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Photo by Corey Miller
Chef/owner Mikey Maksimowicz mixes a drink behind the bar.
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Photo by Corey Miller
Grilled Fish Tacos (above) feature mint, cilantro-soy aioli and other flavors.
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Photo by Corey Miller
Hushpuppies (center) come with whipped honey butter and Maldon sea salt.
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Photo by Corey Miller
Baked Chincoteague Clams (left) served on a bed of rock salt.
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Photo by Corey Miller
WBRG Casa Pearl 5
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Photo by Corey Miller
Ceviche (top) is a full flavored dish featuring cucumber, jalapeño and other flavors.
Occupying the remnants of an old Texaco gas station, Casa Pearl: Oysters & Tacos has lovingly transformed an old pit stop–with its shiplap walls and all–into what might be the most happening lunch spot in Williamsburg.
Featuring a menu of small dishes, Casa Pearl does not disappoint. If you’re looking for pages of selections to appease every picky eater in your group, you won’t find that here. What we have instead is a thoughtful, one-page menu of meticulously crafted hybrid dishes. Owner Mikey Maksimowicz’s concept–Latin-inspired with a Southern flair–is something unique to Williamsburg.
My guest and I started with the outstanding Casa Margarita and agreed it was one of the better margaritas we’d had. We shared and very much enjoyed the ceviche, served with avocado, jalapeño and cobia, scooped up with paper-thin taro root chips. It is a worthy departure from a more classic ceviche and makes for a great starter. We couldn’t decide which of the four options of East Coast raw oysters to order, so we got a sampler and tried them all. They were crisp, savory and nicely shucked.
The Baked Chincoteague Clams were heavily topped with basil gremolata, which at first glance seems like it would overpower the whole dish. Surprisingly this was not the case. The combination of clam, Thai sausage, coconut milk and basil come together to form a memorable dish that is creamy and sweet, with a mild clam flavor.
Because Casa Pearl is an oyster bar and taco joint, it makes sense they would marry the two with the Oyster Po’boy Taco. While jalapeño and tomatillo salsa verde give the taco a distinct Latin flavor, the deliciously breaded oysters topped with remoulade lend this taco an undeniable, classic southern po’boy quality, making it a unique and notable dish.
Overall, the service was excellent as were the food and drinks. The diner-meets-bar atmosphere combined with the small dish portion sizes makes Casa Pearl ideal for a fun and tasty lunch spot.
757-208-0149 • eatcasapearl.com
