THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Asia de Cuba

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Asia de Cuba Restaurant Review:

In the white-on-white Philippe Starck interior, lean back languidly in one of the sumptuous white leather chairs and enjoy the view --- of the city lights twinkling below and the parade of colorful music industry types sharing the dining room. The whimsical outdoor patio --- shaded by trees in gargantuan terra cotta pots and illuminated by clusters of tiny votives --- offers striking vistas and a setting as sensual and surrealistic as the cutting-edge cuisine. The menu offers big --- and big-budget --- portions of playful Cuban-Asian fare served by an exuberant staff, adding to the party atmosphere. Start with a ceviche of curried swordfish with lemon oil, coriander seeds and passion fruit, or the richer honey-rum glazed pork belly with plantains and bok choy. Move on to wild Coho salmon baked in a paper bag with hearts of palm and maitake mushrooms; giant prawns in red Thai curry sauce; or coffee-crusted rib-eye with yucca fries. Asia de Cuba's inventive menu yields generally fine results, although we would advise skipping the whole red snapper steamed in banana leaf. Pass on the wine list as well and focus on citrus-heavy cocktails like a raspberry cloud caipirinha instead.