A restaurant with Spanish flair opened Oct. 2 in Tappan.
Lugo Steakhouse, which takes over the space formerly occupied by Il Portico, is a new concept from Benny Castro, who owns Basque Tapas in Piermont and Tarrytown.
Castro said opening a Spanish steakhouse has been on his "restaurant bucket list" for a while so he was thrilled to find something so close to his Piermont place. Being nearby, however, meant offering something different while still featuring Spanish flavors and seasonings. So while there are similarities between his two Rockland spots — they're Spanish themed after all — he's made tweaks to the dishes so they are not exactly the same.
What's on the menu at Lugo Steakhouse
Among the modifications
are the addition of jumbo shrimp to the Gambas al Ajillo (shrimp with garlic sauce) appetizer (they're not as large at Basque), using whole leg octopus (you don't get the whole leg at the other restaurants) and adding crab claws in garlic sauce to the tapas menu. As with Basque you'll find the same sangria, in red, white and cava versions as well as an all-Spanish wine list.
This being a steakhouse, meat is front and center with a porterhouse, bone-in ribeye and tomahawk. Castro said meats are cooked simply, with coarse sea salt and black pepper, to let the steaks shine. They're also seared before they go in the broiler to better retain their juices.
You'll also find an assortment of surf and turf options including an 18-ounce New York strip with Gambas a la Plancha and a roasted filet mignon with a broiled 2-pound lobster. You can also get the lobster as a separate entree steamed, stuffed or broiled.
Other standouts are the Ibérico ribs, with pork imported from Spain; Castro's version of a Spanish baked potato with Manchego cheese and crispy ham (also imported from Spain); Vierias al Ajillo (scallops done casino-style with garlic sauce); Pimientos de Pequillo (caramelized piquillo peppers) and Pulpo a la Brasa, grilled octopus tentacles. There's also Pulpo a la Gallega, a traditional Galician octopus.
Galicia was Castro's inspiration as that area has recently become more recognized for its beef. In the northwestern city of Lugo, in particular, residents take pride in how they raise their animals, which is why Castro named the restaurant for that region, he explained. His goal was to mix both the seafood Spain has always been known for with the beef they're now being touted for.
"I thought putting the two together would be a perfect blend," he said.
Adding a Spanish accent to the décor
First, though, he had to turn a circa 1800s-style home in Tappan's historic area into one with a Spanish ambiance. To do that mainly meant cosmetic changes, adding some exposed brick behind the bar and infusing the space with a host of maroon, red and black, both on the walls and with the furniture. Wood tables are complemented by cushioned red chairs with black backs while black banquettes round out other tables, making for cozy corners.
An assortment of Spanish art, including those of matadors, bulls, women and wine line the walls as does a red and black patterned wallpaper leading to the second floor dining rooms where you'll also find a knight and, in one room, a wine display.
Said Castro: "This was a dream of mine, to put together a real authentic Spanish steakhouse. It was on my bucket list for a long time so it's great to see it come to life."
If you go
Address: 89 Main St., Tappan, 845-613-8140, lugosteakhouse.com.
Hours: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday to Friday; 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and to 9 p.m. Sunday
Good to know: Reservations for six or more only; though that will most likely change to four or more in November. Outdoor dining has room for 12 on the front porch.
Private dining: There's two rooms on the second floor with various configurations; one room can hold up to 34; the other 18.
Historic news: Lugo is located in the Bartow Van Wardt building which dates to 1850 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Stay tuned for Il Portico news: Peppe Pinton who ran Il Portico for 40 years (and who restored the 1800s house Lugo is in) said to look for pop-ups down the road including a possible new location.
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Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Spanish steakhouse opens in Rockland
