BE PART OF THE MIX

MOROCCAN CHICKEN

By Rochelle Oliver, Metromix

The bite: The Moroccan chicken scores high on this week’s list of delectable dishes. This fire-grilled chicken balances a bevy of spices, and proves to be one of the most popular items served at ZED451. The farm-raised chicken is seasoned with ginger, cinnamon, smoked paprika, coriander, cumin, fresh cilantro, and a house-blended oil comprised of 80-percent canola and 20-percent olive oil, fresh squeezed lime and salt.

The man: “We had to find a perfect balance to please everyone,” said Executive Chef Armando Galeas, who spent one month on the dish. The first attempt was too spicy. Later, it tasted of too much cinnamon. The marinating time was also a back and forth battle. At first it wasn’t long enough, and later turned out to be too long. Four hours seemed to be just right.

The atmosphere: Efforts to create the delicate balance aren't just seen in the cuisine, which offers up an average of 16 to 21 selections of meat and fish nightly, but also in the service. At first ZED451 might remind you of a Brazilian steakhouse, certain concepts like the tableside chefs who enter the dinning area wielding everything from sausage to filet mignon and select fish, slice away at the costumer’s request. However, this Chicago-based establishment is upscale and its harvest table maintains small amounts of food that frequently needs to be refilled. That way, the house-made soups, salads, artisan cheeses stay remains fresh.

Cost: Dinner / $55 all-you-can-eat; desserts extra. Brunch / $33, served Sundays, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.