South Florida Sun Sentinel
Sep 09, 2021 6:21 PM
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This week on Let’s Go, South Florida host Arlene Borenstein visits Patio Tapas and Beer.
Watch Let’s Go, South Florida: In this week’s video meet Maria Fregosi, who nominated Patio Tapas and Beer in Boca Raton in our first special edition of Dish Your Neighborhood Gem. To nominate your own favorite spot, submit a short video and fill out the nomination form at SunSentinel.com/letsgo. You may be invited to be featured in Let’s Go, South Florida in the coming months.
Maria Fregosi and her husband, Brian, tasted the small plates at Patio Tapas and Beer in Boca Raton a few years ago and thought the food had a similar feel and flavor as one of their favorites.
“When we first started going to Patio, the bold Spanish flavors reminded us of Jose Andres’ traditional menu at the Bazaar in Miami Beach,” said Fregosi, who nominated Patio for Let’s Go, South Florida’s Dish Your Neighborhood Gem edition. “As we got to know the chef, we were not surprised to learn he had trained under Jose Andres.”
Chef Bryant Fajardo cooks on a hot stove at Patio Tapas and Beer in Boca Raton. (Michael Laughlin/Sun Sentinel)
Their instincts were right. Patio Tapas and Beer chef-owner Bryant Fajardo trained under the acclaimed Spanish chef at The Bazaar in Beverly Hills.
The Colombian-born chef said he fell in love with Spanish food and brought his skills to South Florida, opening Patio in 2015.
Fregosi, her husband and their 22-year-old son Carson have eaten there almost every other week for several years.
Maria Fregosi at Patio Tapas and Beer on Wednesday, September 1, 2021. (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
“Patio is one of our favorites because of the casual vibe. It is really exclusively outside on the patio,” said Fregosi, who loves the montaditos, a traditional Spanish dish that is similar to a small sandwich. Fajardo opts for an open-face version, mounting a baguette with different savory toppings. You can see him build one on this week’s Let’s Go, South Florida.
Patio Tapas and Beer specializes in tapas like these lamb montaditos. (Michael Laughlin/Sun Sentinel)
“We enjoy so many of them! The duck, churrasco, lamb, and pan con tomate are some favorites,” said Fregosi, who also loves the chef’s octopus dishes and gazpacho.
The Fregosis, who live in Boca Raton, like to bring wine from their own collection (and pay a $15 corkage fee) or enjoy Patio’s traditional sangria.
Patio, Tapas and Beer is at 205 SE First Ave., Boca Raton. Hours are noon to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. Happy hour is 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday to Friday. 561-419-7239, patiotapasandbeer.com
Let’s Go, South Florida host Arlene Borenstein enjoys tapas with Maria, Brian and Carson Fregosi at Patio Tapas and Beer in Boca Raton. (Michael Laughlin/Sun Sentinel)
