08/29/09

Stay away from this cheap garbage

by hellkitten

I have had two experiences with this over rated dump.

The first was when my grand mother came to visit for my birthday. Being from St. Pete, and the fact that I had always wanted to try Pepin, we decided to go there. BIG mistake! I can honestly say (and they did nothing service wise to anger me) that this is the most disappointing and over rated restaurant I have EVER visited. You are better off going to Mc Donalds. The lemonade I ordered was obviously crystal light powdered lemonade. Ugh! When I was in high school, I worked at the mall at Steak Escape. Even there - at the mall, we made authentic lemonade every day, from fresh lemons. Not here! It was awful. But worse, it was obvious that we all were eating dry, nasty leftovers from probably the previous day, or days. It was AWEFUL! Dry, flavorless, and the food just looked OLD. As in, cooked a day or two before and warmed up in the microwave. I could not believe how awful the food was, and the fact that they tried to pass off obviously pre-cooked leftovers. Nasty was not even beginning to describe the quality of the food. My second experience with this dump was when a group I was working with catered from them for lunch (much to my dismay). Besides the fact that they did not provide silverware, plates, napkins, condiments, etc, the food was again of the same cheap lowest possible quality. Cheapest ingredients, mostly rice and very little chicken, and powdered tea. This restaurant is a disgrace to whatever legacy they hold onto. They use the cheapest ingredients possible, pile on the "filler's" leaving out the meat, etc, and do not hesitate to cut corners and serve you something cooked day(s) before, warmed in a microwave! I called to complain (which honestly I hate doing) but it was honestly THAT BAD. Fast food offers a more rewarding experience than this over priced over rated dump. I would NEVER again think about eating anything from Pepin, and will do anything I can to persuade anyone from wasting there time and money. For the record, the service was ok, and I do not really have any bad feelings about the place. But never the less, I fully believe that if you are paying for food, especially from a well known restaurant, then you should not be paying for the cheapest ingredients and leftovers. There food is truly garbage and the chef should be fired. This place should be on the tv show "kitchen nightmares", seriously! Don't waste your time or money.

• Pros: none
• Cons: they cut every corner possible

07/10/07

Romesco Sauce!

by Nonie3234

This is our favorite restaurant - my husband and I eat here for every special occasion - and sometimes just because. My favorite is the pasta with Romesco Sauce. Where else can you get Romesco Sauce? I've never seen it anywhere else. My husband likes what he calls "fish in a bag". I forget what they call it on the menu, but it is fish cooked in parchment and is just great. We have tried almost all of the appetizers (tapas) and they are all delicious. I kind of don't like the "famous" salad, because it's a little too vinegary for my taste. DO NOT MISS their custard - with a crunchy crust of caramel on top! Yum! Writing this review is making me hungry!

In short - we've been eating here for years, and have never had a bad meal. We've always found the service okay - sometimes really outstanding, and sometimes just adequate - but never lacking.

• Pros: Tapas, desserts, lots of flavor in the entrees
• Cons: Price is a little steep, but okay for special occasions.

02/23/07

Great Atmosphere. Friendly staff. Paella is outstanding.

by eaglei

Pepin's is a great palce to dine. They have awesome banquet facilities along with a piano bar on the weekends. One of the last places in town that still free pours. Sangria is top notch. End the night with

a cappuccino.