1252 Takes its name from the year AD 1252 when Alfonso the 10th was crowned King of Spain. King Alfonso passed a law requiring all alcoholic beverages to be served with a small bite of food to eat in order to prevent excessive drunkenness. These food items would be placed on small plates atop the glasses of whatever beverage was being served--acting as lids or TAPAS in Spanish. Eventually tapas became the colloquial phrase in Spanish for these small bites of food that accompany alcoholic beverages. Today Tapas ( or "Spanish dim sum" as I like to call it) is one of those types of Spanish Wine bar foods that have become popular in North America in recent years and its concept has been fused with Philly Cheesesteaks and Japanese cuisine. 1252 takes its cue from traditional Spanish Tapas combined with modern Spanish and Southwestern sensibilities. A whole passel of PR, Foodbloggers and Media folks were invited to Uptown Park on Monday, August 13th in order to sample 5 new Tapas dishes that are being added to the menu at 1252, and to preview their Uptown Park location, the 3rd one in Houston.
The dishes we were served at the event were:
melón con jamón serranodelicate slices of jamón serrano between succulent cantaloupe
This was cool, a little salty, sweet and savoury altogether. A wonderful combination. I've enjoyed ham with honeydew and cantaloupe before, but this Spanish jamón serrano has extra OOMPH in it!
Grade: A+
shredded beef empanadas served with chimichurri
These were rather doughy. Heath, the concept guy for 1252, described trying a bunch of different doughs before getting the consistency he wanted. The beef was like tender brisket. I liked it just fine. Grade: B+
marinated & grilled pork tenderloin served with gremolata oil
This pork was succulent, herbal, savoury and worked well with the oil. I'd have liked a large serving of this pork. I definitely recommend!
Grade: A++++
shrimp sautéed with garlic & olive oil
These reminded me a bit of Shrimp Scampi. Part of me asked "Where's the linguini?" Not bad, but not anything special to me either.
Grade: B-
spanish omelet made with potatoes, eggs & onions
This dish reminded me a bit of Polenta, but with more of a potato and less of a cornbread dressing texture to it. I've had huevos con papas before--this was like a milder version, fused into a nice loaf of eggs, potatoes and onions. Very nice and mild.
Grade A-
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| Estrella Lager bottle & Glass, Cranberry Margatini, Mango Mojio |
The Estrella lager was a mild, drinkable lager. Had a slight bite to, but accessible to Macro Beer Drinkers. As a craft beer drinker, I thought it was okay. Grade B-
The Margatini was like a cranberry martini with a kick of tequila and triple sec. This was a nice surprise. Although I'm more of a Bourbon, Canadian and Scotch whiskey man myself, it was a nice change of pace. Grade: A-
The Mango Mojito was sweet--reminded me a bit of the RA Sushi Coconut Mojito I tried last week. I'm not really a sweet cocktail man myself, but the ladies liked it really well. Grade: B+
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| White Sangria at 1252 Tapas Bar |
It was a very fun event overall and I got to schmooze a bit with Denman Moody again (Author of The Advanced Oenophile--a handbook on wine), the fun ladies of Urban Swank, Joanne Witt and HTown Cheap Eats as well. It's always a blast to talk food with other folks who enjoy it and get the word on new places and new dishes/cocktails/beers/etc. that are out there.
I want to extend a hearty THANK YOU to Carla Soriano of 1252 for inviting me and for providing the descriptions of the Tapas they provided. If you like Tapas, and judging by the Houston restaurant climate, a lot of y'all do, you need to give 1252 Tapas Bar a try.
1252 Tapas Bar has locations in the Woodlands-Market Street and Vintage Park, off of Louetta & FM 249. This preview was of their new location near the Galleria in Uptown park at:
Houston, TX 77056
713.621.1252
Hours:
Mon - Wed 11am - 12am
Thurs - Sat 11am - 2 am
Sun 12 pm - 6 pm
And remember to Eat Happy, Y'all!!!
Come con alegría!
早安，你们!!!
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