'Zacatecas' offers food beyond the usual Tex-Mex fare
The Neenah establishment presents dishes that are more authentically Mexican and introduces American diners to the flavors of the different parts of Mexico
Zacatecas in Neenah is one of the Fox Cities’ best restaurants. While it is Mexican, it is different from any other Mexican restaurant that you have eaten in unless you have spent a good deal of time in Mexico City. Zacatecas brings Mexican fine dining to our community. Although the menu includes the usual tacos and enchiladas, the real heart of the menu lies in the rotating list of specials, which are unusual and tasty dishes prepared and presented with care and designed to highlight the flavors of Mexico’s regions.
As Ernesto Padilla, the restaurant’s owner explained, he wanted to go beyond the usual Tex-Mex offerings and present dishes that were more authentically Mexican and that introduced American diners to the flavors of the different parts of Mexico.
For example, on a recent visit I had the Salmon al Pastor, which the menu described as “Achiote and brown sugar marinated fresh Norwegian salmon served over creamy risotto tossed with asparagus and cherry tomatoes, drizzled in a mango vinaigrette and served with grilled pineapple.” The salmon was grilled to perfection, and the flavors were subtle.
The list of specials also included a Churrasco Norteño, which was “a grilled Brazilian cut choice tenderloin in a zesty jalapeño-chimichurri sauce, served with brussels sprouts and pureed baby red jalapeño potatoes.”
Among the appetizers was Ceviche Riviera Maya, which is “fresh ahi tuna tossed with toasted chile de arbol, jalapeños, garlic and tomatoes and resting on a bed of fresh watermelon, cantaloupe, grapes and blackberries. Served with crisp plantain chips.”
The list of specials changes every two weeks. So, when you go to Zacatecas, you will not necessarily see these items on the menu, but you can expect that you will enjoy the dishes that the chef has decided to prepare. You should also expect prices that are comparable to the prices at other fine-dining establishments in our community. Preparing and presenting these kinds of dishes takes time, and their prices reflect the cost of that time.
Zacatecas also has an attractive tequila bar, where diners can share a drink (not necessarily tequila) before moving on to the dining room.
Zacatecas is open for dinner on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and for lunch and dinner on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The restaurant is located at the corner of W. Wisconsin Avenue and Church Street in downtown Neenah. There is a parking lot behind the restaurant.
