There’s no set date or time for visiting Paprika but there are certain nights that have a tad bit more people than another. We ventured across on a Wednesday and the bar hosted at least 4-5 people, inside about 10 people and the outside patio an easy 15 people. While we waited, we observed the cow-skin couch, the art piece with radiators and pipes, the disco balls, the galvanised roofing and our favourite artist on the screen: the soothing & sexy, Sade. After a glass of white wine, we sat down to chat with restaurant manager Jesus Ramirez to get some information and feedback on Paprika (Version 1) and the relaunched Paprika (Version 2)
We tried to get Jesus to give us one word to describe this eccentric, original and unique space but with so much going on at the same time, he couldn’t seem to find just one adjective. He simply replied, “Paprika is…Paprika.” If we had to choose a word, we would probably choose juxtaposition. It’s not an adjective but hey, it’s one word. So many things going on at the same time, in the same space…all coming together to live in complete harmony. A relaxed lounge, an active bar and a lively patio all mesh perfectly to give the one vibe that is now synonymous with Paprika.
We have to be honest; we never visited Paprika (Version 1) and with the relaunch we’ve been hearing so much about it when it comes to after-work liming, birthday limes, romantic anniversary dinners or just getting together with friends for a drink or 2. We also had to ask, “Why did you’ll move?”
Ramirez let us know that it was simply to own their own space. Their business was doing great when they were located on Western Main Road but the owners had a desire to own where they conducted their business. It’s immediately obvious that the move has not affected business and by our estimate, it’s actually grown considerably.
The décor is the first thing that overwhelms your senses when you walk in and it has all been credited to Gustavo Molina, one of the owners of Paprika. The food offers a taste for any and every palette with their International Cuisine Menu. Their appetizers, main course and dessert all have either a French, Spanish or Italian flavour. We were lucky enough to have a taste of the Montaditos (Spanish apa): crispy bread slices with meat, seafood and vegetables and the Causa Limeña which is a signature Peruvian dish of seasoned potatoes stuffed with tuna, shrimp, chicken or roasted vegetables (we had the tuna). The presentation by the chef made our appetizers look all dressed up and fancy and definitely whet our appetite to come back for much more.
