/ Reviews / Spanish
Casa PePe
by Stephanie Sherrill
on Monday, June 23, 2008 12:00 AM
Turning off of the busy street of Hong Mei Lu just south of Hong Qiao Lu, is a hidden oasis of unique restaurants tucked in an alley. Casa Pepe with its Spanish villa architecture is one of those unique restaurants offering a great Spanish dining experience.
Casa PePe's tapas menu includes old world classics such as Tortilla Espanola (38 RMB) as well as non-traditional dishes like Casa PePe's Signature Duck Breast (30 RMB). Both were expertly prepared. The Tortilla Espanola, a Spanish omelet with eggs, potatoes and shrimps, left me craving more. The duck breast was cooked perfectly resulting in juicy flavorful morsels served in a rich sauce. While the Escalivada Con Anchoas (30 RMB) dish of roasted vegetables was unmemorable, the Mejillones Rellenos (40 RMB) contained mouthfuls of flavor. Mejillones rellenos is Casa PePe's inventive version of Spanish stuffed mussels topped with hollandaise sauce. The Pollo al Ajillo (35 RMB) arrived to the table still sizzling in the skillet. Although the first bite of chicken was unassuming, by the third and fourth bites I was soaking up the garlicy sauce with crusty bread. The Mandonguilles (30 RMB) meatballs were packed with flavor and quite delicious. The creamy flavored Croquetas de Jamon (35 RMB) filled with béchamel, herbs and jamon melted in my mouth and quickly became another favorite.
Although one could easily make a meal of tapas alone, the menu includes a nice variety of entrées from tenderloins to lamb chops to several paellas. Regrettably, the Casa PePe House Specialty Paella (180 RMB) was disappointing. While the saffron infused rice was flavorful, the dish contained only slivers of chorizo, overcooked clams and did not have the traditional crispy toasted bottom.
If looking for a change of scenery from the bustling Hong Mei Lu pedestrian street or if just craving flavorful and inventive tapas, turn to Casa PePe located in the mists of a serene courtyard farther north off of Hong Mei Lu. They offer outdoor and indoor seating as well as large banquette rooms for those special occasions. Enjoy their selection of tapas, Spanish ambiance and sangaria which are sure to please.
