Zely and Ritz

admin — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:42:38 +0000

Zely & Ritz

301 Glenwood Ave. Ste. 100

Raleigh, NC 27603

919.828.0018

www.zelyandritz.com (link)

I wonder what Chef Sarig Agasi thinks about while running. Is there a meditative state reached when exerting yourself to the physical extremes of a marathon? Not being a runner myself I truly don’t know. But I imagine that after the first 45 minutes into a marathon, the shock of repeatedly smashing your trotters into the pavement wears off and you might become numb to the situation. Then maybe, you are left to ponder life’s deepest mysteries for the next 2 to 4 hours (depending on your pace), occasionally reminding yourself to breathe or watch out for a pot hole on the horizon, or a loose pit bull lurking yonder way. These mysteries to ponder may involve your past life. Does Chef Sarig think about his formative years in Israel, farming the land and fishing the Mediterranean? Does he think about the future, opening a second restaurant and dealing with classic ‘red tape’ situations that will arise in the process? Does he dream about new dishes to concoct, using the freshest ingredients from his farm? Does he wonder about an upcoming photo shoot with a partially local photo-blogger? Or does he just run? To not think. That is what meditative states are truly for, non-thought, uncluttered and clear. Where purity and clarity can then absorb into your being. I wonder…

There is a purity and clarity to the concept and actualization of Zely & Ritz. Owned by husband and wife team Chef Sarig Agasi and Nancy Agasi (wine expert) along with Richard Holcomb, a local farmer and entrepreneur that heads the Coon Rock Farm, from which Zely & Ritz obtains the majority of their menu’s staples. They provide organic bistro and wine bar fare in tapas form to showcase Chef Agasi’s Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavor influenced creations. Taking the most direct route of ‘farm to table’ by owning and working the land from which the food abounds is a bragging point that Zely & Ritz has the right to boast. Located in the Glenwood South district of downtown Raleigh, Zely & Ritz offers many opportunities to try their eats with event specials and wine dinner services. (HERE).

You can also see Chef Sarig’s suggestions for an athlete’s meal (HERE)

Assorted Local Pickled Vegetables (from Coon Rock Farm)

Blood Orange Bread Pudding w/Tangerine & Cream Ice Cream & Licorice Citrus Sauce