Zola Italian Restaurant

I'm back. I have been so busy lately that I have neglected my "Snob" duties.

I met the owner of Zola, Pam, a few months ago when I was dining there with my sister. Pam invited me back to review the restaurant and I finally took her up on it.

Last night Alex and I dined under the softly lit, Murano-like glass fixtures of Zola.

Zola is located in Bethany Village off Highway 9. The owners Pamela and Jack are as sweet as can be. Jack has been in the food business for most of his adult life. They bought Zola after enjoying the food as patron's of the previous owners.

Their staff are knowledgeable and attentive. An order of complimentary Olive Tapenade is placed on the table with lovely fresh bread as the waiter tells us the evenings specials- Black- not Blackened Grouper and Blue Crab Ravioli. I ponder over my options.

My order, the usual Eggplant Parmigiana, as I sometimes use this dish to determine how good or bad a restaurant is (or perhaps I am turning into Billy Crystal in "Forget Paris"- Oh wait, that was Veal Parmigiana). It was cut thin with a very light breading and a  delicious marinara sauce. I love that they don't use heavy breading and slice the eggplant thin. Alex ordered Black Grouper prepared with a lemon butter & tomato sauce. It was also delicious. I know because Alex is a good sharer!

The restaurant has a large well-stocked bar and an even bigger wine list. They have a very "cool" wine rack on the wall near the semi-private table for ten.

While some of the wines are mediocre, there is an extensive list and a variety to choose from, so for you fellow Winos, don't fret about it. Bottles of wine are half price on Wednesdays so suck up, buttercup. There is live music on Saturday night. Jack and Pam are thinking about Jazz on Thursdays as well, so keep checking on the status of that. It should be great.

Ask Pam for her signature Banana Rum Pudding. OMG- there are no words for this.

If you are looking for a good value for your money, good food and a nice atmosphere, this is the place.

Here's the best news of all- wait for it- THEY ARE OPEN ON SUNDAY NIGHT. This is the greatest news since, here in the ATL, so many dining establishments are closed on Sunday.

I, for one, will keep this in mind when looking for a friendly, neighborhood eatery.

Stop in and tell Pam and Jack that you read about them on Patch.com and that the Food Snob sent you. You'll love them and maybe make a few new friends too.

Here are the photos of our evenings delights.