Z'Tejas   

A curvaceous bar, exposed kitchen and burnished yellow walls make this Cajun-Mexican-Southwestern restaurant in South Coast Plaza a welcome change. Rather than go over-the-top with the Southwestern motif, the Z'Tejas gang appointed the digs with simplicity and elegance. In case you don't speak Spanish, Tejas means Texas, and the menu reflects the diversity of cooking in the Lone Star State. Starters include crispy catfish beignets, shrimp and pork dumplings and fish tacos. Every meal begins with freshly baked cornbread and a side of jalapeno dressing and honey butter. Lunch fare brings a roasted chicken relleno, blackened tuna and a pepper turkey sandwich. The dinner menu boasts a grilled NY strip topped with gorgonzola butter, miso-glazed salmon and shrimp stuffed with Sonoran crab. Desserts are equally tasty: fudge pie, cast iron fresh fruit cobbler and peanut butter pie. Known for their intense margaritas, the bar offers two happy hours (4-7PM, 9-11PM) and an extensive wine by the glass and tequila menu. -- Victoria Namkung