Jibarra Modern Mexican and
Tequila Lounge
Peachtree Market Shopping Center
7420 Six Forks Rd., Raleigh NC 27615
(919) 957-7155

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March 27, 2006
By Samantha (ZSpotlight Restaurant/Nightlife Editor)

First date? Tired of the same old “Dinner and a Movie” routine? Want a taste of the exotic? Need a little romance in your life? We might not be able to solve all your dating dilemmas, but this restaurant recommendation is guaranteed to make you look like an “International Man of Mystery” (or at least a connoisseur of fine things south of the border.)

Jibarra, a new fixture for modern Mexican cuisine, has now turned up the heat in the old Gregory’s location on Six Forks Road. From the moment you step onto the gray granite floor, you’ll find yourself lost in the incredible ambiance. Each detail, from the mood lighting to each immaculately prepared dish beckons you to an exotic new feast for the senses.

The diverse menu offers dramatically different selections, each dish from a different region in Mexico. Menu standouts include a lamb shank that is vacuum-stewed to perfection for 36 hours and a crab soup you must see to believe. The presentation alone will make you feel like royalty. Also featured is an amazing ribeye topped with a sauce containing just a hint of chocolate. For the romantic in you (and for those who desire lighter fare) I highly recommend the Brocheta de Mariscos, a skewer of shrimp and scallops glazed with garlic-chile guajillo oil. If any of the previous description evaded you, all you need to know is that the scallops are oversized and cooked to perfection without the slightest trace of sea grit. And the shrimp are embracing. It’s all quite a sight to behold. Believe me, the kissing shrimp will have her at “guajillo oil.”

Although the food is definitely worth going for, Jibarra also boasts the only Tequila Lounge in the triangle, serving only the finest liquors and 100% Blue Agave Tequilas. Each refreshment from the bar is garnished as if it were a piece of art. And if tequila isn’t your thing, the Mojitos are the most fun you can have with your mouth while waiting for your food, assuming that your date is all the way across the table from you.

If the words Chilpachole, Cochinita, Pechuga, and Huitlacoche aren’t in your vocabulary, you may want to brush up on your Spanish. However, the wait staff will do an excellent job of explaining each menu detail that you find unclear. Also worth mentioning is the education that you can receive from these knowledgeable folks. But fear not, if you’re too shy to ask, each dish is accurately described ingredient by ingredient within the pages of the menu.

To cap off the evening, Jibarra’s talented pastry chef has several sugary concoctions ready for your discriminating palate. For the chocolate fans out there, I highly recommend the Pastel de Chocolate y Mermelada de Tomatillo. Although tomatillo marmalade may sound odd to most, it’s the perfect compliment to the bittersweet chocolate. If you prefer to conclude with a cup of coffee, Jibarra’s freshly ground javas provide a smooth transition to the next activities of your evening.

Sidebar:
Top 10 reasons why Jibarra one of the best places in Raleigh to take a first date.

• To show off your new Spanish vocabulary. Repeat after me, “Chee-Pa-Cho-Lay”
• The lighting. Between the art-deco fixtures and the tabletop candles, everyone looks great in this light. Trust me.
• The mood music. The background music is just that, a soundtrack to a perfect evening. It doesn’t overpower so you never find yourself yelling to compete with it.
• This is one of those places where you don’t feel uncomfortable saying “And the lady will have.” Everything is colorful, interesting, and delicious.
• The experience is educational. You can learn about Mexican cuisine, Tequila, and get a little history lesson too.
• If you’d rather “meet for drinks,” Jibarra provides a lounge that rivals its restaurant in ambiance.
• Jibarra is one of the only restaurants in Raleigh where you can find foie gras, rabbit, squab, goat, monkfish and lamb all on one menu. And it’s not weird, it’s tasty.
• If your date is a picky eater, any ingredient can be left off or delivered “on the side.”
• Your date will be impressed that you took her to a place where small details make lasting impressions. For instance, the margaritas are garnished with a fresh seasonal flower.
• If you associate Mexican cuisine with tacos, burritos and a talking Chihuahua, Jibarra is an eye-opening adventure. Time to try something new.

Note: This review is written by ZSpotlight.com editorial staff.

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