- ★★★★
How authentic is authentic?
One evening, when my partner and I went to a restaurant that serves “authentic” Spanish cuisine (mixed with Filipino), I was undeniably disappointed. First and foremost, two of the specific cuisines they offer are supposed to be amped up with flavors because Spanish people once hailed towards far Asia to search for spices specifically here in the Philippines, and this should be elementary, but it results to a bland taste, which for me is unrighteous. And second, the price does not compensate the offers.
And then we have Ipar’s: Authentic Spanish Cuisine restaurant at Ramos St., Cebu City, (along the Velez University road) which is also offers “authentic” Spanish cuisine. I have a Hispanic blood, so I shall judge… (hehe)
Ipar’s has long been famous for obvious articles boastfully posted on their walls with the owner/chef’s in it. Ipar’s has been praised due to the dishes that is closely or a true replica of a certain dish from Spain, since the chef himself has studied thoroughly on why do Spanish cuisine ticks to millions of people around the globe.
I applaud the place.
It’s a real Hispanic interior; impressive, from its huge Spanish-restaurant rodeo cloth hanging above the high ceiling to their cooking pans that hung on the walls which gives the exact feel of a Spanish kitchen.
They have an array of canvass posted together with the pans and some Hispanic photographs and artifacts that makes you feel you’re in the right place.
I love how Ipar’s makes you feel like you’re not in the Philippines but in Spain. It’s a true plus point.
Now to their Food. They have a Spanish menu, which will be awkward if it’s not, that are separated according to their kind, whether it’s Carnes (Pork, Beef, Lambs), Ensaladas (Salads), Aves (Fowl/Chicken) or Pescado Y Mariscos (Fish and Shellfish) … (wow, so proud of me mentioning these Spanish words).
Try their Pechuga en Salsa (Chicken breast in cream sauce topped with sliced mushroom)… should I explain further? Anyway, it’s very tasteful. I love the overpowering saltiness that gives it a wow factor. This will cost you P180.00
Also their Chuletas de Cerdo al Ajillo which are porkchops sautéed in garlic sauce that costs P200.00. This is very delicious. The garlic sauce is a perfect component in this dish that gives enough flavor for you to savor.
For some, salads are eaten before the main course, but I really don’t. It could be I eat it after or during. I love for you to try their Ensalada Mixta Completa (Mixed green salad) that has this vinegar-ish flavor that culminates the salad experience. I’ve never tasted like that anywhere (if you do, let me know). This salad cost P120.00
They have this superstar offer that is ranted all over Foursquare; it costs P70.00 and it’s their Leche Flan. Some say it’s the BEST leche flan in town, and we certainly agree with all of them. It’s very flavorful, and you can’t stop taking a scoop of it until you get none.
The food in Ipar’s are good and how it stays true to the tagline “Authentic Spanish Cuisine”. My only concern is that because of its too much flavor, you may end up not finishing your food because it can always be too much for the taste, resulting to a feel of disgust it your gut. (BIDLI in Bisaya). Although the price range of the offers is from the lowest, P180.00 which are mostly salads, P200.00-P500.00 which are mostly the main dish, which is quite steep for budget diners out there.
But I’m happy because the other week it was closed due to a reserved party, so you plan ahead and call them before you go there.
Overall, it was a nice dining experience. Check out Ipar’s and tell me what you think.
SCHEDULE
Dinner – 6:00-10:00PM
CONTACT (for reservation)
032 255-4727 or 032 410-7727
RATINGS
Place – 4
Service – 3
Pechuga en Salsa – 3
Chuletas de Cerdo al Ajillo – 4
Ensalada Mixta en Completa – 4
Leche Flan – 5
OVERALL – 4
