Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Have a Great Breakfast. Have a Great Day. (It’s the eatZi’s Way!)

It’s the most important meal of the day, and the staff at eatZi’s takes breakfast seriously. From made-to-order omelets to tempting breakfast tacos and our world-famous waffles, there’s something for every appetite at The Grill.

Speaking of appetites, we see professional athletes, fitness experts and personal trainers in our markets every morning. They count on a variety of healthy options from eatZi’s to keep them going. For example, folks counting carbs can ask our chefs to prepare a protein-packed combo of egg whites and veggies. Our oatmeal is out of this world, especially when you add in fresh fruit.

Many eatZi’s breakfast lovers go for our classic, golden-brown waffles and sweet maple syrup, or the timeless favorite, bacon and eggs. My personal favorite? It’s a toss-up between a turkey, egg-white and mushroom burrito and the Italian muffin sandwich with salami, egg, bacon and basil cream.

We know it’s early, and we feel your pain. Our bakers are up before dawn baking fresh pastries, including flaky croissants, delicious danish and mouth-watering muffins. By the way, have you tried our Italian muffins yet? They’re the eatZi’s version of the English classic complete with all the nooks and crannies. Pair one with an espresso or freshly-brewed cappuccino at our Coffee Bar before you head to the office. No matter what you choose, make fueling up with fresh food the first priority of your day.

Come see us Monday through Friday from 7 am to 10 am and Saturday and Sunday from 7 am to 1 pm.

And for those weekend mornings at home when the kids (or you) are craving a homestyle favorite, try this recipe for Chef Jay’s famous French Toast!

TOOLS
stainless steel bowl
9x5-inch loaf pan
Vegalene (canola oil) spray
parchment paper

INGREDIENTS
12 oz. whole liquid eggs
12 oz. whole milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
4 oz. maple syrup
1 ½ lb bread or day old Danish
½ tsp orange extract

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Combine liquid ingredients and spices (approx. 32 oz.) in stainless steel bowl and set aside.
3. Combine 3/4 of batter mixture (approx. 24 oz.) with 3/4 of day old Danish and bread. Let bread and batter set for 5-10 minutes.
4. Spray a 9x5-inch loaf pan with Vegalene/canola oil, and line bottom with a strip of parchment paper.
5. Fold bread mixture into the pan, and add another 8 oz. of batter to pan.
6. Place loaf pan in the oven in a water bath.
7. Bake approximately 45-55 minutes.
8. Remove from oven and let cool about 5 minutes before serving.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

An eatZi’s Chef’s Keys to Cooking with Ease


As a chef, it’s only natural for the folks I meet to ask me cooking questions. A lot of the same questions come up time and time again, but I’m always happy to help people who share my passion for food. Whether you’re manning the grill or cooking up a storm in the kitchen, here are some basic DOs and DON’Ts to help make your next meal a little easier to prepare.

Do defrost chicken for 2 to 3 days, depending on the temperature of your fridge (cooler temps in the fridge will require a longer thaw time but a slightly warmer fridge will shorten thawing.) Once chicken is thawed, be sure to cook it within a day or so. Just don’t re-freeze raw chicken.

Don’t freeze cheese. It greatly reduces the moisture content.

Don’t skip the baking powder when baking! Even though most recipes call for a small amount, it's a key ingredient that helps with leavening.

Do use baking soda to absorb odors in your fridge. The smell of leftovers can sometimes leave your fridge a little “ripe,” but this trusted trick does wonders.

Do rub or brush the grates of your grill with vegetable oil before you cook anything on the surface. The oil will help season your grill, and it keeps things from sticking to the grate which helps make clean-up a breeze.

Do wait until you can flip fish on the grill. If your filet doesn’t budge from the grill when you try to lift it with a utensil, it needs a little more time to cook. It’ll flip when it’s ready.

Do let the flames go out and then cook over the hot coals when using a charcoal grill.

Do wait until your food is almost done before brushing on the BBQ sauce. This helps avoid burning, which can happen when sugar or honey in the sauce gets too hot.

Don’t fire up the grill without a cooking thermometer on hand! You’ll know chicken is done when your thermometer reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the middle. Rare steak should hit 110 degrees. Medium rare should be 120 and medium should be between 130 to 140. Medium well should get to 160 degrees.

Do grill chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side (or until a thermometer reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit when placed in the center of the filet.)


BONUS! Jay’s sure-fire way to prepare perfect, hard-boiled eggs:

Start by placing uncooked eggs in a pot of cold water and let the water come to a boil. Once it’s boiling, cook the eggs for 12 minutes. Carefully remove them from the hot water and then transfer them to a bowl of cold water until cool for easy peeling. If left unpeeled, hard-boiled eggs will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

eatZi's Signature Sandwich Station


Want to hang out at one of the most popular hot spots in town? Belly up to the sandwich station at eatZi’s Market & Bakery with a few of your closest foodie friends, and get ready for a made-to-order meal experience like no other. Boy Scouts and loyal eatZi’s patrons alike know, when it comes to a crafting a stellar sandwich, you should always be prepared. That’s where I come in. Today, I’m taking you on a tour of our extensive menu of fixings and features. Stick with me, and you’ll be ordering like a pro in no time.

First things first. You've got to start with what eatZi’s considers to be the foundation of any sandwich - the bread. Can’t get enough of that delicious, fresh-baked aroma wafting through our aisles? That’s because all ten varieties of eatZi’s bread are baked in-house fresh every day.

• Bone bread (an eatZi’s signature and a must-try)
• Wheat
• Multigrain
• Baguette
• Ciabatta Roll
• Sourdough
• Pan Au Lait
• 100% Whole Wheat
• Cranberry Orange
• Deli Rye


Spreads are up next, and the list of our savory selections isn’t exactly short. They can literally take a sandwich from mild to wild, so be bold or play it safe. (Just don’t skip this part.)

• Honey Mustard
• Dijon Mustard
• Grain Mustard
• Yellow Mustard
• Basic Cream
• Spicy Aioli
• Southwest Pepper
• Hot Pepper Relish
• Low Fat Mayonnaise
• Ancho Mayonnaise
• Horseradish Mayonnaise
• Sundried Tomato
• Garlic and Herb
• Avocado Sour Cream
• Oil and Vinegar
• Pesto


Now, we come to the main menu attraction. From classics to Italian faves, the eatZi’s experts really know how to make a sandwich sing. (If you’re looking for a meat-free alternative, try our hearty Roasted Vegetables instead.)

• Turkey
• Turkey Pastrami
• Southwest Chicken Salad
• Grilled Chicken
• Chicken Salad
• Tuna Salad
• Egg Salad
• Roasted Vegetables
• Roast Beef
• Corned Beef
• Pastrami
• Salami
• Ham
• Prosciutto
• Hot Coppa
• Italian


In my kitchen and on my plate, there’s always room for more. Stack your “sammy” with fromage favorites like Swiss, cheddar, provolone, muenster or spicy pepper jack. Then, top it off with lettuce, tomato, sprouts or pickles for a strong finish. (We charge a little extra for avocado, but it can really take a sandwich to the next level.)

My recipe for sandwich perfection? I'll let you in on the secret: bone bread, a bit of our ancho may, heaps of eatZi's roast turkey, sprouts, lettuce, tomato, avocado and some of that hot pepper relish (for heat!)

For lunch, dinner or a even a snack, a satisfying sandwich from eatZi’s always hits the spot. So, stop by, say hi and hop in line. Your tastebuds will thank you later. (Our sandwiches start at just $6.59.)

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

eatZi's Market and Bakery Names Adam E. Romo, Jr. CEO

eatZi’s Market & Bakery is proud to announce that Adam E. Romo, Jr. has been selected as Chief Executive Officer to lead the company’s strategic expansion efforts. Romo is a seasoned senior financial executive bringing more than 25 years of experience with mature and emerging growth companies. He comes to eatZi's from an industry leading energy construction service company with operations spread across five states. As Chief Financial Officer for this private equity owned business, Romo was responsible for fortifying its financial, technological and corporate infrastructures.

While his career began with a seven-year stint with KPMG’s Retail Practice Group in Dallas and New York in the mid-eighties, Romo is no stranger to the restaurant industry. In fact, he spent eight years in positions of increasing responsibility with Brinker International, Inc., including three years of service as Chief Financial Officer for eatZi’s Market & Bakery under Philip J. Romano’s leadership from 1996 to 1999.

“We are very fortunate to have someone with Adam’s background and experience to lead our company,” said Mr. Romano. “His familiarity with the management team and the complex business model of this European-style eatery concept will facilitate a seamless transition into his new role.”

Romo has already begun searching for potential sites to open new locations in the Dallas-Ft. Worth metropolitan area.

Read what the Dallas Morning News and Dallas Business Journal had to say about Romo and eatZi’s expansion efforts.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Chef Jay's Flank Steak Marinade


Flank steak is the ultimate dish for every occasion. Whether you are casually hanging out by the pool or hosting a formal dinner party, my one-of-a-kind recipe is perfect for any event!

Kick off your summer with my ultimate flank steak recipe.




Ingredients:
11 ounces soy sauce
6 ounces honey
11 ounces blended oil
1/2 ounced garlic, whole peeled
8 ounces green onion
2 ounces jalapeno
1 pound flank steak

Directions:
Wash and chop green onions.
Chop jalapenos and garlic.
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir well.
Soak flank steak in marinade for 5 minutes.
Grill flank steak for 8 minutes on each side.

Enjoy your flank steak with some fabulous side dishes from eatZi's Market and Bakery such as mashed potatoes, asparagus and fresh baked bread!

Don’t forget you can always stop by either location to pick up my flank steak!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Give Back with Project 7 Water


eatZi’s Market and Bakery is now selling Project 7 water at the Oak Lawn location.

For those of you who haven’t heard about Project 7, it’s a cause-related company that makes every day consumer goods such as bio-bottled water, gum, mints and coffee. For every product purchased, Project 7 gives back to those in need. Whether it’s feeding the hungry, healing the sick or housing the homeless, Project 7 is dedicated to giving back.

Since eatZi’s Market and Bakery is committed to serving the community, we are proud to sell Project 7 water. Help Project 7 “Change the Score” and make a difference in lives all over the world. Stop by our Oak Lawn location today.

Friday, May 13, 2011

National Hamburger Month

Did you know May is National Hamburger Month? We aren’t sure how it really started but who is complaining about a month dedicated to celebrating hamburgers?

At eatZi’s Market and Bakery we love hamburgers. Every Thursday you can come to The Grill and get one for only $6.99. Where else in Dallas can you get a fresh, gourmet burger for that price?

Come celebrate an American favorite with eatZi’s Market and Bakery. Start your summer off right and enjoy the warm-weather, American favorite that has been treasured by everyone for centuries.