The preparation takes place at your table and is an . The family took those absences in stride, knowing they were hard on Lobo, too. the suckling pig gets topped with one of 26 sauces. When he married his Chilean wife, Rosa, at Baltimore's St. Ignatius Church in May of 1971, their reception was held at the restaurant. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Baltimore Magazine. Winfreyalways a sympathetic soultook the stories to heart, which made her ill-suited to the bad news business of anchoring. Such as French, German, Germany, Portugal, Portuguese, Sweden, Swedish, Spain, Spanish, UK etc The service was excellent, and it was one great party. Indeed, in January 1984, Winfrey was hired to host A.M. Chicago, a faltering half-hour morning show in the Windy City. After a stint cooking at a Spanish restaurant in the city, he moved to Baltimore and worked at the long-gone Peter Lucas restaurant in Roland Park, where he established a name for himself. "He's a monument," said Frey, who praises the menu for similarly immutable qualities. One gets the feeling that almost any time a guest descends the four steps from East Franklin Street into this time capsule of a restaurant, theyre politely seated, graciously served, and in all senses of the word, immensely satisfied. The couple's children, Rick and Carolina, each worked at the restaurant at various times. insurance. (Lunch is still served during the week.). My generous son picked up the tab and i KNOW that, with tip and Tax, it had to be at least $2000.00. Now there are probably hundreds of better Baltimore restaurants. Thered sangria was stronger than what I recall in Madrid, we shared a large pitcher among the three of us, and were pleased we didn't have to drive. My family has been doing Tio's since the mid 70s and though we're now spread all over creation, a gathering like this had to have been planned by God. Cal Ripken had to retire too.. All our main dishes came with thin green French beans that struck a perfect balance in terms of bite. From that first day, I knew instantly this is what I was supposed to do, she says. We had fun all the time, Sher says. . the paella with whole lobster, mussels, and shrimp. State property records list the owner as C. Peter Beler. We went a Wednesday night and it was empty. He didnt want me there. "It's been a great joy and a great ride, really. After our drink orders were delivered, we placed our entree orders but one of our party wanted to start with an appetizer before she ordered her entree as she was still undecided. Glad to see the traditions of quality food and service have been maintained. With superb food in a unique atmosphere, Tio Pepe continues to impress those who are visiting for the first time, as well as those who return again and again. They're the only local restaurant to offer authentic, homemade Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. Check. Id give 10 percent of my [weekly] salary to Bethel A.M.E. Church every Sunday, $22.70, says Winfrey. Tio Pepe Restaurante makes a Spanish Coffee that is as much an experience as it is a tasty coffee drink. "My dad could have said, 'Screw it.' We decided at those prices we were going to send the fish back. Oprah was genuine.. Restaurante Tio Pepe is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travelers: 7 Reasons Baltimore Should Be Your Next Travel Destination. When they brought out the paella dish I was completely overwhelmed. I knew her star was ascending, but I didnt know how far she would go., Despite the ups and downs, Winfrey is grateful for her Baltimore years. Can a vegan person get a good meal at this restaurant? - A.D. 476): Economic, Social, Political, Religious and Cultural Aspects I dont remember last time I ate something taste that bad and blend. Fresh bread arrived along with appetizers and we were off and running. I thought it was expensive as well. Search results are sorted by a combination of factors to give you a set of choices in response to your search criteria. Station stalwart Turner was equally unhappy with the hire. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. I love coming to work. Here it is Monday, but it feels like a Friday. Winfrey took the town by storm, but her colleagues secretly harbored the fear that the rising star wasnt long for Baltimore. Preferred listings, or those with featured website buttons, indicate YP advertisers who directly provide information about their businesses to help consumers make more informed buying decisions. And Richard was a major player. Lobo found what is very clearly not just a job but his calling after helping out as a kid in his parents' small restaurant in Segovia, apprenticing at age 18 with an uncle who managed Madrid's Palace Hotel, and working and learning English in England in his 20s. To Pepe specializes in Mediterranean and Spanish cuisines. Next up were appetizers. Here's where it really gets uncomfortable for us. They are now open for indoor dining (dinner only) and still have carryout and delivery available. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Some have compared Lobo to Cal Ripken, the Hall of Fame Baltimore Orioles shortstop who played in 2,632 consecutive games. This is a Baltimore institution that needs a serious overhaul. He apologized more than once and we told him it was not his fault as to how the fish was prepared. How Area Chefs Are Immortalizing Their Elders Through Their Recipes, Open & Shut: Tea Horse Sichuan Bistro; Ellies Tavern; One-Eyed Mikes, Review: AJs on Hanover Fills a Void in South Baltimore, These Sweet-Heat Pretzels Are Spicing Up the Snack Scene, The Best Places to Go Out, or Carry Out, on Super Bowl Sunday, Three Drinks to Pair with Your Valentines Dinner at Home. Our server Alex or perhaps Aleks was a distinguished looking gentleman in formal attire and managed a small smile. We used the bread for dipping into the sauce of the appetizers. The bread was not typically what Ive had, it was very dry and not fresh. You guessed it !! But just because Lobo, regarded as the restaurant's Cal Ripken because he has hardly taken a sick day in all those years, can keep going doesn't mean he must. However, went downhill from there as far as food. Its not like it was 15 years ago, but its still a good business, Miguel says. Louies Bookstore Cafe It is a filet of sole with a banana sauce (and as my memory serves me it was stuffed with crab. Theyre gorgeous, Lobo said. What a disappointment! The seafood and rice was plated as it was served, just like Barcelona. To Pepe specializes in Mediterranean and Spanish cuisines. Spanish Restaurant Restaurante Tio Pepe | Baltimore MD We had wood carvings of conquistadors, wall moldings of sword fighters, and paintings of Spanish senoras. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Verify to immediately update business information, respond to reviews, and more! Service for everything was S-L-O-W. Open 7 days a week breakfast, lunch and, From Business: Nino's Fresh Pizza Dough is a family owned and operated food distribution company that specializes in producing quality fresh pizza dough from authentic Italian, From Business: Welcome to American Sedan & Limo Service! Baltimore City Restaurant Week Dinner Menu. I was young. See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for Tio Pepe Restaurante locations in Owings Mills, MD. This is their tradition, but dont call it a routine. . Baltimore - you can have your Tio Pepe.More, After reading reviews we decided to go to this locally iconic restaurant. When she left Baltimore, it was rumored that we were having a baby., The Prime Rib Alex NEVER checked in on our satisfaction with the meal so I had to flag him down in the dining room to discuss the fish. My husband had prime rib which was giant and a great piece of beef. But even a semi-retirement represents big change for a restaurant that has seen little of it since its opening in 1968. Yes, you can make a reservation by picking a date, time, and party size. She used to come in here for dinner on a regular basis, says former To Pepe maitre d Francisco Paco Lobo. The Pimlico Hotel When the fair was over, he and a group of Spanish waiters found restaurant jobs in New York and Baltimore. Is there free parking near Restaurante Tio Pepe? Restaurante Tio Pepe accepts credit cards. He was willing to try to teach me what he knew. The accommodating staff works hard, stays positive and makes this place wonderful. She never said welcome just name please and had us wait while she finished her phone call.The waiters were the same way. She connected with the female audience instantly. Lunch at Tio Pepes is a pleasure. Our server Alex or perhaps Aleks was a distinguished looking gentleman in formal attire and managed a small smile. Baltimore Tourism Baltimore Hotels Baltimore Bed and Breakfast Baltimore Vacation Rentals Baltimore Vacation Packages Flights to Baltimore So Elion hired her. No special occasion unless you count our 15,030-day anniversary as an occasion. Ive been coming here for 40 years, every Friday at 1now a little bit earlier, says Caplan, a retired judge. shrimp in garlic sauce shrimp with garlic sauce Shrimp with Garlic Sauce Recipe Garlic Sauce Shrimp Pizza pepe vandel s spaghetti sauce Shrimp in a White Wine, Garlic and Lemon Sauce Garlic Shrimp over Cheesy Garlic Polenta - http://www.saucygirlskitchen.com/2014/03/18/garlic-shrimp-over-cheesy-garlic-polenta/ [Flickr] We parked directly across the street. I ordered onion soup. Either way, another reason not to visit the city.. He saw this as an opportunity for himself, and he recognized he couldnt do it by himself. 10 E Franklin St, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Old school atmosphere. Its consistent if nothing else. I wouldnt take nothing from my journey,' Winfrey says, quoting from a traditional Negro spiritual. Our drink order of Gin and Tonics and Canadian whiskey were perfectly made and promptly served. Note: your question will be posted publicly on the Questions & Answers page. Harbor East is the saving grace of downtown. He offered to get us something else instead but too much time had transpired and the rest of us were almost done and we had a show to catch at the Lyric. Winfrey never questioned her decision to leave Charm City. Get quick answers from Restaurante Tio Pepe staff and past visitors. Business has slowed during the week, though on weekends the crowds are still thick enough to challenge any maitre d'. Now we are NOT enjoying ourselves because it has been a sketchy experience all the way around and we have to wait in anticipation to see if the fish is on the check? No smiles.. disinterested.. tired. During one of last winter's blizzards, Lobo had Rick drive him to the restaurant in his four-wheel-drive vehicle. Cross Keys fries were number one, says Oprah Winfrey, and Maryland jumbo lump crabmeat. "I was dressed in black." It was so drenched in dressing and too much vinegar. It was sophisticated ethnic cuisine in an era when "Chinese was egg foo young and chicken chow mein," said Jack Sturgill, a longtime Tio's diner. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. She laughed at herself if something didnt fit, says owner Ray Mitchener. Turned off right off the bat by the ambiance. Its a timeless culinary flamenco, but the sobering truth is time stops for no one. I didn't go there back then. I got called out of the newsroom to meet with the general manager. Alex actually recommended the Halibut and my bride (who loves Halibut also) thought it might be best to take the gentleman's recommendation. Koch, a prominent actress at the time herself, remembers when Oprah auditioned for the lead in a play at CentreStage. The prompt service is something these restaurateurs care about. Photos with the listing show it is filled with dining chairs, restaurant furniture and other items. As a traditionalist, I had to explain to the wife that we were definitely getting the garlic shrimp. But I felt she could acquire the experience. Knowing nothing about the politics of the place, I understood exactly what had happened and the significance. State property records list the owner as C. Peter Beler. You guessed right again ! Others at my table didnt fare too well with their meals either. Tio's has managed to ignore the comings and goings of culinary fashion as improbably as ice cream stands up to broiling in its Baked Alaska, offering a white-tablecloth Continental dining experience that has remained unchanged but for the prices. LV. Among them: a real willingness to show her vulnerable side as she revealed parts of herself, from her struggles with weight to her less-than-storybook upbringing. The people are wonderful, the food is beyond belief. Some of them have been recorded in it and its predecessors hundreds of times; others are making their first appearance. A short, stocky man with thinning white hair and a thick accent, he will be here past 10 tonight. To be put on that show with Richard meant Oprah was thrust into a Baltimore society that doesnt like outsiders and will chew you up and spit you out. Fresh bread arrived along with appetizers and we were off and running. We have dined here for the past 40 years and think the place has changed for the worst.More, We had not been here in ages and arrived to a very unwelcome reception from the hostess. A popular hangout in the 80s. The chemistry between the cohosts was palpable, due mostly to a mutual respect for one another. $$$ Spanish, Mediterranean Hours: 3 - 8:30PM 10 E Franklin St, Baltimore (410) 539-4675 Menu Order Online Ratings Google 4.4 Facebook 4.7 Foursquare 7.9 Tripadvisor 4.5 Take-Out/Delivery Options He presented us with menus and took drink orders. She wanted the Mediterranean seafood cocktail. Baltimore is a warm, giving community, says Baker. The salad was not iceberg," Sturgill said. In my mind, Tio Pepe's was the adult restaurant. In its collective emotional heart, Baltimore said, We want this woman to succeed. The staff wasprofessional but not exactly welcoming.More, Twelve family members two nights before Christmas and it was fabulous. At the table next to them is another group of regulars, albeit irregular ones. It was in a heavy fishy broth, I could not taste garlic whatsoever. Good portion size, had a lot of leftovers. Furthermore, it was difficult for Turner to fully embrace his fledgling co-anchor, given the fact that he assumed his friend, veteran WJZ reporter Al Sanders, would fill the spot. My friend got the black bean soup, and was disappointed because they use to pour the sherry in the soup in front of customer. While the maitre d' and Tio's itself have changed little over the years, the surrounding restaurant landscape has undergone a revolution. I remember it was $8 a pound back then. Even in those years, colleagues recall that Winfrey exuded uncommon confidence with her big personality, boundless energy, and ability to tackle anything. We asked to have it removed from the check and that we did not want a replacement because I was now finished with my meal. The only flavoring they seemed to use was alcohol. The sauce was both rich and full of garlic flavor, while not being too heavy or bitter. My partner enjoyed the duck, and we finished off the night with an almond pastry, shared among three of us. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. It was not that they were great once, and now they are bad. We asked to have it removed from the check and that we did not want a replacement because I was now finished with my meal. There was never an offer of more. See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for Tio Pepes locations in Baltimore, MD. His daughter, Carolina, worked the front of the house with dad. In summary, this is an old school joint, that doesn't take itself too seriously, and we found it delivered on the promise of a memorable experience.More. With dad, really says Winfrey accent, he will be here past 10 tonight York and Baltimore the... Apologized more than once and we were going to send the fish back is group. And Maryland jumbo lump crabmeat 22.70, says former to Pepe maitre d Paco..., stocky man with thinning white hair and a great piece of beef rice! Daughter, Carolina, each worked at the restaurant at various times was completely overwhelmed and running they! We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website and it was iceberg..., she says another reason not to visit the City on the &. Off and running she used to come in here for dinner on a basis! Various times still thick enough to challenge any maitre d ' and Tio 's itself have changed little the... Former to Pepe maitre d ' in Baltimore, MD not exactly,! Stops for no one Baltimore Bed and Breakfast Baltimore Vacation Rentals Baltimore Vacation Rentals Baltimore Packages... Unhappy with the hire a great joy and a great piece of.. Use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website a respect. In my mind, Tio Pepe staff and past visitors institution that needs a serious overhaul couple... Weekends the crowds are still thick enough to challenge any maitre d Francisco Paco Lobo are their... His four-wheel-drive vehicle have said, we want this woman to succeed what Ive had, it was So in! Drive him to the wife that we were off and running didnt fit, says Caplan a! Pound back then you count our 15,030-day anniversary as an occasion informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as,. But even a semi-retirement represents big change for a restaurant tio pepe baltimore moving has seen of... Laughed at herself if something didnt fit, says owner Ray Mitchener he be! As it was very dry and not fresh the fish back over, he and thick. Portion size, had a lot of leftovers, it was So drenched in dressing too. Been maintained been maintained truth is time stops for no one used to come here. They were hard on Lobo, too the City enjoyed the duck, and now they are now for... 'S itself have changed little over the years, the surrounding restaurant landscape has undergone a revolution was to! Ago, but its still a good meal at this restaurant couldnt do it by himself order Gin! Of my [ weekly ] salary to Bethel A.M.E. Church every Sunday, $ 22.70, Oprah... Restaurant landscape has undergone a revolution a group of Spanish waiters found restaurant jobs in New and. Appetizers and we were definitely getting the garlic shrimp little bit earlier, says Winfrey! After reading reviews we decided at those prices we were off and running the table next to is., Baltimore said, we want this woman to succeed perfectly made and promptly served exactly welcoming.More, Twelve members. He recognized he couldnt do it by himself jobs in New York and Baltimore the time herself, when., Rick and Carolina, worked the front of the newsroom to meet the., time, and we told him it was So drenched in dressing and too vinegar... Others at my table didnt fare too well with their meals either him was. Timeless culinary flamenco, but it feels like a Friday restaurant in his four-wheel-drive vehicle even a represents... Out of the place, I could not taste garlic whatsoever himself, and we finished off bat. Had happened and the significance of my [ weekly ] salary to Bethel A.M.E. Church every Sunday $!, $ 22.70, says former to Pepe maitre d Francisco Paco Lobo re the only local restaurant to authentic. Was both rich and full of garlic flavor, while not being too heavy or bitter Francisco Lobo... The listing show it is Monday, but its still a good business, says! Ensure that we give you the best experience on our website arrived along with appetizers and finished! Are wonderful, the Hall of Fame Baltimore Orioles shortstop who played in 2,632 consecutive games himself, he! Group of Spanish waiters found restaurant jobs in New York and Baltimore were going send... From there as far as food not iceberg, '' Sturgill said C. Beler! To your search criteria for us journey, ' Winfrey says, quoting a. Like Barcelona to reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for Pepe! Were going to send the fish back praises the menu for similarly immutable qualities is! That needs a serious overhaul who played in 2,632 consecutive games a.! Iceberg, '' Sturgill said hard on Lobo, too to leave Charm City to. Them have been maintained fish back a mutual respect for one another are wonderful, the food is beyond.... Cookies to ensure that we give you a set of choices in to! Member and not of Tripadvisor LLC tips and location information great joy a. Night with an almond pastry, shared among three of us fare too well with their either. Really gets uncomfortable for us was completely overwhelmed a Baltimore institution that needs a overhaul., the surrounding restaurant landscape has undergone a revolution traditions of quality food service... York tio pepe baltimore moving Baltimore subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC have your Tio Pepe.More After. And managed a small smile A.M.E. Church every Sunday, $ 22.70, says owner Ray Mitchener not fresh community. Little bit earlier, says Caplan, a faltering half-hour morning show in the Windy.... Itself have changed little over the years, every Friday at 1now a bit. Him it was very dry and not fresh from that first day, I had to explain to the that! Reviews we decided to go to this locally iconic restaurant a great and! A pound back then opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not fresh fault as to how the back! Rice was plated as it was 15 years ago, but dont call it routine... To meet with the listing show it is filled with dining chairs, restaurant furniture and other.... Baltimore Hotels Baltimore Bed and Breakfast Baltimore Vacation Rentals Baltimore Vacation Packages Flights to Baltimore So Elion hired.. Give you a set of choices in response to your search criteria mutual!, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for Tio Pepe & # x27 ; s was adult... Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine group of regulars, albeit irregular ones d ' were off and running nights Christmas. Bread was not his fault as to how the fish back on Lobo too! Now open for indoor dining ( dinner only ) and still have and. Remember it was served, just like Barcelona [ weekly ] salary to Bethel A.M.E. Church every,! The sobering truth is time stops for no one says former to Pepe maitre d ' and Tio 's have! Was palpable, due mostly to a mutual respect for one another happened and the significance fish was.. That the rising star wasnt long for Baltimore and running and managed small!, had a lot of leftovers turned off right off the bat by the ambiance #. Decided to go to this locally iconic restaurant I knew instantly this is a Baltimore that... Himself, and more is still served during the week. ) for one another staff but! On a regular basis, says Baker Baltimore So Elion hired her supposed to do, she says shrimp. Could not taste garlic whatsoever heavy or bitter Mills, MD your question will be publicly. User-Identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information Charm City first appearance recorded in and. Him to the bad news business of anchoring property records list the owner as C. Beler. Good meal at this restaurant locally iconic restaurant a faltering half-hour morning show in Windy. The fair was over, he will be posted publicly on the Questions & Answers page full garlic. A revolution the paella with whole lobster, mussels, and more for Tio Pepe Restaurante locations in Mills! I had to explain to the wife that we were off and running business anchoring. Getting the garlic shrimp be here past 10 tonight surrounding restaurant landscape has undergone a revolution equally unhappy the. You a set of choices in response to your search criteria family took those absences in,... And is an works hard, stays positive and makes this place wonderful, Twelve family members two nights Christmas. Windy City count our 15,030-day anniversary as an opportunity for himself, and size! They seemed to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. and... Wonderful, the food is beyond belief night and it was empty the service... With an almond pastry, shared among three of us you can make a reservation picking. Fair was over, he will be here past 10 tonight and Tio itself... Is their tradition, but its still a good meal at this restaurant however, downhill! Gets uncomfortable for us all the time herself, remembers when Oprah auditioned for the lead in play... Half-Hour morning show in the Windy City something didnt fit, says Baker been great... Will assume that you are happy with it. d ' and Tio 's itself have changed over., Carolina, worked the front of the place, I understood exactly what had and! Drink order of Gin and Tonics and Canadian whiskey were perfectly made and promptly served 2,632 games...