The original Tio Pepe's was the only restaurant permitted to operate along the beaches of Boa Viagem, Piedade, Pina. Definitely one of the best places to have frango asado and a cold beer very economically, especially on weekend afternoons when the ladies were there. I, too, ate at the relocated spot (I believe on Rua Setubal) about a dozen years ago. Galego was there, the food was still good and economical, but alas the 'atmosphere' was gone.
I stayed frequently at Cora's (Seaview) until the late eighties. I believe Cora's son, Renee took the reins from her after she had a heart attack around 1980. Renee bought/rented a small apt building around the corner and made it into another annex which was not as nice but cheaper. I think Cora actually died around mid 80'. Rene later sold the rights to operate the Seaview to some foreigners. I was back in Recife in 2000 but after Cora was no longer in charge, it, like the second Tio Pepe's, did not have the same appeal and I did not bother to even pass by. However, what was really new and nice was how the city cleaned up the red light district along Av. Rio Branco, making it into a tourist area of several blocks and a new 'hip' place to go out in Recife with restaurants, clubs, etc. Very safe too. However, again a lot of the 'flavor' of that area is gone.
A lot of memories of Recife.. was a good place to be back then..
Greg Smith
PE 1972-73
|
