Eat Like a King at 1252 Tapas

Posted in: In The Know
Tags: restaurants, tapas, food review

It’s no secret that Houstonians love to eat. In fact, it’s been said that we eat out more than any other US city. When beautiful Spring weather comes our way there’s no better way to enjoy it than relaxing on an outdoor patio with good food and a cool drink.

On a recent Thursday evening, I strolled into 1252 Tapas, which opened recently at Market Street between Cru wine bar and Sunglass Hut. 1252 is an airy restaurant whose name represents the year of King Alfonso X’s coronation. There are a few couches for lounging, tables for dining and a full bar with conversation table.

Choosing a seat on the outdoor patio overlooking Central Park, I sipped on a glass of Malbec while reviewing the menu options – a selection of hot and cold tapas.

Several items caught my attention including the house cured and smoked salmon with goat cheese, asturian fava bean stew and the roasted piquillo peppers stuffed with tetilla cheese. My friendly waiter recommended the tabla 1252, a selection of cold cuts and cheeses.

I opted for a cup of refreshing gazpacho that I paired with lentil salad mixed with tomatoes and cabrales cheese. Both items were outstanding in flavor, freshness and portion size.

Then the sautéed shrimp in garlic and olive oil were delivered to the table in a mini cast-iron skillet as well as the chaminones y setas al ajillo – organic mixed mushrooms sautéed with garlic and parsley. The tasty mushrooms were served in the cutest little Le Cruset-style pot!

1252 is a great addition to Market Street – perfect for a shopping break or early evening snack. I’ll definitely be going back to 1252 for another Malbec and that cheese sampler!

¡Buen provecho!