Portland’s vibrant Pearl District is about to get a flavorful new resident: Irving Street Tapas. Owners Ajay Narayan and Paresh Warke, the duo behind Piattino and Lovejoy Bakers, are bringing their extensive culinary expertise to this exciting new venture. Instead of sticking to a single cuisine, Irving Street Tapas promises a globetrotting menu of small plates, drawing inspiration from diverse culinary traditions around the world. This fresh concept invites diners to explore a world of flavors, all within the welcoming atmosphere of the former Irving Street Kitchen space.
Narayan and Warke’s combined culinary journey is truly impressive. Their resumes boast experience in Michelin-starred kitchens in France, luxurious Caribbean hotels, and authentic kitchens across India. This rich background has fueled their vision for Irving Street Tapas: to redefine the concept of “tapas” by showcasing the small-plate traditions of various cultures. Imagine a menu where Spanish patatas bravas share space with Indian samosas, Greek yemista, and steak drizzled with chimichurri or wasabi butter. And the best part? Almost every dish is priced under $10, making it an accessible culinary adventure for everyone.
The concept for Irving Street Tapas has been simmering in Narayan’s mind for years. The pandemic, surprisingly, provided the perfect pause to finally develop the recipes and refine the menu. For the past year, Narayan and Warke have meticulously crafted their offerings, and now, with a dedicated kitchen and bar team in place, they are incorporating valuable feedback from their staff. The result is a dynamic and globally-inspired menu, with dishes ranging from $4 to $8. Expect to find classic Spanish tapas like tortilla española and gazpacho alongside more globally-inspired plates such as grilled ahi tuna, calamari with a zesty harissa aioli, and spicy peri-peri chicken.
Interestingly, Irving Street Tapas also marks a foray into their Indian heritage for Narayan and Warke, something they have largely avoided in their professional careers. While Warke has never cooked Indian food professionally, and Narayan’s experience is limited to Indo-Chinese cuisine, they are now embracing South Indian flavors with a Westernized twist. Narayan explains that the Indian dishes at Irving Street Tapas often lean away from heavy dairy and instead highlight vibrant South Indian spices. Think dishes like peppery stir-fried mushrooms and aromatic mint pudina chicken. However, the menu isn’t strictly confined to any single region. Narayan’s culinary philosophy is about embracing a global pantry. This is evident in dishes like their sambusas, served with a brava sauce, and a Thai tea infused panna cotta. “People ask me what I like to cook most, what cuisine,” Narayan says. “I don’t know. I like it all.” This passion for diverse flavors is clearly reflected in the eclectic menu at Irving Street Tapas.
To complement the food, Irving Street Tapas will offer a curated selection of beer, wine, and sangria, along with a full bar and signature cocktails. Looking ahead, Narayan and Warke envision expanding the menu to include larger plates like paellas, but for now, they are focusing on perfecting their small-plate concept. Irving Street Tapas is set to open its doors for both indoor and outdoor dining on July 1st, taking over the space at 701 NW 13th Avenue, formerly home to Irving Street Kitchen. Get ready to embark on a global tapas journey right in the heart of Portland’s Pearl District.
