Siete Ocho Siete

While driving along Pelham Road looking for this place, we almost missed it as we were driving past this small shopping area.  Siete Ocho Siete (787 : Puerto Rico's area code) was formerly Mamma Francesca.  They have a metal plate that says Mamma Francesca (and the year) at the entrance to the restaurant. 787 seems like a Don Coqui, Sofrito, Sazon kinda place. Heard some good reviews on it.  And a sign outside said $12 LUNCH.  Thought hey, that seems fair, right?

So we opted for lunch.  It was nice and quiet and empty.  BF and I sat alongside the marina overlooking the docked boats.  Windows open.  Nice slight breeze. I inquired with the waitstaff about the $12 LUNCH.  It's just saying that their entrees begin at $12.  Ohhh....

Anyway, we ordered:

Appetizer : Crab Cakes - too mushy, too much red/green pepper taste, aioli sauce was just ok.

My entree: Sauteed shrimp in wine and a tomato sauce - not a fan; accompanied by white rice - also slightly mushy (didn't eat it)

BF entree - Pernil with arroz con gandules and tostones - he said the Pernil was good, I tried the arroz con gandules - they were good; the tostones - dry

For drinks : I had the passion sangria.  It was delicious however I didn't taste the alcohol really. AND what it did taste like was those cans of Libby's peach juices.  I do like those.  Do you? LOL

I wouldn't mind coming back to enjoy the dancing and music perhaps.  We'll see...

Very good Puerto Rican cuisine with nice decor.  Great brunch at very reasonable cost for what you get.  Used to be a lounge setting at night, not anymore.  However, I think management is trying hard to set that u again.

We came here for a friend's birthday on a Saturday night and boy was it fun! We sat at the lounge area and ordered their appetizer plate special, which was $20 and two pitchers of sangria at $40 each. All the appetizer samples were super delicious and packed with flavor, and the sangria? OMG AMAZING!

From the spanish music playing to the chill and upscale ambience, this place is a winner in my book!