Community Corner
WEPA! Opens in St. Petersburg Warehouse Arts District
Cocina de Puerto Rico To Spotlight Authentic Family Dishes
From WEPA: WEPA! Cocina de Puerto Rico, a celebration of the cuisine of Puerto Rico, is in its soft opening at 2149 3rd Ave. South in St. Petersburg’s Warehouse Arts District, and it officially opens April 26.
A portion of April 26 grand opening sales will be donated to PRxPR, a no-overhead nonprofit organization that provides support for hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico.
The concept is authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, according to owner Jean Totti. WEPA! is the vision of Totti, who was born and raised in Puerto Rico. The menu items are based on handwritten family recipes going back three generations.
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“WEPA! (pronounced Weh-pah) is a word of jubilation commonly used by Puerto Ricans,” says Totti. “The word is used especially as something is celebrated.”
Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Totti believes his passion for food was born from many afternoons by his mother and grandmother’s side in the kitchen. He used to visit the public market with his father to select fresh ingredients from the butcher and vegetable stands.
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“Working with these recipes for months, we’ve selected a range of dishes that will represent our culinary history,” Totti adds. “Each menu item is made to order.”
Executive Chef Dan Varga is a corporate and executive chef and a highly skilled butcher. He was also selected as a participating chef in Flavored Nation, a 50-chef collaborative event featuring a dish from each state. He took part in James Beard Celebrity Chef Tour Dinner in Columbus, Ohio, in 2018.
Diners can experience Puerto Rican street foods known as ”picadera.” In addition, traditional menu items include Masitas de Cerdo, Mofongo, Pernil and Chicharrones de Pollo from the island. We’ll also offer specials including Paella and Pasteles.
WEPA! seats 30 people in the dining room. 24 outside. Hours of operation for dinner are Tuesday-Sunday 5-9 p.m. Lunch is served Tuesday-Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
For more information, go to Facebook @WEPAsaintpete or www.WEPAstpete.com
