Peninsula Brings Spanish, Portuguese and French Flavors to East Nashville

Another one of the fall’s most anticipated openings is ready for its debut tonight, as Peninsula, a 35-seat restaurant and bar focusing on the flavors of the Iberian Peninsula, will have its first official service to the general public starting at 5 p.m.

Located at 1035 West Eastland Ave. in the ground floor of the newly built The Eastland apartment complex, Peninsula is the first venture from Craig Schoen, Yuriko Say and Jake Howell, a trio of industry veterans that spent time together working in restaurateur Renee Erickson’s Seattle restaurant empire.

Leaning heavily on Spanish, Portuguese and French influences, executive chef Jake Howell has created a varied opening menu, with dishes ranging from the lighter cucumber with salmon roe and lemon to heartier offerings such as braised rabbit with garlic broth and piment d'Espelette, a type of pepper found in France’s Basque Country.

On the beverage front, Craig Schoen has crafted what must surely be the first gin and tonic menu in town, offering eight different varieties at $9 each. Additional specialty cocktails and a European heavy wine list with options by the glass and bottle round things out.

Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with both reservations and walk-ins accepted.