Turtle Bay News
Ernesto Morel's more than 25 years as proprietor of La Mediterranée began when he stopped in at the establishment in the spring of 1980 and asked if he could buy a drink at the bar. "Not only can you buy a drink, you can buy the whole restaurant." Ernesto recalls the owner of the then-struggling bistro replying. Fresh from a five-year stint as the maitre d' at La Mangeoire, Ernesto did just that. He refurbished the space, commissioned handsome murals of the South of France; hired a chef specializing in Provencal cuisine: and within months La Mediterranée had become the popular neighborhood eatery that it remains today. Many loyal customers go back to La Mediterranée's first days. But Ernesto says his clientele also reflects younger residents who are moving into some of the new apartrnent buildings in the neighborhood. "I'm happy with the change I'm seeing here in Turtle Bay." he says, "It's bringing in young working families and that's good for all the merchants." Marino Ospina, chef since 1987, serves a wide range of specialties. including bouillabaisse, cassoulet, couscous and game. A recent addition to La Meditenrranee is a bar in the front of the restaurant, where customers can also dine. Pianist Harold Jon plays romantic classics until 10:30 p.m.; then piped-in music at the bar takes on a more modern beat.
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