Chef Vince's Zeal in Schaumburg

Zeal - a.k.a. Chef Vince's Zeal - opened last month just south of Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, in the space formerly occupied by Vidalia Steakhouse (and extensively remodeled since then). I ate there for lunch yesterday and thought it was outstanding. I started with a velvety corn chowder, which was very good. But the real star of my meal was the Short Rib Slider, described on the menu as "Tender boneless short rib with a dab of caramelized onions, served on a mini brioche roll". There were actually two sandwiches in the serving, each on a smallish roll but with quite a lot of short rib meat on it. And it was all meat, no fat whatsoever, so it worked out to an ample portion size. The meat was delicious, tender, and moist, yet with texture/grain and chew to it, not overbraised to the point of mush. The small bit of caramelized onions (and I think there was also a small amount of horseradish sauce too) added to the flavor as well. I love short ribs, and this was one of the best short rib dishes I've had anywhere. At $10, a good value as well. Salads come in two sizes on the lunch menu; my dining companion ordered a small salad and although I didn't try it, the small size was quite ample in size also, making it a good-sized lunch.

They were doing a good business, too; the room was between a third and half full, which is pretty good I think for a weekday lunch crowd. I've heard they do quite a good business in the evening, particularly on weekends. The room features subdued contemporary styling and the noise level was modest. Service was excellent, with kudos to our server Reyna.

Highly recommended.

Chef Vince's Zeal
680 Mall Dr.
Schaumburg IL 60173
847-995-0188
chefvinceszeal.com
zealforfood.com
Mon - Thu: 11am - 12am
Friday: 11am - 1am
Saturday: 4pm - 1am​

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