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| - Same owners as Sol Y Sombra; unfortunately not the same magic. Sol Y Sombra (now closed) was one of my favorites - great tapas and just a super cool vibe. Perhaps I was just lucky on my Sol Y Sombra visits but the tapas at Iruna didn't impress.
Atmosphere-wise, Iruna does have some interesting points but overall came off sterile and cold with almost no vibe at all; their seating definitely being a big part of this. If I recall correctly the setup I got was basic booth on one side - minimalist chairs on the other. Contrast this to the warm sexy vibe of Sol Y Sombra with their big inviting booths and dark club like atmosphere. Being in Old Town Scottsdale, Iruna has the area appeal but at the same time is on the Southern end so it misses the Northern action.
Service was very good and plates came up fast so no complaints there but it just didn't make up for the mediocre taste and restaurant feel.
Recommendation: There is a lot of hype around this place which I simply don't get. Try going some day but don't put on your short list; there are better places to try first.
DISHES SAMPLED
*** Bacon Wrapped Dates ***
I love bacon wrapped dates. These though were just OK; not as good as the ones I've had back home in Chicago. I found the cheese (Gorgonzola or some blue variant???) to not blend and to be a bit overpowering. I also thought the dish overall were just a touch too dried out.
*** Scallops with Ajo Blanco ***
This was probably my favorite dish of the night. Still not extraordinary.
*** Gambas al Ajillo ***
Looked great but the Shrimp were somewhat tough and overall the taste just didn't pop.
*** Snapper dinner entree ***
A close second to the Scallops but visually could have been more appealing and as with the Shrimp was a touch bland.
*** Tortilla Espanola ***
An egg and potato dish; again just OK.
*** Chistorra ***
This braised Chorizo dish may mislead some; the Chorizo is not tender and juicy as some may think from the "braised" description. Regardless, I found this dish to be quite tasty though it won't be to everyone's liking.
*** Patatas Bravas ***
This item was the big surprise to me and not because it was good but because I had such higher expectations. Come on! This is a simple dish and Iruna comes with so much talk: "OpenTable Diner's Choice",
"2010 Phoenix Magazines Best New Restaurant", etc. To not get this one right is just mind boggling. The potatoes were dry, the dish was extremely oily, and the flavor almost no kick. Hey, do I see a pattern here?
*** Pollo Colonial ***
I found this chicken dish dried out and extremely salty. Wasn't horrible but I certainly wasn't craving more or even wanting to finish for that matter. Also, didn't the description say sweet and sour????
*** Red Sangria ***
Bad sangria at a Spanish tapas restaurant is like the kiss of death. Iruna you broke my heart, you broke my heart. OK, that may be overplaying it a bit but I wasn't impressed.
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