Essex Journal By Maria Zingaro Staff Writer "A mainstay of Newark's dining scene and, indeed, one of the state's most popular eating establishiments, Don Pepe Restaurant, serves up the very best of the cuisine of Spain, with something for everyone. Perhaps above all else, the restaurant is known for its fresh lobster, which is available all year round. Diners have their choice of preparations too. For the purist, there is broiled lobster served with butter. The size of the lobster can range anywhere from a hefty two pounds to a gigantic eight-pound creature." The more adventurous lobster eater can order tender baby lobster tails in piquant hot sauce. Other options include lobster stuffed with crabmeat shrimps and scallops - a delightful cornucopia of shellfish - or, for a more subtle set of flavors, lobster in clam, wine and egg sauce. True to the landlubber side of Spain's culinary tradition, Don Pepe also offers a variety of meats, including filet mignon flambe, broiled sirloin steak served with the specialty sauce of the house and veal chops done in a mouth-watering brandy and mushroom sauce. Of course, no Spanish restaurant can be properly reviewed without consideration given to its paella. Diners at Don Pepe have two choices. Paella a la Valenciana contains a succulent mix of shellfish, chicken and Spanish sausage. Paella Marinera is a scrumptious mix of shellfish only. The paella portions are huge - enough for two people to share. In fact, all of the serving sizes at Don Pepe are so large that leftovers are certain for all but the most voracious of appetites. Even the appetizers are ample, so remember to save room for your main course. Don Pepe's palate-whetters include everything from chorizos - a savory Spanish sausage - to stuffed mussels, the self-described specialty of the house. Most are priced between $7.50 and 8.95. All of Don Pepe's main dishes range in price from $14.50 to $27.50. There is an extensive wine list too. The mural-lined walls of Don Pepe's dining rooms make for a casual but attractive atmosphere and the mood is always lively, since the restaurant is always hopping. For larger groups, Don Pepe 's private party rooms are equipped to handle between 15 and 400 people and can accommodate dancing. Valet parking also is available. Congratulations! Your customers have rated your restaurant as one of the best in the city in the recently published Zagat Survey 2002 Restaurant Guide. In recognition of your restaurant receiving a food rating of 20 or above, we are pleased to present you with a certificate featuring your review. We have also enclosed a Zagat Decal indicating your inclusion in the guide. We hope that you will proudly display these awards in a prominent location in your restaurant in recognition of this significant accomplishment. As you may know, as part of our survey process we solicit the opinions of hundreds of thousands of diners every year. Thus, your customers are really bestowing this award on you. The resulting ratings and comments are the basis for our best-selling guides covering 120 markets worldwide. Again, congratulations. We trust you will take pride in the knowledge that your patrons appreciate your hard work in creating a superior dining experience.