pecans, apricots, and raisins. I was skeptical when I read the description for the first time, but the dried fruits make this dish! MikeDub had the chicken fried rib eye for lunch, which I stole generous portions of while he was in the restroom. I guess the secret's out now...
The thing about Z' is that pretty much everything they make they make well. Whether it's a traditional American or Mexican dish, it has it's own Z' flair, and that flair is what keeps me coming back: some of the dishes here I just can't make better at home.
Lunch included one beer, one mimosa, appetizer, relleno, and steak for $39.60. This number is significant, as the gift certificate was for $40. Talk about making the most of things!
The two locations I have visited are the West 6th St. location, and the Arboretum (Visit the sites by clicking the hot links.) The downtown location definitely has that "Austin-y" feel to it, while the one up north seems a little more elegant. Both have incredibly nice outdoor seating, and the Arboretum patio has a hill country view. Both spots come highly recommended by me!
I'm providing a list of my top 5 dishes (in order) for your dining pleasure. Enjoy!
Kapes' must try list
1. Grilled Chipotle Beef Tenderloin (I love to add the crab meat, although MikeDub doesn't believe it adds much.)
2. Catfish Beignets
3. Smoked Chicken Chile Relleno
4. Chicken, Artichoke & Mushroom Stack (so incredibly good; better than the description can express)
5. Grilled Miso Salmon
I'm providing a list of my top 5 dishes (in order) for your dining pleasure. Enjoy!
Kapes' must try list
1. Grilled Chipotle Beef Tenderloin (I love to add the crab meat, although MikeDub doesn't believe it adds much.)
2. Catfish Beignets
3. Smoked Chicken Chile Relleno
4. Chicken, Artichoke & Mushroom Stack (so incredibly good; better than the description can express)
5. Grilled Miso Salmon
Lovely! ;)
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