Located in Marietta, Zeal Modern Eatery opened about eight months ago and boasts a menu where 70-80% of its items are gluten free. I was invited to try out the menu with other members from the Atlanta Food Bloggers’ Society and I couldn’t wait to see what they thought of the gluten-free fare.
The restaurant is a nice size and it is divided in half. The bar and games area (darts and shuffle board) are off to the left of the entrance and feature comfy seating and flat screen televisions. The main seating area is located on the rights side with tables, booths, and a long hi bar table. There is an ample patio area that is unfortunately in the parking lot, but it is set up to seat a crowd.
This was my first event with the group and I didn’t know what to expect. Thank goodness I was introduced to a great group of writers who love to eat. Everyone ordered an appetizer and shared with the group. Since it was national oyster day, they brought out two plates of oysters and I got to try them for the very first time. Unfortunately, the oysters had not been detached from the shell, but Jason Dominy was on hand to swiftly rectify the situation. I ordered the fried green tomatoes with fig goat cheese and the rest of the group chose the duck poutine, tandoori chicken and lamb skewers, and a charcuterie tray.
I have to say the fried green tomatoes were quite tasty, but the cornmeal breading broke away from the tomatoes as soon as they were cut. The breading was nice and crispy and not greasy and the fig goat cheese was wonderfully creamy, slightly sweet and it added a great texture to the dish. The duck poutine was loaded with moist and flavorful duck and french fries that stayed crispy even though they are covered in cheese and swimming in gravy. The skewers were just o.k. because there was no ‘tandoori’ flavor. The charcuterie tray looked decent, but I didn’t try it since they only offer gluten bread.
After trying all of these appetizers I was pretty full and since I was saving room for dessert, I decided not to order one and I am glad I didn’t. The entrees were pretty hit and miss featuring over cooked and under-seasoned meats, gummy and stiff risotto, sloppy plates, and strange portion sizes (some too large and others too small). The owner stopped by the table to gather our feedback and when he returned from the kitchen, he laid out all of the changes the kitchen would make to improve the dishes. This restaurant is going through growing pains, so I am glad they value feedback and they are willing to makes changes.
Dessert was pretty special to me since it featured cheese cake and ice box pies served in jars. The restaurant uses graham crackers crumbs from Marilyn at American Gra-Frutti, so the crusts are gluten free. I had the honey goat cheesecake with raspberry compote and was treated to a light and fruity cake that I would definitely order again. I got to try the ice box pies and they were tasty, but heavy and it was almost impossible to get a bite of crust in a spoonful. I wish the graham crackers crumbs were toasted before baking with them, so the crust doesn’t come out heavy, but light and crispy.
The service was a little sketchy and our wait staff seemed very nervous, but I would definitely recommend going to Zeal to enjoy drinks, appetizers, and desserts. The laid-back atmosphere is conducive to spending quality time with friends and their bar is loaded with craft beers, wine, liquor, and a cider or two.
I applaud their efforts to offer so many gluten-free dishes and maybe if they pair down their offerings the quality of the entrees will improve. I am rooting for them to succeed and with a little restructuring I know they can.
Check out the reviews from the other Atlanta Food Bloggers Society members:
Milla at Happily Eating
Jason at eATLanta
Jessica at Good Eats
Linda at Do Food Better
Disclosure: Dinner was provided as a result of an Atlanta Food Bloggers’ Society event. I received no compensation for this review. In no way did this influence my opinions and views, which are derived from my experience at Zeal Modern Eatery.
