Zeal Modern Eatery - Eating With Erica

If you are looking for a nice night out a little north of Atlanta, you must indulge in Zeal Modern Eatery in Marietta. On the weekends Zeal fills up quickly, so make sure to call ahead. There is no wonder the place gets so packed, as the food is delicious and the atmosphere is warm and classy. On Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays you can expect live music by a local artist to keep the mood relaxed all throughout dinner. The staff is exceptionally friendly and the food is mouth wateringly delicious and fresh.

For an appetizer, start with one of their Blue-Pointe Oyster Fonseca which the restaurant describes as “better than your traditional Rockefeller”. The menu does not lie in this aspect, as the oysters are peppery and melt-in-your-mouth fresh. The chopped red pepper and the cheese on top makes the oysters a perfect, light start to a fabulous meal. The calamari is also quite good, especially when dipped in the citrus chili sauce served on the side.

The Diver Scallops create a fantastic main plate. The scallops are cooked into the perfect texture, as they absorb the balsamic brown butter sauce that is glazed on top. Paired with the scallops are a pancetta, Brussel sprout, fennel, and oyster mushroom side that play on the flavors of the scallops in an indulgent manner. If you are in the mood for something a little less rich, order the shrimp & grits. The Local Logan Turnpike grits are creamy with a cheesy taste, which brings out the flavor of the tomato Ragu sauce that lay on top. Mixed in with the fresh tomato flavor are the fresh Gulf shrimp. The shrimp are cooked until tender in a creole type seasoning. The small hint of lemon mixed within the dish is the perfect finishing taste.

Overall, Zeal Modern Eatery is the place to go when looking to get out of the buzz of the city but still eat in an urban, fresh setting.