Modesto Tapas Bar and Restaurant
St Louis, MO 63110-3029
Phone: (314) 772-8272
- Price:
- $$$
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm, Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-11pm, Sat 5pm-11pm
Editorial Review for Modesto Tapas Bar and Restaurant – by Citysearch Staff
In Short
Vivid, sun-drenched colors provide a suitable backdrop for the sophisticated crowd at this Hill hot spot. The menu is divided into tapas frias (cold tapas) and tapas calientes (hot). Patatas dos salsas is a zesty option, served with alioli; grilled lamb kabobs get their bite from tomato-onion salsa. American-sized entrees include chicken with saffron rice, Serrano bacon and vegetables. Service is friendly and efficient, though sometimes a bit overwhelmed.
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User Reviews for Modesto Tapas Bar and Restaurant
03/24/2008 Posted by DIW2K
I'll preface my critique by saying both that tapas aren't for everyone and by admitting that I likely fall into the group that gravitates towards larger servings. Still, I know food - know what tastes good and what doesn't regardless the amount on the plate. I'd never been to Modesto but thought it would be a nice change - went in with a totally open mind and even held a sincere hope that I'd enjoy the experience. I went on a Wed., arriving as they opened the doors at 5 PM. I wanted to try one of each type offering (i.e. cold tapas, hot tapas, soup, salad and a drink). For the cold tapas I had the Plato de Quesos - 3 Spanish cheeses with walnuts, honey and grapes ($8.95). I can't say I'd again want to taste any of the cheeses offered - the walnuts had a couple bad ones in the group and the grapes were something akin to what you'd expect to find in the grocery store bin after everyone has picked over and taken the good ones. How could anyone so thoroughly screw up a chesse plate? For the hot tapas I had the Almejas a la Marinera (steamed clams with Serrano ham, bacon, tomato, peppers and fino sherry ($9.95). I don't know if the chef got the order wrong or what but what I ended up with was a half dozen of the smallest clams I'd ever seen (slightly larger than a quarter. They were warm and covered in a third rate salsa - no ham - no bacon, peppers or sherry. The soup: Caldo Verde (Portuguese sausage with greens and potatoes ($5.95). There were 2 small bits of sausage hidden in a mix of greens and mushy potatoes - all in a broth that tasted like someone had stewed onion and spinach together. The salad: Ensalada Caesar - Ceasar salad with capers, Manchgo cheese and croutons ($5.95). The salad consisted of a half dozen green leaves sprinkled with capers, 1 gram of cheese and a drop of dressing. I started looking around to see if I was on a hidden camera show. Drink: Sangria with 2 dwarf grape escapees from the cheese plate. $40 + tip!
Pros: Is on 'The Hill' so you can go get some decent food when you're done at Modesto
Cons: Pretty much everything and I had honestly wanted the place to be a great find
02/11/2008 Posted by Egad
The Head Chef at this restaurant is a bully and a monster. If I was able to judge just the food and service I would be here to rave about Modesto, but that just isn't possible when you have to sit uncomfortably trying to ignore the boorish chef berating serving staff and loudly insulting the guests. We watched as she (?) fired our server in the middle of our meal. I can't say what he may have done to ignite her obviously flammable temper, but it was a repulsive experience that ruined the rest of the meal. For a $600 bill at the end of the night, I would like to think that my group might have walked out talking about the food or the atmosphere instead of how awkward and inappropriate the chef's behavior was. If you still think you need to try this place, sit in the bar where you are less likely to see or hear her brutish behavior and tip the staff well - they have to deal with her daily!
Cons: The head chef!
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