Zea Rotisserie and Bar is a regional chain based in Louisiana, and one of those kind of places that looks good, but which I had always avoided because it was a chain. But on the Friday after Thanksgiving, in the Jackson, Mississippi area, finding a place to meet for a lunch with friends and relatives proved difficult. Not only was our first choice closed for the day, but also our second choice. Being in the city of Ridgeland, just north of Jackson, Mississippi, the nearest choice to where we were was a location of Zea and when we called them they were open. So we went, and found them rather crowded.
I had earlier seen Zea locations in New Orleans and Pensacola, but I was already heading somewhere else when I did, and I never thought to try them. As it turns out, I was missing out. Zea is a rotisserie-based restaurant, and its speciality is rotisserie-roasted chicken. But they have a rotisserie steak as well, and catfish, salmon, shrimp, burgers and salads. I had my heart set on seafood, as we had initially planned to meet at a seafood restaurant, so I opted for the Shrimp Breaux Bridge. It normally comes with green onion, but since I am not a fan of onion, I asked them to exclude it. My shrimp was basically served with a rich Alfredo penne pasta, grated parmesan, garlic and grilled toast. I chose French fries as my side. The food was really good, and those who visited with me were just as pleased with their choices. More surprisingly, prices were reasonable. Zea also has a significant dessert menu which includes such items as sweet potato pecan bread pudding, chocolate caramel brownies, key lime pie and strawberry cheesecake. Altogether, Zea offers a warm, welcoming environment, with decent prices, and food a step above the usual quality of chain restaurant food. It is definitely worth a visit.
Zea Rotisserie and Bar
1000 Highland Colony Pkwy, Suite 10500
Ridgeland, MS 39157
(601) 790-1616