A few days ago, I received a call from my friend Arturo, who is maitre d’ at my favorite local restaurant, Ibiza In Chappaqua, NY.
Arturo was roped in during Covid by his friend the chef, and liked it so much, he stayed on. Now if I were to go to central casting and ask for the perfect maitre d’, they would come up with Arturo. Think Lumiere, tall with a Spanish accent. So this is my “ yes, I know the people but have no financial interest” disclaimer.
The restaurant is a gem. Normally we put ourselves in the chef’s hands, and he sends out tapas until we can’t eat any more. Octopus, shrimp,anchovies, salmon, followed by a perfectly cooked duck breast sea bream, and the only eggplant I am prepared to like etc, etc.
Today with the red shrimp, we decided to order from the menu. The shrimp are enormous, Cooked simply it has a slightly sweeter fuller and more intense flavor. I think it may have been the best seafood I have ever had. Expensive, but not if you put it in context, and remember we drink wine costing several hundred dollars-then it is a bargain. Arroz with shellfish followed, another fabulous dish. A couple of glasses of the house wine, a solid Albariño, and we left and could not have been happier.