When entering, there is a bar and seating on the lower level, with stairs leading you up to the main dining area. While looking at the menu, you will notice something different. I am going to plagiarize the official Zing website:
"ZING Restaurant is a small plate dining experience. Rather than offering individual starters and main courses, ZING serves dishes that are designed for sharing among friends and are brought to the table steadily and continuously throughout the meal."
To say that that this dining experience was unique is an understatement.
The Tapas style is something that was new to us. Luckily, we had a great waiter who was more than helpful. Our first order was a couple of sample trays, which consisted of two meats, two cheese, and a salad. The tray that was on our end of the table had Soppressata and Prosciutto with Provolone and Grana-Parmesan. We also had an order of Steak Frites. Once the plates were on the table, everyone started grabbing. It was great. We talked, laughed, and ate. The recipe for a great dinner.
After the first round was done, we placed another order for a few small plates. This time we went with Fried Risotto Balls stuffed with Mozzarella and Peas, Zing Zing Shrimp, and two orders of Calamari. The Risotto Balls were out of this world! Perfectly crisp outside, with melted mozzarella on the inside. I am literally salivating just think about it. I would have loved to have tried the Zing Zing shrimp, but Laura ate them all.
As far as drinks go, they have 8 draft beers, over 20 domestic and import bottles, craft beers, full service bar, and an almost endless list of wines. Also, Tuesday night is Hoosier Beer Night, all Indiana-brewed beers only $3. But I must say, the real winner at Zing is the Goose Island Root Beer. That was Ashley's drink of choice. Just believe us, and try it.
All-in-all, it was a great time. We have struck gold the first two weeks of our Takeover. I would love to go back to Zing in the summer, sit outside on the patio, and take in the view of Downtown with my friends.
Great Review. Zing was a really good place if you are in the mood to share food with your friends, laugh, talk, and have a good time!
ReplyDeleteThis definitely sounds like the place to go on a warm summer's evening and sit on the patio with friends and/or family. Except for Laura, since I would like to try the shrimp.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, I'm glad you cousins have taken the time to set a time for each other and hope your Tuesday tradition continues.
I used to love ZING because it was unique. Not any more. The shift from a "small plate" menu will soon be a thing of the past. The attempt to model after other restaurants is either a loss of vision or a desperate act to hold on until the Super Bowl has come and gone. In any case, it's sad to watch.
ReplyDeleteMany already know, for example, the won ton wrap on the fish taco has been replaced by a crunchier, corn style. It was one of the favorite items on the menu and it appears that many changes are taking place, addressing favorites that is a backward step.
Poor leadership. Poor vision. These are the two new phrases that will define ZING in 2011. A true heartbreaker story.