Pipons: Old World Mexico Flavors Ashland Plaza

Growing up in Mexico, Jorge Oliva remembers many meals that were shared with his family and how food and family centered those days. His mother and grandmother were always cooking and he learned how to make authentic Mexican food by watching them. He discovered that he enjoyed cooking and in the back of his mind he always knew that someday he would own a restaurant.

Pipon's Cocina y Cantina is Jorge's dream realized.

Although Pipon's is new in Ashland, Jorge has been in the restaurant business for many years and has created a menu that is unique and inviting. "I love being right smack in the middle of the plaza," Jorge says. "It was a challenge to get the place open and to be a good restaurant." Pipon's is a lively place with a friendly atmosphere. You can try pollo pibil, which is a citrus flavor chicken, or Enchiladas de Mole, which is smothered in a dark chocolate sauce. It won't be a secret for long-- their prices are almost as good as the food with many choices in the $10 or less range.

"I wanted this to be a little bit different," says Jorge. "I wanted to create an authentic Mexican restaurant, one with another flavor besides Tex-Mex, one that would feature the kind of food I used to eat while growing up in Mexico. I did a lot of cooking back when I was growing up. It's what I love to do. When you visit Pipon's, I wanted to make it seem as though you are in authentic small town Mexico. Old World Mexico, like it must have felt when it was in its heyday with good margaritas, and ice cold beer." The name "Pipon" is a family nickname he's had since he was two years old.

Pipon's Restaurant manager, Tori Shanklin helps keep everything running smoothly and she is clearly appreciated. "She is amazing," Jorge says. "I hope she stays forever."

Jorge enjoys working closely with his kitchen crew who ensure that everything is made to their high standards. "I enjoy the kind of family-like relationships that are created in the kitchen. We have people from different walks of life and at the end of the night when everyone is smiling it is so fun-- you just can't beat that feeling. I tell my staff we need to be fast, friendly and efficient, he says. "When you are making other people happy, you know you are doing something right."