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Tio Pepe - Cuisine of
Spain It had been as long as I could remember since
I had Spanish food. I am not talking about Mexican/TexMex food, I have that
every other day in some form or another. In fact it had been so long I did not
even know what to expect. Written up in the Houston dining guide several times
as a must try and also featured on Houston.Sidewalk.com, we decided to try this Bellaire, Texas
fixture of a restaurant. And we have been regulars ever since.
When your eyes first meet the uninspiring facade you
are greeted with a sense of a old town style street cafe that is going to serve
Chicken Fried Steak and Meatloaf. I can assure you the fare is nothing like
the first impression. Once inside the front door take a quick left to the host
stand; a quick right leads you to the private dining and bar area. You will be
asked if you have a reservation, no reservation, no problem the dining area is
usually only half full and large enough to accommodate an impromptu party of
eight or so. My suggestion is to call for a reservation even if you are walking
out the door. It is the polite thing to do.
The facade at Tio Pepe's is uninspiring. The food, drink and
service is outstanding.
Suggest to the host that you would like one of the cozy nooks
strategically placed around the restaurant. It makes for a much more intimate
setting for two, four, six or even eight of your best friends or family. Once
seated, you might begin to notice your surroundings seem a bit more Spanish than
the facade, but
not too much. The restaurant is adorned with a few paintings and wall murals
along with an object or two. There are false walls placed around to give the
effect of archways and room separations. Pay little attention to the decor, your journey is just about to
begin.
One of the three or four very cozy spots to dine.
Let's begin with your beverage order. If you enjoy wine, you
must have the sangria. The red wine sangria is a very typical Spanish drink. Tio
Pepe's fills it full of chopped apples and oranges and serves it by the pitcher.
If you prefer, you can ask them to substitute white wine instead of the red. I
prefer white and it is terrific. If you order the white wine sangria ask to have
Fernando make it special for you. Tio Pepe's also has a full bar and can accommodate
any request.
Full service bar in private dining room
Tapas are Spanish appetizers. Tio Pepe's definitely excels in
this area. Some of our favorites include the Calamares Fritos, lightly
battered then fried squid rings. These are served with a Mexican type salsa and
is the only thing we could suggest needs improving. The Calamares can also be ordered
"al Ajo", sautéed in a garlic sauce, a great variation. The Escargot Tio Pepe is delightful. Drowned in a
succulent garlic butter, you will find yourself polishing the plate with the
fresh French Bread to get every last drop of sauce. If you are a fan of
Serrano Ham you must try the Jamon Tipo Serrano. Tio Pepe's cures the ham
themselves which takes nearly 12 weeks. The Spanish Sausage has a terrific
flavor. Finally check out the Croquetas
de Pollo. These minced chicken croquettes are fried and served piping hot.
As you
can see there are some great things to start with. Our advice is to take a large
group, order one of each and share.
On to the Entrees... Hopefully you have not filled up on
too many appetizers because the entrees are exceptional. First off if the
Paella. Tip Pepe's has been known for it's Paella in these parts for
years. People come to eat it at the restaurant but you will also see
container after container "to go". This is probably the most popular dish. Both
traditional and seafood varieties are available.
But there are some other selections that are must
tastes. The Cordero Jardinera, roasted lamb shanks melt in your
mouth. Cooked to perfection, tender and falling off the bone. The
flavor is full but not too rich. The Zarzuela de Mariscos, seafood
casserole is deceiving in name. This is not a casserole as we know
it. The is mounds of seafood cooked in a spicy Spanish Catalan sauce and
served in a clay pot. All of the shellfish is tender and the sauce is to
die for. The "spicy" is not from hot sauce but rather Spanish
seasonings. If you are not into all of the shellfish in the Zarzuela, have
the Pescado Catalan. This will be a firm white fish, filleted and in the
same red sauce. Delicious! Everything that we have tried has always been
terrific, you can't go wrong.
Now if you still have room, dessert is awaiting you. Tio
Pepe's has a nice selection of desserts. The Caramel Custard has a little
bit of a twist, with it's slight hint of lemon. Expresso, Capuccino and
Cafe Tio Pepe's (brandy, kahlua and coffee) are their to round out an excellent
meal.
Every evening patrons enjoy Carlos' Spanish guitar. The owner
of Tio Pepe's strolls around the restaurant from table to table singing and
playing his own Spanish music. Carlos also takes requests. On Wednesdays and
Thursdays at 8:30PM guests are treated to a real Flamenco dance show. Call for
reservations.
Buen Provecho.
Tio Pepe - Cuisine of Spain
5213 Cedar St.
Bellaire, Texas 77401
713-667-4409
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