Reporter Food: Fried Olives and More at Zeoli’s Restaurant in Clawson
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Oct. 3, 2019)
Clawson, MI –  I’ve found a restaurant that will surely be a regular spot – Zeoli’s Italian Restaurant at 110 E 14 Mile Road in Downtown Clawson.
A friend and I recently went for brunch, though I’m definitely looking forward to going back for a later-in-the-day meal.  We both also strayed a bit from breakfast food, as my friend started out with a small salad and I had the most amazing thing my mouth has ever experienced – the fried olives.
For this mouth-tingling appetizer they took Gorgonzola-stuffed olives coated with crispy breading and skewered onto little sticks, and deep fried them to a perfect crispy outside, with the cheese melting deliciously into the soft tangy olives.  As if that’s not tantalizing enough, they were served on a bed of greens drizzled with a balsamic reduction.  Absolutely fabulous.
The main course for me as the Marsala Mushroom Benedict, featuring two poached eggs on a base of English Muffin and wilted spinach, adorned with Marsala mushroom sauce.  This was also a flavorful dish, blowing traditional Benedict dishes out of the water.
My buddy had a fancy creation as well – the Caprese Omelet.  This was made of eggs stuffed with tomato, basil, fresh mozzarella, and cracked pepper, topped with the same balsamic reduction that added just a bit of sweetness and tang to my meal.
Zeoli also has root beer on the menu, but they seek out a variety of unique root beer options.  The day I went they featured Williamsburg, Michigan-based Wild Bill’s Root Beer, which was yummy.
The decor was super fun, with a Vespa overlooking the dining area and rich green walls around the booths, and various flags and signs for racing. Another fun thing is their kids’ menu, The “I Don’t Know” is spaghetti, the “I Don’t Care” is chicken fingers with ranch and fries, the “I’m Not Hungry” is grilled cheese, and “Non Verbal Response” is pizza.
There are plenty of fun options for adults too. Items like the Plum Tomato Spaghetti, the Seafood Fettuccine, Chicken Salti, and Marinated Pork Chop are tempting menu choices. And they also offer pizza.
Zeoli’s has been open for about a year, with Scott Brown and Meaghan Zeoli-Brown working hard to bring their customers quality food, and to build community.  It’s a regular spot for Detroit Desmo Ducati Club and Oakland County Football Club.
Check out Zeoli’s online at www.zeolisitalian.com.
White Castle is the Reporter Food sponsor of Oakland County Times, supporting our quest to explore restaurants throughout Oakland County. Find White Castle locations, and more information about all their menu options, at www.whitecastle.com.
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