THIS RESTAURANT IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED Asia de Cuba

THIS RESTAURANT IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED Asia de Cuba Restaurant Review:

After reigning as one of the “it” restaurants of the “aughts” decade, Asia de Cuba shut down in New York (while in recent years operating outposts in London and Abu Dhabi and Dubai). That is, until it reopened near Astor Place in 2015, bringing back the Asian-Latin fusion cuisine it helped popularize. The sleek space still attracts celebrities but it’s less flashy than the old Asia de Cuba. There are only a couple of menu holdovers --- crispy calamari, for example --- and the offerings are designed to mix, match and share. Start with the black-bean-and-plantain-stuffed empanadas or the very good ropa vieja spring rolls. Wok-fried chili-rubbed scallops are a delight on the taste buds, as is the crispy octopus al ajillo, a riff on the Spanish classic. Drinks are inventive and fun (see the Thai-tea-and-Aperol-spiked Patong Palmer) and the wine list is extensive. Desserts include a manchego cheese tart and a Thai coconut and lemongrass flan.