Picasso

That I love Picasso Restaurant & Tapas Bar probably says more about me than it does about the restaurant. It's a pretty dumpy place, and the food isn't particularly sophisticated or well-crafted, and even the service isn't as friendly as it should be (though some people claim otherwise), but I've been there a few times and I find it to be a welcome respite from Betheda-ness with its modest decor, matter-of-fact staff, Spanish tapas and Tex-Mex entrees, and beer, margaritas and sangria to choose from.

The menu doesn't offer much in the way of vegetables, but you can get your daily allowance of meat and dairy. My personal favorite is the Platanos Relleno, fried plantain stuffed with shredded beef and melted cheese. The Quesadillas, Camarones al Ajo, Carnitas and Tamales are all quite good, and you can piece together a very satisfying, if immobilizing, meal. (I can't speak to their entrees as of yet.) You'll get prompt if not enthusiastic attention, and don't be surprised if you have to fight to keep your dishes from being whisked away the minute they're empty, or when you look away from them for a few seconds.

So it's not what most people would consider a "date place," but it's an easy way to duck out of Maryland for a couple of hours. Not because it feels like Spain or Mexico (or Texas), but because it doesn't feel like Jaleo.

Picasso, 4918 Del Ray Avenue, Bethesda, 301.986.0606, Happy Hour Monday-Saturday, 3pm-6pm, half-price beer and complimentary snacks.

Comments

[Thi]

I recently went to Picasso last week after the world cup. My friends and I saw this restaurant on our walk to the bar and decided that we would give it a chance. I first impression when we came in was of complete emptiness. A sign we should have payed more attention to. Still we felt sorry for the restaurant and decided maybe since it was hidden away that is why no one could see it and that accounted for how empty it was. All five of us sat down anyways and decided to try it out. We all placed our orders and waited. They brought out tortilla chips which were so stale and oily and salsa that I was appalled they could be serving at all. When our food came out it was hardly worth it. Everything was thrown together there was barely a taste of authenticity. Chicken was bland, seviche was so tastless and was obviously not fresh. I was so disappointed in all the food and water was never refilled even with what look like a waterboy standing by the bar. The waiter hardly paid any attention to what was going on. Another party came in they looked at us as confused, but by us being there they felt like maybe they could eat here. I wanted desperately to shout out go somewhere else. The waiter could barely even handle the extra group. We were waiting for what seemed like forever when we finally got him to stop and asked the waiter if he could please split the check because I wanted to pay for my friend's poor dinner. I only had a check card. As my friend begins speaking to him in spanish (yes she's the real deal she knows what this food should taste like) all I hear is her saying "Por favor" and him turning his back and saying loudly "No" followed by what I later learned was "No we do not split checks here!". Again we were abandoned waiting for him to come back. He comes back I explained to him I didn't have a ny cash if he could please just put a portion of it on my check card. He proceeds to get frustrated and upset and writes on the table what I owe. I was shocked I had never been treated in such a manner. After speaking nicely and calmly to this man he continued to be rude. I have been in the customer service industry for many years varying from the food industry to health care and I had never felt that if someone was trying to be nice would I be rude to them. So we paid and we decided you know what he did not deserve a tip. We decided to leave $2 which I thought was very kind. To my shock he comes out as we are about to leave and counts everything again. He then turns to us and says "You need to put 15%". Hahaha..I was so surprised and you have to understand I am the one that tips 20-25% to all the waiters. I know the work is hard. But this man did not even deserve a penny. I let him have it I pointed out the poor and disrespectful service he had given us and the quality of food. This man did not even apologize. He even proceeded to talk back. I was shocked. I will never be returning to this restaurant and I will let everyone know what a terrible experience I had. So be aware if you are in the mood for anything good avoid Picassi you will have better luck at Austin Grill.