My little Escapades: Iperiber - Spanish eating in Paris

Spanish cuisine- We often tend to think that there is nothing between the simple tapas and El Bulli (re-opening in 2014 by the way...).
I was proven wrong one more time. As I was looking for a classy place for a romantic diner I came across a good review on a newly open Spanish restaurant in the trendy Marais. The critic was so enthusiastic that I simply had to try it. We ended up being a group of friends gathering for a late diner on a Friday night. One is always a touch nervous when taking the initiative to select a restaurant, especially an unknown one, but Iperiber impressed whilst putting everyone at ease from the start.
Being an uneven number and a group of five the hosts, a lovely Spanish couple in their late forty's, sat us at the best place, a round table underneath the impressive chandelier (probably the most characteristic feature of the restaurant). The restaurant is rather small no more than 35 diners at once and is decorated simply and yet it is chic! The white table clothes and deemed lights help create a very pleasant atmosphere, and , no offence to the older generation but I was surprised by the tasteful music in the background, dynamic but discrete. An bar facing the open kitchen completes this lovely setting. It also means you can come and eat there even on your own, the show is always on.
Speaking of food, I haven't yet touched upon it but I was saving the best for the end.
Jamon Iberico is on the menu and is delicious (every Spanish restaurant of any worth should have Jamon Iberico!), so are the fried octopus executed to perfection. Following the southern tradition we shared the starters but when it came to the main there was no sharing and no left overs! The menu is a nice mix between seafood and meat with a emphasis on fish. I personally went for the rump steak with grilled aubergines and a spiced wine sauce. It turns out they are not too bad at cooking meat either!
To complete the feast, Spanish powerful wines were poor and extravagant deserts were served.
I highly recommend this place for its food, the attentiveness and kindness of its staff, the pleasant dinning room and an value for money you rarely see in Paris.