Media Room

Fall Menu Debuts at Hotel ZaZa's Monarch

Executive Chef Aaron Neeley Focuses on Flavors of Autumn

HOUSTON (September 22, 2009) – Executive Chef Aaron Neeley and Monarch at Hotel ZaZa welcome the change of season with the launch of the fall dinner menu. Capturing the warm flavors of autumn, each new dish reflects the fresh produce and cooling temperatures.

“The spirit and inspiration of the menu comes from the fresh seasonal ingredients; it’s my favorite time of year to introduce these full, sensual flavors to our guests at Monarch,” said Chef Neeley.  The autumn menu blends unique combinations of seafood, wild game and a special focus on premium steaks.

In Houston, steaks are more than just a “meal” – they are a “must.”  Prime Steakhouse Fare offers a selection of the finest cuts of beef, including a 12 oz. New York Strip, 18 oz. Porterhouse and 16 oz. Bone-In Rib Eye.  Diners have their choice of delectable sauces to accompany the succulent steaks, including an earthy Housemade Steak Sauce, homemade from a secret recipe, spicy Horseradish, and a Chimichurri that gives a southwestern flare.

Far from your average appetizers, Starters prepare your taste buds for the fall entrees that follow. The Grilled Texas Quail with salsa verde and queso fresco, a crumbly Mexican-style feta; and the Lamb Chop Lollipops, served on the bone with horseradish dipping sauce are perfect for the table. Other delicious highlights include ZaZa’s signature Deconstructed Ahi Roll with Ahi tar tar, avocado, crab ceviche and sushi rice, or Crispy Calamari Salad with Asian greens and sweet chili vinaigrette.

Monarch’s fall Entrees now offer Pan Roasted Duck with black pepper gnocchi, foie gras braised red cabbage and a port wine reduction; and Pork Tenderloin in bing cherry sauce, with a parsnip and beet puree. Chef Neeley will keep ZaZa’s signature dishes, including city favorite Ginger Beef Tenderloin with sesame mashed potatoes, wasabi slather, grilled broccolini and shiitake demi.

For vegetarians or those looking for a lighter dish, Vegetarian Tower features portabella mushroom, ratatouille and risotto. This fall, Monarch also offers an updated selection of salads, including the Asian Chicken Salad with marinated chicken breast, roasted shiitake mushrooms, crispy wontons and pickled ginger vinaigrette; and Monarch Salad with a spring mix, cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette.

The restaurant’s Eat, Drink and Be Merry – Three Course Chef’s Tasting with Wine Pairing features the chef’s personally selected combinations. It is a must for guests in love with food and in search of a culinary adventure.

Chef Neeley continues to select only the best ingredients to create delicious dishes and an unforgettable dining experience.  For more information or to make a reservation, please call 713-527-1800 or visit www.hotelzazahouston.com.

About Executive Chef Aaron Neeley
Aaron Neeley is the executive chef of Monarch restaurant and Hotel ZaZa, overseeing all culinary operations for the restaurant, catering and hotel. Selected to participate in the James Beard House Celebrity Chef Tour, to be held at Hotel ZaZa in October, Chef Neeley strives to share his culinary excellence with Houston through cooking classes and appearances on television and radio.

About Hotel ZaZa
Hotel ZaZa’s soul lies in a rich combination of sensual design, an impeccable attention to detail and a “can-do” staff whose mission is to exceed every expectation. Hotel ZaZa is designed to deliver both style and substance for hard-working, fun-loving souls. Each hotel offers unique accommodations, one-of-a-kind themed suites and world-class dining. Hotel ZaZa provides travelers with a welcoming environment that embraces its signature elements of luxury, comfort, style and fun.  It is uniquely different and anything but ordinary.  

Hotel ZaZa Dallas features a casual yet seductive Mediterranean elegance, and is conveniently located in the chic Uptown neighborhood. The hotel provides 4,500 square feet of meeting space, 153 rooms, 17 concept suites, The Magnificent Seven Suites, award-winning Dragonfly restaurant and the über-Zen ZaSpa. Dallas’ Hotel ZaZa is a feast for the senses, exhibiting a style and substance rarely found in today’s hotels.  The hotel is located at 2332 Leonard Street, Dallas, Texas, 75201 and reservations can be made by calling 214-468-8399 or by visiting www.hotelzazadallas.com

Hotel ZaZa Houston debuted in June 2007 and is located in the heart of the city’s buzzing Museum District.  Extravagant and lush while still quietly intimate, the Houston property boasts 17,000 square feet of meeting space, the casual-cool Monarch restaurant, restorative ZaSpa, over 300 rooms including ZaZa Petites, Pool Bungalows, Pool Villas, Concept Suites and The Magnificent Seven Suites.  The hotel is located at 5701 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005 and reservations can be made by calling 713-526-1991 or visiting www.hotelzazahouston.com

Hotel ZaZa, a member of the Preferred Hotel Group™, was created by Charles S. Givens and Jeff Records and is owned by Givens-Records Developments. Operations management and marketing are provided by Z Resorts, LLC, led by Z Resorts President Benji Homsey.