If you often have trouble deciding among steak, fish and ribs, then ZED 451 is your kind of place. For a flat cost of $42.50, guests enjoy a bevy of perfectly cooked meats–all cut and served tableside by the restaurant's chefs. Dinner also includes two sides and unlimited visits to the harvest table, which has many options to please the less meat-crazy members of your dining group (it is available on its own for $24).
This unique dining experience is similar to its predecessor in the building–Sal and Carvao, a Brazilian churrascaria. But new owners redid the interior and shifted the focus to international cuisine with seasonal changes to the harvest table and cocktail menu. The main similarity is the tableside delivery of skewered meats. The 13,000 square-foot restaurant has a spacious and elegant atmosphere with friendly service and complimentary valet parking.
Surprisingly, the harvest table, which is basically a glorified salad bar, is a highlight of the experience. In addition to soups, salads, cheeses and breads, the table has refreshing options like wine-infused pears, chili-spiced apples and chilled ravioli. Each dish is clearly labeled.
To start the entrees rolling, simply place one of the provided stones at the end of your table. The meats come quickly and before you know it, you'll have a plate full of steak, fish, chicken, pork and lamb. It's hard to turn down the delicious meats, but a possible food coma looms, so pace yourself. Servers will encourage you to take a break or to revisit the harvest table for some fruit to clear your palette.
ZED451 is a great place for special occasions and for those looking to try something different for dinner. The only drawback is the price. It costs $85 for a dinner for two, and that does not include dessert, the $10 seasonal cocktails or a bottle from the extensive wine collection. However, lunch is available for $24 a pop.
Centerstage Reviewer: Jim Collins
