Chef Vince’s ZEAL, Family-Owned Restaurant Now Open in Schaumburg

Chef Vince’s ZEAL (680 Mall Drive) is Schaumburg’s newest family owned restaurant and the latest culinary endeavor from Chef Vincent Pecora.  This upscale yet casual space offers eclectic continental cuisine with unique Italian and Latin infused dishes passed down through Chef Vince’s family for generations. The restaurant is now open with a grand opening celebration planned for February 21st and 22nd when a portion of proceeds from those days will go to Cancer Treatment Centers of America, in memory of Chef Vince’s family members.

Chef Vince has been in the restaurant business since 1983, and he opened his first restaurant, Poppa Clemenza, in the Northwest suburbs in 1990.  His new spot Zeal, by definition, best describes how Chef Vince feels about cooking and sharing his passion with others.  ZEAL offers a lunch, dinner, carryout, delivery and late night menu of unique tapas/appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers and more.  Menu options include vegetarian/vegan, gluten free and a children’s menu. 

ZEAL’s specialty is their carefully crafted pizzas, $12 - $20, including “Build Your Own” Thin Crusts, specialty pizzas like The Bootie Pizza that was served on Air Force One from 1996 – 2000; and Pizza Frittas, invented in Scotland in the 1970s, made popular in Naples, Italy, and happily introduced to Chicagoland by Chef Vince.  Pizza Frittas features a “fried and baked” crust bursting with the freshest, prime ingredients.

The extensive dinner menu features Chef Vince’s Italian favorites including his Homemade Gnocchi, $15; Stuffed Melrose Peppers, $10; and Baked Clams $14.  The ZEAL Seafood Tower includes Split King Crab Legs, Jumbo Shrimp; Cherry Stone Clams, Ahi Tuna and Lobster Meat, $65 for half portion, $95 for full portion.   Half plate entrée options range from Veal Tortellacci Bolognese, $15; Oversized Stuffed Meatballs over Palenta $12 to Tenderloin Tornados with Potatoes Bravis $16.  Family style entrées encourage sharing, such as the ZEAL Jambalaya, $40 or the Tomahawk Steak $60.

The generally upbeat atmosphere also includes live music on stage three nights a week. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays

ZEAL is the perfect venue for special events and weddings.  They offer a private/corporate dining area that fits up to 85 people.  They also have property available for private Sunday banquets with room for up to 220 people.

Coming to Zeal late spring to early summer 2014, enjoy your meals “Al Fresco” on the new outdoor patio.

Reservations accepted by calling 847-995-0188.  For more information visit www.zealforfood.com

Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 11:00 a.m. - Midnight

Friday: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Saturday: 4:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.