First time having Spanish food.
We had seen when Casa Vicente opened a couple of months ago, and had been meaning to stop in, but it wasn't until a recent Thursday that we got the chance.

Not having had Spanish food before, we didn't quite know what to expect as far as vegetarian food goes (we are both vegetarian), but we figured there would be a couple of items at least.

After looking over the menu, we noticed that they do offer up a vegetarian paella, in addition to more traditional paella. Unfortunately, the paellas all take an hour, and they are for four people (you can call ahead to order, and it'll be ready when you arrive). Having neither the time, nor the extra two people we moved on down the menu. In the tapas section (tapas are small dishes of food, enough to get a good taste, but without getting overly full) we noticed quite a number of items that contained meat.

About that time, our friendly waiter came by to describe the specials, and we described our quandry. He quickly pointed out a number of tapas that were, or could be made, vegetarian. He also suggested that 4, or so tapas is generally good for two people and left us to decide.

About that time a plate of fried potato pieces arrived as an appetizer. These were similar to home fries, but crispier and quite tasty.

For dinner we decided on Lentil soup, and three tapas: Tortilla Espanola (traditional spanish frittata), Pisto Casellano (a vegetable stew), and Berenjenas Salteadas (sauteed eggplant). All were very good, the eggplant was thinly slided and lightly battered. The frittata was light, and had a smattering of potatoes mixed in, and the vegetable stew had a dark flavorful broth. The lentil soup was also quite good, with a slightest hint of spice to make it interesting.

After finishing that, we ordered dessert. One of us had the flan, which came with a coffee-based sauce. The bitterness of the sauce set off the creamy texture of the flan very well. The other had a chocolate tort, which wasn't quite as good; a bit on the dense side, but definately not something you would complain about.

Overall, the food was very good, and we'll being going back. Next time we'll call ahead and order the paella.    [07 Sep 2005 22:57:06]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Tapas

     ­Tucson's Local Couple (www.tucson.halversen.com)   

Willl Give It One More Try
Had heard that Casa Vicente was really a find for Spanish food. I invited two friends and we arrived at 6:30 p.m. on a Thurs. evening. The ambience is nice, clean, and the guitarist played in the background (not loud). We ordered three different tapas, a carafe of sangria, and paella (which was on the menu that night). The tapas were ok - the sangria was tasteless, the glasses were filled with finely diced fruit.

The much anticipated paella was the worst we've ever had. The rice did not appear (nor taste) to have any saffaron or any noticeable spices whatever. It looked like white rice cooked with tomatoes and peas, and topped with a couple of mussels and shrimp and a bit of chicken mixed into the rice. We were very disappointed. Home cooked Spanish rice is 100% more flavorful.

When we arrived a waiter immediately took us to our table and asked about drinks. He was attentive until the food was served - after which he was around serving and taking orders, but I don't recall his coming by to see if everything was ok. We waited quite a long time for the bill (we had to get his attention). The restaurant was not very busy at the time we arrived. Customers did come in during the time we were there. Our waiter was not the only server - there was a young waitress and another young man clearing tables. All the servers were pleasant - though ours was not too attentive.

I may give this restaurant one more try - its' not fair to shut the door after only one visit. Hopefully, I'll change my opinion.    [08 Mar 2006 15:14:45]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: not the thursday paella

     ­Anonymous   

Wow, what a great find!
We have a lot of fond memories of our trip to Spain so our expectations were high. Casa Vicente definitely delivered!

We were there on a Friday night and had a wonderful time. The food was fantastic (we ordered many tapas, and Mahi-Mahi to share), the service was knowledgeable (th bartender helped us decide on which wine to order) and attentive.

The whole staff seemed like they were all part of the family. The flamenco show was an added plus. The place was packed. What a wonderful evening. We look forward to bringing out of town guests to this special place.    [28 May 2006 23:11:45]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Mushrooms, Shrimp with garlic, Mahi-Mahi

     ­Tucson Resident