MY FAVORITE RESTURANT
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Tio Pepe Restaurante
Baltimore MD.
(410) 539-4675
Mediterranean $$$
Reservations Recommended:
This restaurant is Spanish Mediterranean, NOT MEXICAN, serving European cuisine in a civilized manner! You will descend into a dimly lit world of stucco-sculptured walls and wrought iron appointments. It’s as if you were entering the ‘Caves of Drach’ on the Spanish island of Mallorca. Attentive waiters address your every need. Interested in ‘before dinner’ drinks? A pitcher of White, Red, or Champaign Sangria is a must. Order dry or sweet, custom blended to suit your taste.
For me, a great beginning is the shrimp in garlic sauce, Sopa de Pescado y Mariscos (Mediterranean seafood soup) or the Champaign Oysters, the flavor of which explodes on your palette like nothing before. Mention ‘puff potatoes’ (not on menu) and you will be treated to the complementary creation of head chief Emiliano Sanz. Prepare for “Emilio” to visit your table sometime during the evening, as is his custom.
Entrees are too numerous to mention. If you desire meat, the ‘Three Amigo’s’ will satisfy the most robust appetite. Order medium rare for this generous portion of lamb chop, petite filet mignon, and veal chop. The sauté veggies and sauce are rich and complementary. Each day one suckling pig (and only one) is roasted. Order this when you make your reservation or you may be left out. For the seafarer, three succulent soft crabs are “to die for”! I prefer hot lemon butter to the almond sauce. The sole with banana is both rich and rewarding. Like many of the entrees, this one is a never to be forgotten experience.
Linger over Tio’s generous deserts. Fresh raspberries in Sabayon Sauce, are delightful. However, a single order of half pine nut, half walnut cake is perfect. Share with your companion and neither of you will be disappointed.
APETITO BUENO !
Bernie Dvorak
Towson MD.
PS: Overheard at BWI:
“TIO PEPE?…. NO ONE GOES THERE ANYMORE……IT’S TOO CROWDED!”
Pros: GREAT FOOD / EXCEPTIONALSERVICE / ROMANTIC AMBIANCE
Cons: CROWDED / LONG WAIT TO BE SEATED / NOISY