Tio Pepe, a very popular and charming Italian restaurant on 117 South Shore, Southampton has enjoyed 20 years of success. It is a relaxed place with outdoor tables and umbrellas and a very interesting inside adored by repeat customers — both locals and tourists.

In honour of their anniversary, the manager, Enrique Maresma, said they will be offering a 20th anniversary dinner special menu on April 20. Reservations are strongly recommended for this extraordinary evening.

“We are very proud of our restaurant and we are offering a special menu to commemorate our success. We will prepare a special menu for our devoted patrons with everything from lobster bisque to seafood crepes, shrimp cocktail, or Caesar salad. This will be followed by grilled fish or roast rack of lamb, stuffed chicken breast, roast duck, filetto of beef, or Ossobuco Milanese, followed by dessert and coffee or tea for $45.75,” he said.

When the restaurant started in 1982 two partners ran it but the current owner, Manuel Sequeros, depends on Mr. Maresma — a 20-year employee, along with Noris Fernandes, who serves as senior waiter in charge.

Mr. Maresma originates from Barcelona, Spain and he started working in the family catering business just one month short of his 14th birthday.

“Originally my family chose my career for me. I began working at an early age and the longer I worked the more I enjoyed it so I have carried on all these years. I still love it!”

After turning 18 Mr. Maresma left Spain to work in one of the top ten hotels of Germany, Schloss-Hotel Wilhelmshohe.

He then dedicated 11 years in London at the Excelsior Hotel at London airport. Throughout his career he has received numerous awards of distinction such as the Forte Airport Service Limited for being “conscientious and achieving perfection in work”.

He worked also at a famous restaurant owed by a count in London called La Pomme d’amour.

“This one was located near the BBC studios and I met many writers and film critics. They loved our restaurant and you never knew who you were going to meet from one day to the next. It was quite interesting,” he said. He holds a certificate also from the City and Guilds of London Institute, with distinction.

When Mr. Maresma was asked to describe himself he was hesitant, but co-worker, Mr. Fernandes, used words such as “busy, self-motivated, creative, patient, and having a sense of humour”.

“It is satisfying running a successful business and learning new things all the time to make the business even more successful,” Mr. Maresma said. “It takes a while to perfect any business but one of the most important lessons to learn, regardless of the business, is the ability to listen to others, both agreed. “We are perfecting things all the time. We update our menus and we know what our regular customers like.” “We know them by name and they enjoy a great meal.

“Tio Pepe is the best all around now with super staff, established customers, and a great location. We have very good food, very good service and this is a great place to relax,” Mr. Maresma said.

The staff are impressive and they work well as a team. One of the reasons that things run so smoothly is the servers are well trained and they are taught how the dishes are made.

“It is vital that our servers know how the food is prepared and know how it tastes. When they know how something tastes they can make suitable recommendations to the clients,” both gentlemen said.

Tio Pepe is famous for its fresh home made pizzas and the Bermuda Special is a favourite amongst locals, and includes hamburger, sausage, onion and cheese for $13.75, while the Tio Pepe Special is tomato sauce, shrimps, anchovies, mushrooms and cheese for the same price.

Their salads are fresh and delicious, ranging from $6.50 to $11.50. They offer a mixed tossed salad, a Spinach salad with Italian dressing and the Caesar of course. There is also a Caesar salad with chicken.

There are numerous delicious choices to choose from be it lunch or dinner. The Italian specialities are numerous and the pasta is fresh every day.

Spaghetti Bolognese, Lasagne Bolognese, Ravioli Sorrentina,Penne, and Fettuccine Alfredo will tempt you at lunchtime for around $13.50.

Lunch soups are popular and the choices are usually minestrone, gazpacho andaluz (cold), French Onion, and Bermuda Fish Chowder all for $5.50.

They offer an extensive lunch menu from pasta to omelettes, pan-fried fish of the day, hamburgers, and chicken in the basket. Their hearty sandwiches include; turkey, tuna, ham and cheese and chopped egg, all served with French fries for just $7.75.

During the evening you will be amazed at the vast selection of antipasti (hot and cold) such as fried squid or baked snails with garlic and butter, red wine and pernod or smoked salmon served with capers, onions and fresh lemon. Prices vary, with the most expensive being $14.75.

If you are vegetarian they offer a corner on the menu just for you such as the Melanzane alla Parmigiana — eggplant baked in tomato sauce, basil and cheese for $15.75.

Main courses for evening are vast and include pasta, meat, veal, chicken, and Bermuda and imported fish — the minimum charge for dinner is $19.75 person.

If you like seafood their Scampi and Scallops Innamorati sautéed with cognac, paprika and fresh shallots are superb and cost $28.50.

Mr. Maresma said Tio Pepe will be offering “Spring Dinner Specials”, such as fresh oysters and clams for $13.75 and various entrees such as Sugo di Gamberi — Tiger shrimps simmered in marinara sauce, served with penne pasta for $20.75 or grilled Rock Fish for $25.75.

Special drinks such as Margaritas, Tequila or Limon by the glass or pitcher are great, as are the Pina Coladas and Strawberry Daiquiris. Also you can order Swizzle, and Uncle Joe’s by the glass or pitcher or Spanish Sangria.

They offer an extensive, fine wine menu with wines from around the world. You can order house wine by the glass, half carafe or a whole carafe for $23.

“Reservations are always recommended to avoid disappointment, especially during the tourist season. We get many guests from the surrounding hotels. Families like our menu flexibility. Romantic couples hold hands while sipping a fine Chardonnay. We offer something nice for everyone,” added Mr. Maresma.

Tio Pepe is open seven days a week, from noon until 10 p.m. in the winter, and from 11 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. in the summer.