Z'Tejas Summer Menu Runs July Through August 16

Costa Mesa, CA, June 18, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Have you ever wondered why the diets of those living in some of the hottest parts of the earth – Central America, the Caribbean and Mexico, to name a few – are replete with hot chile peppers and spices? The reason why is that consuming them can cool your body temperature. That’s the idea behind the new summer menu being released by Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill at South Coast Plaza.

Executive Chef Daniel Stevens has announced a new line-up of creative fare and beverage pairings designed to keep you cool this summer. Among the new items:

· Habanero Chicken Pasta -- Tender chicken breast served over a bed of angel hair pasta with baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and capers sautéed in a light habanero-citrus wine sauce. Lunch $11.95 / dinner $12.95. Suggested wine pairing is the Charles & Charles Rose (glass $7.50, bottle $25).

· Cherry Chipotle Glazed Flank Steak -- Sweet and spicy grilled flank steak served with creamy avocado corn, seasonal rice, borracho beans and flour tortillas. Lunch $11.95 / dinner $14.95. Suggested wine pairing is the Show Malbec (glass $9.50, bottle $35).

· Seared Ahi Tuna Salad -- Blackened ahi tuna seared rare, drizzled with avocado wasabi aïoli and crispy capers, served with summer vine-ripened tomatoes and a cucumber crown of spring mixed greens finished with an ancho balsamic vinaigrette. Lunch $13.95 / dinner $15.95. Suggested wine pairing is the Charles & Charles Rose (glass $7.50, bottle $25).

· Creole Blackened Cod -- Cod blackened on a cast-iron skillet, over seasonal rice and finished with a Creole crawfish butter sauce served with creamy avocado corn. Lunch $14.95 / dinner $15.95. Suggested wine pairing Seaglass Sauvignon Blanc (glass $8.50 / bottle $30).

Stevens said that 2 new “skinny” cocktails (each under 250 calories) will be available on the summer menu including the Feeling Berry Lucky with 1800 Reposado Tequila, Cruzan Strawberry Rum, lime juice, naturally sweetened with Agave Nectar and a blend of strawberries, raspberries and blackberries for $7.95 and My Summer Crush, also with 1800 Reposado Tequila, Contreau, Domaine de Canton, lime juice, naturally sweetened with fresh watermelon and rimmed with black sea salt for $7.95. Also, 2 new desserts z S’mores Cake for $4.95 and Root Beer Float for $3.95.

Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill, which features a large landscaped patio, is located on the east side of South Coast Plaza (3333 S. Bristol Street, Costa Mesa). For more information, call (714) 979-7469.