Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill at South Coast Plaza is introducing its new spring menu, announced Executive Chef Daniel Stevens.  Lunchtime items include cilantro pesto chicken breast coated with pumpkin seeds, layered with sweet potato hash, spinach, artichokes and mushrooms and served with roasted poblano sauce for $12.25; and Grown Up Grilled Cheese, fresh brioche layered with Asadero and Parmesan cheeses and served with choice of cup of soup or side salad for $12.95.

New dinner selections include Ahi Chipotle Citrus Bites, fresh Ahi, mango, jicama atop house-made crispy tostada rounds topped with avocado wasabi aioli for $11.75 (also available at lunch); tender pork simmered in green chiles and ancho peppers over crisp tortilla chips and topped with melted Jack cheese, borracho beans, fresh jalapeños served alongside hand-hacked guacamole for $10 (also available for lunch); seared Ahi rolled in black and white sesame seeds and served atop a tamari cream sauce with green chile rice, seasonal vegetables, pickled ginger and ancho chile glaze for $22.95; and peppercorn-crusted beef filet topped with roasted mushroom herb demi-glace, au gratin potatoes and grilled mixed vegetables for $25.95.  Each of the menu selections is coupled with a recommended beverage.

Among the new drink offerings are a Blood Orange Paloma featuring Solerna Blood Orange Liqueur, St-Germain, POM Wonderful, splashes of Sprite and club soda with a float of Milagro Silver Tequila for $9.50; and Solerna Sunset, also featuring Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, Milagro Silver Tequila and splashes of pineapple and lime juices with muddled raspberries for $9.50.  

 Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill offers a wide array of fresh, flavorful and innovative menu items inspired by culinary influences from Louisiana, Texas, California and Mexico.  The restaurant’s interior features an exhibition kitchen, private dining room, mahogany bar, wrought iron detailing, handcrafted tile work, copper accents, jewel-toned fabric lined booths and flattering amber-colored lighting.  Al fresco dining is available on the restaurant’s 85-seat heated patio.  Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill is open daily for lunch and dinner; half price appetizers and drink specials are offered during happy hour.  Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill is located on the east side of South Coast Plaza (3333 S. Bristol Street, Costa Mesa).  For more information, call (714) 979-7469 or visit www.ztejas.com, www.facebook.com/ZTejasSouthwesternGrill, www.twitter.com/ZTejas.