Week: Thur. July 6th, 2006
I spotted at least one media person puffing on a hookah pipe on each of my last two visits to Ibiza. For those of you who don’t know, Ibiza is the latest tapas restaurant to open its doors in our trendy city that seems to wildly breed tapas eateries. The restaurant’s stunning design is the handy work of Design Avenue, the same people who recently renovated Baraonda.
Rafih Benjelloun and wife Rita, who also own Imperial Fez, opened Ibiza, which is named after the Spanish owned island in the Mediterranean Sea. Given the location of the island there is a strong Greek influence in both the food and culture.
And just like the Ibiza island getaway, Ibiza the restaurant is heavily Spanish with a strong Mediterranean influence. The menu is divided out into hot plates and small plates – all smartly priced under $10.
My absolute favorite of all the offerings is the Smoked Salmon and eggs with a scattering of capers and onions, but it’s the nutty Argan oil that sets this dish on a pedestal above the rest.
You’re So Cold
While you’re on the cold side, skip the Sesame Seed Crab Claws (the sesame overpowers) but make sure you don’t miss the Asparagus with roasted garlic and warm creamy goat cheese. And the Spanish omelet is killer.
What’s Hot?
On the hot side of the menu Scallops arrive bathing in the most delicate saffron cream sauce I’ve ever eaten and a rich plate of Butter Mascarpone Chicken is rife with Spanish paprika.
Hook-ah!
Every night on the front patio the hookah pipes are passed around for all to share. Kick back, relax, and give the apple and raspberry and try.
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Salmon, eggs and capers w/nutty Argan oil
Type of Cuisine: Spanish/Mediterranean Tapas
Address/Tel: 2285 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta Tel: 404-352-3081
Recommended Dishes: Scallops, Lamb Chops, Salmon and Eggs, Spanish Omelette,
Pricing: All dishes below $10
Hours:
Sun - Thurs: 5:30m - 11pm
Fri & Sat: 5:30pm - 2am
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