Continuing to evolve their passion for combining Spanish culture and cuisine with a farm-to-table concept, Elan Emerson and her husband, Brett, opened Ibiza two months ago. Five years ago, they founded the popular Barceloneta; before that, they owned a successful Spanish restaurant in San Francisco. With more than 40 years of industry experience collectively, Elan says their move to Santa Cruz was inspired by great local farms and becoming part of downtown’s vibrant culture.
Now the Barceloneta space on Pacific Avenue is housing Ibiza, which Elan describes as bright and open, invoking a Mediterranean beach vacation. The affordable and approachable menu offers salads or housemade flatbread as a base, with added proteins like slow-cooked pork, panko-fried chicken and “transformative” herby falafel. Other favorites include shakshuka, a spicy tomato pepper stew with poached eggs and feta cheese, and pita chip “nachos” topped with baharat-spiced beef. The shawarma-spiced fries are a big hit, distinctly aromatic and deeply flavorful. “You won’t want to share them,” Elan says.
What does Ibiza mean to you and Brett?
ELAN EMERSON: It is the most fun we’ve ever had in the industry; the food and service is exactly what we’ve always wanted. It’s not fancy or fussy, it’s just a really good, delicious time. Our dog’s middle name is Ibiza and we also love the hippie party culture on the island and the Bohemian vibe—it has a lot of crossover with Santa Cruz and a similar feel. And we absolutely love our downtown location. Our restaurant is a perfect complement to the business culture here and we are thrilled and humbled to be a part of it.
Tell me about paella nights.
We have monthly pop-up dinners featuring a different paella paired with Spanish wine and housemade sangria. They are a really fun and special experience; it’s an event where we really take care of people. And the paella is always the star. We make huge 30-40 person portions and it is a great way to honor our fans and their love for our paella at Barceloneta. There are a lot of paella fans out there, and we are happy to showcase it and continue to make it accessible.
1541 Pacific Ave., Suite B, Santa Cruz, 831-900-5222; ibizasantacruz.com
