Sur Real-Trendy and flavorful South American cuisine has made it to Tucson!

Paella (Credit: Renee Bracamonte/Tucson Citizen)

Sur Real offers wonderful cuisine in a trendy, upscale environment with great city views.  Sur Real is located in the old Soleil space across from La Encantada, however if you went to Soleil, you would never recognize the space.  The space is now wide open with vibrant colors, LED lights and screens that provide light and color and lush décor.  The cuisine is influenced by cuisine from Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Cuba, Venezuela, and Mexico and the menu reflects this variety.  Appetizers here are definitely not just something to eat while your entrée cooks.  The Hot Stones appetizer allows you to cook your own thinly sliced strips of tenderloin on very hot stones right at your table to your desired doneness.  Chimichurri sauce, salsa ranchera, salsa verde, cracked black pepper and sea salt are provided to allow you to season however you please.  This is both interactive and delicious!  Other great appetizer options include Shrimp and Lobster Ceviche and Shrimp Cancun-Large Gulf Shrimp marinated in achiote and orange, then wrapped in bacon.

Entrees are diverse with bold flavors and large portions.  Bring your appetite and expect leftovers or plan on splitting.  The only problem with splitting though is that you will limit the number of excellent dishes you get to try!  The Sur Real Paella is a star, served in its own Paella bowl with a generous helping of Gulf shrimp, clams, chicken and Spanish chorizo sausage.  One of the least expensive, yet surprisingly flavorful dishes, is the Mole Poblano Turkey which features a wonderful authentic Mole sauce.  The Brazilian influence means meat and lots of it with a wide selection of meats served Churrasqueria style.  If you love meat, this is the dish for you.  I saved my dipping sauces from the Hot Stones and stuffed myself with a heavenly, well seasoned and perfectly cooked selection of four meats.  I would not call Sur Real a “bargain” spot, but I do believe the prices accurately reflect the quality of ingredients, preparation and decor.

Sur Real is also a great spot to party, with a large bar and a long list of wines, signature drinks and unique beers.  The bar serves the full menu until a limited, yet fun, late night menu takes over at 10pm.  On Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, a DJ provides upbeat music on the dance floor starting at 10pm.  Sur Real has several different “moods” that can be changed through the use of the lights, LED screens and music.  During the lunch hour, the mood is business like, yet trendy with a menu that is more limited and quicker to serve.   Dinner hours before 10pm offer a “passionate” mood with vibrant colors and sexy music.  I would highly recommend Sur Real for a great date spot in Tucson!  After 10pm, the mood becomes more “upbeat” and the music rises in volume and tempo for a great spot to party.  Pick your preferred “mood” and give Sur Real a try, you’ll relish the experience.

Sur Real
3001 E Skyline Dr # 133
Tucson, AZ 85718-2145
(520) 529-2644
www.surreal.com
Hours:11 a.m.-12 a.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday-Sunday; Dinner is served until 10 p.m.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 28th, 2009 at 11:00 am and is filed under Tucson Restaurants. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.