Cuatro

J and I have been eager for another trip to Cuatro since our first foray last fall. Not only is it twice the fun with a crowd, I was able to taste half a dozen things from the menu that affirmed my suspicion that the corn crepes, pumpkin soup and ceviche we enjoyed last time that appealed to every aspect of the senses were no exception to the rest of fare. Granted, I'll remain ignorant of the beef and chicken categories, but the vegetable and fish eaters will find much to choose from that has received equal creative and technical attention from the chef.

Photo above is of my salmon on a banana leaf with vegetable quinoa. The fish had a slightly crispy crust and a succulent flesh-- very fresh and cooked to perfection.

J had the day's catch- a huge steak of big eye tuna with a zippy salsa topping and rice.

Others had the moqueca de mar (the squid was offered to the table, I wanted to get over my willies about the creature, but it just looked too much like a penis), a caribbean-infused curry that tasted like something I'll order for myself next time. And the corn crepes, which we already knew were a stand-out.

Backing up, this visit we confirmed the supremacy of their salmon and scallop ceviche but were additionally won over by the vegetarian ceviche and the ensalada caribe, the latter of which will be a regular starter for me from now on.. wow. The dressing has a zingy kick and the crisp jicama keeps it light and refreshing.

And now for dessert. I'm usually persuaded to try the special, which this evening was an almond cake drenched in a dozen adjectives, but the server steered us to the flan instead.. flan that sits atop a slab of chocolate cake, to be clear. A firmer texture than your ordinary flan and infused with hazelnut. Superb. And the quatro leches cake was formidable as well.. upping the ante on the tres leche was a cinnamon-sparked creme anglaise and a pistachio cookie petal that the whole thing was nesting in. Great combination of flavors for a recommended innovation on a tried-and-true classic.