DeTapas Gastro Pub Opens in Westport with Spanish Tapas

Jessica Ryan March 19, 2022

Westport’s international food scene diversifies with the introduction of authentic Catalonia cuisine. You must head right over to DeTapas Gastro Pub if you haven’t yet been – You’re missing out on some exquisite Spanish cuisine! The new tapas restaurant opened its doors just a few weeks ago.

The vibe is quintessentially and distinctly European. The large mural in bright, boldly-colored tiles imported from Spain along with the clean lines and streamlined interior instantly pull you out of Westport and into a busy little gastropub in the heart of the urban Spanish city.

Owner Carlos Pia, a Barcelona native has enjoyed a lengthy career finance in Ireland, and Miami before relocating to Greenwich where he joined a private equity firm. Shortly thereafter he decided to throw caution to the wind and take a leap of faith to pursue a new passion.

Pia didn’t jump in blindly, however, putting in his time doing his due diligence. Pia would commute to the city to learn the restaurant business by gaining first-hand experience as a host. He then had the opportunity to manage Mercado Little Spain, owned by the esteemed Michelin Star Chef, José Andres* giving him even greater experience. And then COVID hit…

While Covid shuttered many businesses, it also created many new opportunities – Pia begin catering birthdays, anniversaries and other parties bringing his equipment and cuisine to people’s back yards. Word spread quickly and his tapas and paella were soon in great demand!

As restaurants began opening up Pia started searching for the right location for his own eatery. He’d always been fond of Westport and was thrilled when he learned the space at 180 Post Road East was available.

**Contramuslo de Pollo Con Duxell de Mushroom & Jamon**

A few weeks after it first opened we paid our first visit. (Stephanie has been back at least 5 times since!)

After perusing the menu we decided to stick with the tapas. We sampled a couple of the cocktails as well. We started off with Patatas Bravas. These delectable bites of potato accompanied with a spicy tomato sauce and aioli were tender and delicious.

The homemade Croquetas de Jamon Iberica in a white Béchamel sauce served on a fun and whimsical dish (I can’t give it all away!) were sublime – fluffy and cloudlike and each small bite bursting with flavor. If you like shrimp and garlic the Gambas al Ajillo is for you. The succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic, brandy and olive oil are divine. You’ll want to order some extra bread to sop up every last bit of the sauce.

The Crudo de Atun Rojo con Mojo Verde, aceitunas secas y tomate concasse is a fresh light option. The flavors are as vibrant as the dish itself. (If you’re sensitive to cilantro you may want to skip this one.) Octopus lovers shouldn’t skip over this next dish.

Pulpo a la plancha con cremoso de patatas y piemento features a beautifully presented piece of grilled octopus on a light and delicate potato foam and chive mayonnaise.

An unexpected pleasure, and popular menu item is the Contramuslo de Pollo Con Duxell de Mushroom & Jamon. Tender braised chicken thighs covered in a creamy duxelles sauce, serrano ham and truffle puree has a flavor profile that’s quite modern yet almost nostalgic. Lastly we sampled the Albondigas Morunas. We loved the unexpected flavors here as the lamb meatballs take on the wonderful home-made curry sauce, almonds and currents. Surprising and so very pleasant!

While you’re here I highly recommend their cocktails which include Agua de Sevilla made with Redemption Bourbon, Cointreau, pineapple, lemon and cava. G&T aficionados will not be disappointed in the DeTapas G&T made from Tanqueray gin, grapefruit olio, lemon and tonic. Central Madrid is made with Felipe II Brandy, Matcher’s bourbon, a sherry blend and vanilla and orange. The Lounge East features Bacardi rum, cranberry reduction, Cointreau, lemon and egg white.

Reservations strongly recommended

De Tapas is located at 180 Post Road East, Westport CT
They can be reached at:
hola@detapasrestaurant.com

Ph: 203 557 0257

*Chef José Andrés, activist and founder of World Central Kitchen is currently in Poland to helping to serve meals to Ukrainians as they seek refuge in Poland Chef told NBC’s Andrea Mitchell “We've been doing is trying to identify places that are really in need of the most food,” says Andrés. “Everybody in Poland is making sure that the people of Ukraine when they come to safety will be taken care of. I’ve never seen something so big. It seems everybody from schoolteachers, to police, to firefighters, anybody that is anybody here in Poland is at the service of providing relief.”