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Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill

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Written by Shannon Colletti Thursday, 07 February 2008

Photo of Z'Tejas sign In 1989, three entrepreneurs founded the restaurant Z’Tejas in an old Victorian house on Austin’s Sixth Street. The menu is influenced by their southern roots and combines the flavors of the southwest, Texas and Louisiana. Today, the franchise has 10 locations across the western United States, including three in the Austin area.

Z’Tejas opened its newest location at Avery Ranch Nov. 12. When you arrive, the first things you notice are the impeccable patios and outdoor fireplaces.

“We built the restaurant around two giant oak trees,” company president Steven Micheletti said. “We had a vision of how this restaurant would twinkle with light coming through the trees. I think the best tables are right outside.”

Very different from the hip, casual feel of the downtown restaurant, the Avery Ranch location leans toward upscale sophistication. The décor is classy with a neutral black-and-brown palette and soft leather seats. Guests can watch the chefs prepare food in the “exhibition kitchen” or appreciate the abstract art hanging from the exposed beams in the ceiling. Before dining, they can indulge in a signature margarita at the bar.

Photo of Z’Tejas’ Shrimp Tostada Once seated, the server brought a square skillet of fresh cornbread laced with tender corn kernels. Baked every 30 minutes, the cornbread is served with soft honey butter.

Next came the Beef Barbacoa Tostada Stacker ($8.99), which consisted of crunchy tostadas piled with black beans, Jack and cojita cheese, savory barbacoa and topped with a cool, tangy slaw. The flavors and textures complemented each other, and although innovative, this starter was messy.

Jack’s Five-Cheese Macaroni & Achiote Chicken ($11.99 lunch, $14.99 dinner), named for founding corporate chef Jack Gilmore, is macaroni bathed in seamlessly blended bleu, Jack, cheddar, parmesan and Romano topped with toasted bacon gratin and slices of seasoned chicken. Unique to this location, a rotisserie is used for smoked chicken menu items as well as specials like bone-in rib eye and pork chops.

I also enjoyed the Baked Seafood Enchiladas ($9.99, $11.99). The tortillas were full of large chunks of blackened salmon and tuna, wild mushrooms and baby spinach and topped with grilled cilantro pesto shrimp. A creamy, roasted red pepper sauce and blend of cheeses tied the dish together.

I f you have room for dessert, order a generous slice of Ancho Fudge Pie ($4.95). The filling tasted like decadent walnut and pecan fudge and came in a light, flaky crust. Whip cream and cocoa powder and cinnamon finished the presentation.

The origin of the name Z’Tejas has some lore surrounding it, so I asked general manager Dimitri Markides about it. He said “Tejas” is probably from the Native American word for “friend.” As for the “Z,” Markides said he thought the owners were fans of legendary masked hero Zorro and thought a red “Z” would stand out.

“Whether or not that’s actually true,” he said, “I don’t know.”

A place to sip cocktails

In addition to two 42-inch, flat-panel televisions, the bar also offers:

11 bottled beers
6 draft beers
42 brands of tequila
21 types of margaritas
7 types of mojitos
12 mixed drinks
37 wines

Map showing location of Z'Tejas in Cedar Park Happy hour: Mon. - Fri. 4 p.m.-7 p.m. with half-price appetizers, $1 off margaritas and mixed drinks, and 50¢ off beer and house wine