Zely & Ritz

Let me start with saying if you decide to come here on a night with no one there it may be okay. This is what we did the first time that we dined, but still okay? So we decided to come back with some friends in tow a few weeks later. The service was more than lacking, and the food underprepared and awful. The chef is a difficult man, which is not to be unexpected, but being the customer one would assume to be treated at least with some level of respect. Will not go back.

Meh. That's my take on Zely & Ritz. I went for the first time a few days ago. If I happen to end up back there fine. If not, more than fine. I would not choose to come here again on my own accord.

First, I went with a friend who had made a reservation. We were greeted and seated promptly. Our server appeared immediately and took drink orders. For dinner, I splut a strawberry salad with my friend and had a side order of risotto.

The salad was good. It wasn't fantastic. It's not something I'm going to suggest you make an effort to get. But if you happen to end up here, I would recommend it. It's nothing special. Lettuce and strawberries. If there were other ingredients in the salad, I did not notice them.

The risotto was not very good. This was an asparagus risotto with asaigo cheese. Although I ordered a side dish, it was plenty for a meal. There was plenty of asparagus in the dish, and it was chopped up well. If there was cheese in it, I never saw or tasted any. In addition, there were a good amount of carrots in the dish. I am not a fan of cooked carrots. This is a personal thing, I know, but if they had said on the menu that there were carrots in the dish I would not have ordered it. Finally, the pepper in the dish was so overpowering I actually choked on it. There was way to much pepper in the dish, and it ruined it.

Although our server was prompt at the beginning, this died out once we got our meals. Drinks were never refilled, and she never came back once the food had been delivered. We wanted dessert, but we ran out of time and had to leave. We had to track our server down to get the bill, and even then it took awhile for it to show up and then get taken care of.

Great place on Glenwood South, in fact one of my favorite.  My wife and I have been there a few times and we're always happy with the food, service could always be a bit better.  The best time to go is on "First Friday Weekend" where there is a three course tasting menu for $25.  IMO, a great price for the variety and quality of food.  The restaurant teams up with local farms so the food is fresh, and changes with the seasons, so the menu is always something new.

The meal was delicious, and portion sizes were a great size.  It's a rarity when you eat a three course meal and don't feel like a brick is in your stomach.  I was happy to enjoy, and NOT stuff myself with all three courses.

Some of the courses we had were:
Bay Scallops Ceviche
Arugula, Beet and Goat Cheese Salad - I don't care for beets, but this one made me want to eat more of them.
Beef & Pork Meatball, with white beans and roasted root veggies. - The meatballs were handmade fresh and you could taste the individual spices.
Shrimp & Grits -This was a unique take on a southern classic.  The grits were a bit soupy, but it was a delicious broth and the shrimp was cooked to perfection and you could taste the freshness with every bite.  I haven't had shrimp that good since I was in New Orleans.
Crembrule (sp?) - It was good, and was made with a green lemony-thingy that I can't remember the name of (not lemon-grass).
Some type of Cake with fresh whipped cream and strawberries -  This was my wife's dessert and I kinda wish I would've ordered this one too.  The  cake was still so warm and moist, absolutely heavenly.

The other time my wife and I dined here we did the Chef's Tasting for $33 (ish) a person.  AMAZING!  The Chef comes out to talk to you to find out what you like, and if there are any food allergies.  Then he just makes some some unique dishes and serves them.  I can't remember if it was three or four courses.  

In Summary: Great food in Glenwood South.  The portions are moderate, and the food is the freshest around.  Be prepared to wait a bit, service not the fastest.  Take your time to enjoy the meal, your drinks (cocktails are good too), and the people watching if you're outside.