EAT: TAPAS AT PEQUE ON 145TH STREET

We finally had a chance to drop by the Peque on 145th Street which is located between FDB and ACP just east of Sugar Hill.  This new tapas spot is notably at the former Mountain Bird space but the owner  of the establishment has transformed the interior into a more rustic dining destination that is perfect for Spanish small bites or refreshing sangria.  We especially liked the globe lights which for some reason are not that common uptown but are popular in many European style establishments elsewhere.  Stenciled wall paper patterns, exposed bricks and lots of warm wood also bring in an approachable quality to the compact storefront that is packed with lots of character.

Our evening started with a sheep's milk plate that had the firmness of fresh parmesan but a milder flavor which paired well with our wine cocktail of the night.  What was even more impressive to the palate was the warm balsamic roasted grapes which balanced everything with a pop of sweetness and acidity.  A serving of Spanish tortilla which is basically a thick omelette was also a highlight of the meal and had savory accents of chorizo that added another element different from the usual potato variation.  The third tapas dish for this particular outing was a serving of chorizo in simmered in red wine and speckled with freshly chopped herbs.  We really enjoy our spices and the heat of the Spanish sausage with the mellow wine sauce made for a more exciting early evening adventure.

Peque is also of course a wine bar so expect an extraordinary selection from Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy and France.  The sangria has more depth than other offerings uptown because of added roasted fruit and the wine cocktails such as La Vie En Rose are a refreshing take on some of those harder mixes found at typical bars.  Peque is open 6 days a week starting at 5:00PM except on Mondays.  Those who want more regular updates should check out the official Facebook site: LINK