DRUM ROLL PLEASE...

The day has arrived and today is the GRAND OPENING of ZED451 Boca Raton.

The days leading up to today have been a whirlwind of planning, organizing and making sure everything is in place. People from all over the country flew in to experience what is about to "hit" Mizner Park. The space is chic, the people are young and hip and the food is flowing. The energy is high and everyone we spoke to while in Boca seemed eager for the opening and to have a new place to hang out. Whether it be for cocktails, a light bite or the full dining experience, ZED451 is sure to be the place where Floridians will congregate on those warm Florida evenings.

A preliminary review from Chowhound
ZED451, Boca Raton Mizner Park, November 2008
...headed out on a cool florida evening to explore the newest addition to mizner park . . . zed is extremely well appointed, reminiscent of a resort with great attention to detail throughout. fine woods, polished concrete, stainless steel, rock salt candles, unique ambient lighting, fountains, and flowing water surround you while a very audible eclectic mix of music fills the space. drinks at the lovely outdoor bar first, bourbon ginger lemonade and a blackberry mojito, fresh and light with all juices freshly squeezed. a very friendly service staff aside from some of the numerous hostesses who were a bit flustered at times. a good selection of food is available at the bar. i saw the impressive seafood sampler presented at the bar; crab claws, oysters, mussels etc. . . more than enough for two . . . perfect to start the evening with a glass of champagne! it's new so they were not offering everything on the menu yet but they will offer flights of wine along with their extensive wine list. a beautiful glass wine room is visible from the indoor bar area, perfect for intimate tastings. as we sat we were directed to the 'harvest tables' which are filled with fresh breads, charcuterie, an assortment of cheese, grilled vegetables, and a number of beautifully presented sides. i sampled the grilled mushrooms, asparagus, squash, tomato and mozzarella, focaccia, roasted beets, tomatillos and perhaps a few others i can't recall. everything was perfectly fresh and well seasoned. upon returning to the table our 'sides' were presented; a moist and flavorful corn bread, tender sauteed spaghetti squash and rich goat cheese scalloped potatoes. now the real food begins to arrive, delivered by 'chefs' . . . top sirloin, moroccan chicken, mahi mahi, seared tuna, grilled wahoo and salmon along with various other items. everything was perfectly cooked and simply seasoned. prices will be about $55 for the full experience plus drinks and dessert, around $35 for the 'harvest tables' only plus drinks etc. more than enough food for anyone as you may return to the harvest tables as often as you wish and enjoy as much of the freshly prepared items brought to your table as you like. it's a beautiful space with excellent food although I will need to become accustomed to retrieving my own food at the harvest tables.