New Approach for a New Year at Zaza

Rather than stand pat and rely upon the tried-and-true, Zaza Modern Mexican Restaurant is serving up something a little different in time for the start of 2026.  

The Bald Eagle Drive bistro is retaining the dishes customers have enjoyed since Estaban and Iris Ortiz became the owners and chefs in 2023. However, they recently updated the menu to include some new dishes, while also incorporating some new twists on old favorites to elevate the dining experience for the eatery’s clientele. 

“What I’m doing is basically upgrading the plates to havedifferent options for them,” said Esteban. “Now I have lobster tacos, which wasn’t on the menu before, I have scallops, which wasn't on the menu before, and I have the red grouper which wasn'ton the menu before. I have chicken mole in a different way. Other than the traditional chimichangas or burritos or tacos or enchiladas, which we have, I'm introducing things like cilantro pesto and butternut squash risotto, which are something that most of the other Mexican restaurants don't have. I’m doing things like thatfor my customers to see that there is always something more to offer.” 

For example, the chicken mole now comes with the butternut squash risotto and caramelized carrots. 

Where seafood is concerned, the lobster tacos feature Mexican slaw, crisp onions, with a truffle crema sauce and salsa macha. Macha is an oil-based condiment from Mexico’s Veracruz state, known for its smoky, nutty,spicy flavor profile. The Dayboat Scallops plate includes fresh Maine scallops, yuca and celery root puree, mole rojo, roasted vegetables, and salsa macha. The red grouper is Spanish chorizo crusted and highlighted by butternut squash risotto, salsa verde, and roasted vegetables.  

People who’ve dined at Zaza may also take note of a welcome rarity for restaurants and other businesses.  

The Ortzes are natives of Mexico with extensive backgrounds in the restaurant industry. Formerly the head chef at the Côte d'Azur French restaurant in Naples, he’s been in the business for 24 years. She’s been a chef for ten years. 

Diners will also be greeted by a more elegant experience at their tables, which will now include tablecloths, linen napkins, and wine glasses.  

Zaza is open from 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM, Monday through Friday, and from 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM on Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sundays. It will also be open on Christmas Day from 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM and on New Year's Eve from 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM.  

There’ll be a special New Year's Eve menu. It will feature a three-course dinner for $57 per person, featuring a choice of mushroom bisque, foie gras, or fennel salad as appetizers, and as a main course, either an eight-ounce Angus Prime New York steak, a red grouper and prawn dish, or a half young chicken mole dish, with chocolate mousse for dessert. 

Zaza Grill Modern Latin Cuisine is located at 1095 Bald Eagle Drive, Unit 8. For more information, please call 239-970-0103.