The hostess was ready for us and guided us to a very comfortable booth. Zea has dark wood floors and earth toned decorations, very comfortable and relaxing. Eclectic pop type music plays in the background, loud enough to hear, but not so loud as to drown out conversation.

We shared an appetizer – Duck Empanadas. Pastry wrapped and lightly fried, they were delicious. I’m sure there was duck in the empanada, but I didn’t taste it. Not that it mattered, whatever was in there was delicious. Zydeco (?) sauce was the accompaniment, tasted like a Chinese restaurant’s Duck Sauce.

Much to choose from on the entrée listings: Chicken, ribs, steak, fish, and burgers. I went with Buttermilk Battered Shrimp. The buttermilk batter was subtle enough to enhance, but not overpower the shrimp. I didn’t count the shrimp, but there were easily a dozen of them. Served with the shrimp were some very tasty hushpuppies. Normally puppies are over fried bland little turds that are automatically an afterthought on most fried seafood plates. Zea’s hushpuppies are not only lightly fried and soft as cotton, but they have a wonderful flavor. Well done Zea. For my included side I chose Hand-Cut Fries. Machine cut, hand cut, whatever, they were quite good, no ketchup necessary.

My lunching partner decided on the Red Beans and Rice Platter. The Platter part is a couple of pieces of fried chicken breast and andouille sausage. The sausage had a hint of smoke and was very spicy. Quite good really. The chicken was, well, fried boneless chicken breast pieces. It was nicely fried, still moist, and struck a perfect balance next to the sausage. Overall the dish was a hit.

Already quite full and satisfied, the meal was going so well I couldn’t resist trying the Sweet Potato Bread Pudding. Wow! Just plain Wow! I have always loved the concept of bread pudding, but rarely does it ever approach my anticipated deliciousness. Zea’s bread pudding ticks all the boxes: heavy, moist, warm, sweet (but not too sweet), sweet potato flavored heaven. The added praline sauce was tasty, but unnecessary.

1 app, 2 entrees, 1 dessert, and 1 soft drink = $49.00. A little pricey for lunch, but it was really, really good. I’m looking forward to another trip to Zea Woodfire Grill.