Greenville Set to Welcome Exciting New Tapas Bar!
Get ready, Greenville! A mouthwatering addition is about to hit our town and it goes by the name of Paseo. This brand new tapas bar and restaurant, brought to life by the dynamic duo Daniel Lopez and Camilo Franco, is slated to open its doors in January at The Commons. With a friendship that spans over a decade, these two are ready to shake up the local food scene with their passion for Spanish cuisine.
A Culinary Friendship
So, how did this all come to be? Well, Daniel and Camilo’s story has its roots in a shared connection that blossomed into a vibrant friendship. “My dad was a minister and his dad was a missionary in Spain who preached at my dad’s church,” Lopez reminisced, highlighting the serendipitous nature of their bond. Their friendship really began to flourish in 2009 when both discovered their mutual passion for food, leading to cozy Sunday dinners that they fondly remember. “No one eats better than our kids,” Lopez chuckled, showing just how deeply this bond has formed over their shared culinary adventures.
After 12 years running a successful catering business, Lopez and Franco felt the time was ripe to take the plunge into the restaurant world. They teamed up with Aston Properties, who saw the potential for a tapas restaurant to fill a much-needed space in the Upstate. “There are no traditional Spanish tapas bars in the Upstate,” Lopez pointed out, and it’s their mission to change that!
What’s Cooking at Paseo?
Located in a bustling 12,000 square-foot food hall, Paseo offers direct access to the scenic Swamp Rabbit Trail, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and enjoyment. With a name that translates to “stroll” in Spanish, you can bet the vibe is as inviting as a stroll through a charming plaza in Spain!
Lopez and Franco have big plans for the menu, emphasizing a philosophy of freshness and quality. “Everything will be made from scratch with imported meats and cheeses,” Lopez assured. Feeling snacky? They’ve got you covered with Spanish delights known as pinxtos. For a taste sensation, try out the gildas—a delightful skewer showcasing Spanish anchovy, piparra pepper, and a plump olive. Or maybe you’d fancy Dátiles con Jamón Serrano, with sweet dates wrapped in savory ham, pan-fried to perfection. Delicious!
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg! You can also find marinated chicken thigh pieces served with garlicky aioli and creamy goat cheese paired with crunchy pistachios—all served on crispy crostini. And let’s not forget the well-curated selection of wines, including sherry and sangria, perfect for washing down those delectable bites.
A Cozy Atmosphere Awaits
With a bar seating around 12-14 and an efficiently designed kitchen, Paseo is set up to cater to all types of diners. “We’ll have some food on display that’s ready to grab-and-go, but we also want to be the perfect spot for those who want to unwind with a glass of wine,” Lopez explained.
Barnes Connell, the managing director of Aston Properties, shared his excitement about the new eatery: “They bring a fresh energy and unique perspective to The Commons with their innovative Mediterranean cuisine,” highlighting how Paseo reflects Greenville’s evolving food scene.
Future Plans
As the opening date approaches, both Lopez and Franco are buzzing with anticipation. They plan to serve lunch and dinner every day of the week and may even host special Sunday dinners featuring ticketed multi-course meals in the future. “We really want to create a place where people can have an elevated food experience while enjoying fantastic wine,” Franco said, perfectly summarizing their vision for Paseo.
So mark your calendars and get ready to treat your taste buds, Greenville! Paseo is just around the corner, and it promises to be the local spot for **great food** and **good times**!
