Although people have grown accustomed to ‘super sizing’ their food or expecting large portions, Mark Jacob, manager/owner of ZING Restaurant decided to change the way we eat – with small plates.
“I love eating that way. And I noticed every time I’d ask one of my kids what they had for dinner when going out with friends, they’d always say ‘we just ordered a bunch of appetizers and shared,’ ” said Jacob. “I saw that a lot of the restaurant future is going towards small plates. This is a trend that keeps building.”
Jacob’s small plate concept may remind you of the Spanish originated tapas, or finger foods made to be eaten while drinking alcohol. Small plates, however is meant to be a meal.
Please don’t let the idea of a small plate fool you into thinking this is not worth your while. ZING’s menu is very eclectic giving patrons Spanish, French, Greek, American, Italian and Asian inspired food.
The size of the meal is compensated by full, robust flavors. Jacob states one couldn’t eat a full meal of one of their items because it would be too rich and overpowering.
ZING gives you just enough to savor the flavors. Additionally, their small plates is meant to be shared.
ZING changes their menu often, but patrons love their Mahi tacos with cilantro cream and Medjool dates with chorizo and smoked
bacon in sweet pepper tomato sauce so those dishes will probably be menu staples.
ZING is perfect for a delectable lunch with business associates or meeting with close friends on your day off. Order the polenta fries with curry ketchup; jerk chicken with avocado salsa; or grilled chicken romesco topped with
sautéed spinach, mushrooms and sun dried
tomato spread.
To give your palate a mid-day boost, try the jambalaya with pork sausage, shrimp,
chicken and rice; shrimp and grits, smoked cheddar grits with grilled shrimp, bacon, sauteéd onion and
peppers in cajun butter; or the smokehouse mac ‘n’ cheese with smoked
gouda, bacon and scallions.
ZING’s super sexy atmosphere is perfect for a romantic dinner or a chance to catch up with friends before heading downtown.
Begin the night with an Anti Pasta tray with various choices such as Capocollo ham and Asiago cheese with a warm mushroom, chive, tarragon salad among other meat, cheese and salad options.
Taste a pizza-ette in basil pesto tomato, feta, mushrooms,
pine nuts or the spicy buffalo tossed chicken, cheddar,
bacon, red onion.
ZING’s small dinner plate selections are vast and aren’t for the timid. There’s the shrimp wonton made with ginger, carrot and shrimp
dumpling, fried and served with juniper aioli and
red pepper coulis; smoked pork shanks served with house made
baked beans and white BBQ sauce; and the pan roasted shrimp served over sweet corn cake
with roasted tomato, chorizo sausage
and parsley sauce.
ZING is all about the small plates, but they do offer larger plates that are still great for sharing. These include steak frites, grilled hanger steak over
roasted garlic fries with smoked citrus salt and roasted pepper butter and roasted tomato relish; and creamy crab risotto with mascarpone
cheese, tarrragon, parsley, lemon zest and
pepperonata among others.
ZING has a full bar and dessert menu. The restaurant is also located directly across from the Madame Walker Theatre, where individuals can have a small plate before taking in a show.
You’ve probably passed by the restaurant a thousand times and always wondered what ZING Restaurant was all about (like me). Be adventurous and visit ZING Restaurant.