Alma de Cuba

Alma de Cuba Restaurant Review:

Alma de Cuba, one of the original Stephen Starr eateries, has stood the test of time. It’s still a sexy spot for drinks and dinner and the menu is solid, thanks to consulting chef Douglas Rodriguez and the Rockwell Group's design, which imagines Cuba today with a nod to the past. The design team used a basic off-white palette, dramatically lit with a red glow and a series of evocative Cuban photos in the background --- a feast for the eyes. Start with a mojito and then move on to the varied ceviches (a mix of tuna, salmon and fluke with jalapeño, orange and soy covers many bases for the indecisive) and Cuban dishes, especially the lechon asado (roast pork) with sour orange mojo. Whole roasted bronzino with Peruvian potatoes and sun-dried tomato caper chimichurri is one of many dishes that take comfort food to a lofty level. Choose from the selection of European and new-world wines and have a chocolate “cigar” --- almond cake covered in chocolate mousse and paired with dulce de leche ice cream --- for dessert to stay in the mood.