It was time for a much needed study break, so we all went to Z’Tejas for dinner.  They just rolled out the new summer menu, so we tried just about everything on it!  Yum!

It is located in Costa Mesa, in the largest mall on the West Coast, that I know a bit too well: South Coast Plaza!

This is their special Summer Menu for dinner, and the Lunch menu is similar, with the addition of a Crab Cake Salad and a Chicken Salad Sandwich.

1800 Silver tequila, cucumber, cilantro, lime and agave

One of my dinner companions had this fresh, pretty margarita.  Perfect for sipping on a hot night on the patio!

1800 Silver tequila, strawberry, watermelon, serrano, lime and agave

I started off with the agua fresca, which was amazing!  If you are wondering why it is orange-colored instead of strawberry, they substituted mango for me.  Yep, secret menu item!  Next time, I’ll definitely get the strawberry.  🙂

No meal at Z’Tejas is complete with the famous complimentary cornbread!

Three seared lump crab cakes served with jalapeño remoulade

I am an absolute nut for seafood, so this was my favorite dish of the entire night.  Even my dinner partners, who are extremely picky about crab cakes loved this!  It is light, flavorful, bright, and seasoned perfectly, in addition to being gorgeous.  Definitely a must!

Blackened tilapia served with crisp summer vegetables and finished with a grilled pineapple slaw

I was almost full from the crab cakes and cornbread, but immediately got hungry when the entrees arrived!  I ordered the blackened tilapia, and absolutely loved the pineapple slaw.  Also, I am sensitive to over-blackened or charred foods, but this was done just right!

Tender 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

I almost ordered the Habanero Chicken Pasta, so when it arrived, I had to take a bite!  For those of you who are worried about the spiciness, it is very light and layered in with the other flavors.

Boneless pork chops seasoned with a house-made dry rub and finished with tangy BBQ sauce, served with red skin potato salad and asparagus

As you know, I can’t have pork, but I was told that this was amazing.  In fact, my guy told me that the sauce was “pure gold” as he dipped in bite after bite!  I did try the potato salad, which was great!

I was dying to try the Strawberry Icebox Cake, but I was a bit too full.  Next time, for sure!

I am so happy that I took out a few moments to enjoy a summertime evening in between study sessions.  And no, the Agua Fresca didn’t affect me too much for the next cramfest.  🙂

Z’Tejas
3333 Bristol Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 979-7469
ztejas.com