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'Mocktails' and Tapas on Menu at Mediterranean Eatery on 145th Street

By Gustavo Solis | May 22, 2015 2:30pm | Updated on May 26, 2015 8:57am

HARLEM — When the State Liquor Authority wouldn't grant a full liquor license to a new wine bar on West 145th Street, the owners had to get creative with their drink selection.

Peque, a new Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar opening next month at 231 W. 145th St., was refused a liquor license because of its proximity to the Union Baptist Church, located just across the street. 

So the owners are working around it by instead offering wine cocktails made with vino, fruits and herbs, said co-owner Paul Morejon.

“The church is pretty cool about it,” he said. “One of the people said that Jesus drank wine so they don’t have a problem with it.

"We did something really cool that is sort of like a Mojito but it doesn’t have any liquor,” Morejon continued.

Another challenge is the size of the space, which doesn't even have room for a pantry to store ingredients, according to the restaurant's chef, Marla Rose.

That's why they've decided to stick to small dishes — with the theme being what one would encounter on a road trip from Barcelona to Paris, he said.

“We have to maximize all of our ingredients,” Rose said. “We are trying to use every ingredient three or four different ways.”

For instance, the eatery plans plan to serve potatoes at least four different ways, she said, adding that menu will feature classic Spanish tapas like garlic shrimp, meatballs and Spanish tortillas.

Throughout the last year, Rose has been experimenting with the menu — holding tastings out of her home, where “people basically tell me what’s wrong with my food,” she joked.

In addition to the "mocktails," the restaurant will serve wines from Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Turkey and Lebanon, Morejon said.

The space, former home of Mountain Bird restaurant, is still being renovated, but Morejon said he hopes to open in June.

Both Rose and Morejon grew up in the neighborhood and live a few blocks away from Peque. They chose the space because there is nothing like it in the neighborhood, where dining options are primarily fast food, Rose said.

“We have Dunkin' Donuts, Popeye’s, Jimbo’s,” Rose said. “There are a lot of takeout options, but there is nowhere to sit down and enjoy your meal.”

Morejon grew up on 125th Street and Broadway, back when there were not a lot of dining options in the area. He thinks of 145th Street now as a version of what 125th Street was years ago. 

“I hope we are going to be that standout location that the neighborhood needs,” he said. “A lot of neighbors have been stopping by and are telling us that they are very excited about the whole thing.”