Tacos? Topless? No. Spanish Tapas!

Of all the locations for a new Spanish tapas restaurant, why Southside Virginia?

“I was looking for a place to retire, and I found this perfect spot for my chestnut and garlic farm” near Natalie, says Francisco “Paco” Arrocha. “I really liked the area and decided to open a restaurant too.” Located at 306 Main Street in South Boston, it’s called Paco’s Restaurant & Lounge.

 

There’s no questioning his credentials for Spanish cooking. Arrocha operated or cooked in restaurants in Spain for years before coming to this country, opening his own in Miami in July 2000 and another in 2006.  He sold those and came here with his wife, Miriabal Fragas, who helps at the restaurant.

 

So far the response has been quite good to many of his dishes, not normally served in Southside Virginia: Ceviche, cod fritters, piquillos peppers stuffed with beef, octopus and Spanish omelette and some traditional American favorites too.

 

Says Denise Hudson, “the bolinhos de bacalhau is reminiscent of those I have enjoyed in Spain and Portugal.  Grilled octopus is off the chart and perfectly done. Mushrooms with garlic, pork cheeks braised to perfection, beautifully sliced jamon and more. “

Says Alejandra Martinez, “The food we tasted was all phenomenal. Can’t wait to go back.”

The spacious restaurant is full of light, with a long bar not part of the dining room. Spanish paintings adorn the bright walls. Pin lights are hung over each table. Arrocha did a lot of the renovation work on the old building himself. He plans to build a wine cellar.

When my friend Jean Winston told me about the planned restaurant several years ago, I had trouble believing it. I told my wife, Pickett, who was ecstatic.

Pickett spent a year in Spain as a college student and adores Spanish food. She kept in touch with Arrocha and got him to cater three parties at our bed &breakfast for her former classmates. The paellas he served were delicious. And the flan. Ahh!  The group that studied in Spain said that his paella was the best they had ever had. I knew the restaurant would be a success.

Arrocha has brought in three chefs from the Andalusia section of Spain. The serving staff, though, is mostly local, including some high school students.

I told friends about the plans. “Topless? Really? In South Boston?” several of them said. My granddaughter was expecting tacos. “No. no, tapas—they are a variety of small dishes served at the table rather than one plate with all your food.” There are full main courses as well.

I think Paco’s gregarious personality and his heavy Spanish accent will add to the restaurant’s appeal. He seems to be great friends with practically everyone.

Though the restaurant is open now Tuesday through Saturday, 4-10 p.m., a grand opening is planned on Saturday June 1, when the menu is expanded. He plans to change the menu every two weeks, unheard of in Southside. When coming on weekends, I recommend making a reservation (434-471-7025).

Arrocha has other plans: using his porch at the rear of the restaurant for public events and teaching local people Spanish cooking once a month.

The first dish he is likely to teach is tortilla espanol, made up mostly of eggs and potatoes “I want to transmit to the people that preparation of food is very special,” he says. “I am a normal guy with a positive attitude and all the time thinking of the future.”