Mariposa

Mariposa is a Latin-Fusion grill in Sedona, AZ from Chef Lisa Dahl that is perched atop a scenic bluff surrounded by red rock canyons. 13-foot tall gates are flanked by four fire-wok butterfly globes that guide guests to the entrance of the terrace that surrounds the 23-foot tall floor-to-ceiling windows of the main dining room.

Seven Reasons

Seven Reasons is "inspired by the best Latin American culinary roots, brought to life through Chef Enrique Limardo’s bold, contemporary approach. The menu takes patrons through a sensorial encounter, allowing them to discover their very own Seven Reasons of a magic culinary experience."  Tom Sietsema recently named Seven Reasons the best restaurant in his 2019 Fall Dining Guide.  Keith jumped on reservations right away. Closest Metro is U St.

Himitsu

Himitsu is a Japanese-inspired restaurant combining freshness, acidity and herbs, leaning heavily on Latin American and Southeast Asian flavor profiles. Reservations are not accepted in this tiny 24-seat restaurant, so be prepared to wait in line.  Seating is based on a first-come, first serve basis, for parties of 4 or less.  They will also take names and numbers and send a text when your table is ready. Closest Metro is Petworth.

Tico

Tico is a trendy restaurant in the Shaw district that offers a fun menu of cocktails and shareable plates that fuse American cuisine with the Chef/Owner Michael Schlow's travels and love for Spain, Mexico and South America.  Reservations are recommended as it gets packed fast.  Closest Metro is U Street.

Toro Toro

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Toro Toro offers a twist on the contemporary steakhouse experience, artfully blending Pan Latin flavors and creative sharing plates. Acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval has brought his latest concept all the way from Dubai to the nation’s capital. Closest Metro is McPherson Square.

Cuba Libre

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar is "dedicated to a continued exploration of Cuban heritage, art, music, flavors and traditions. The open-air setting, tropical ambiance, vintage décor, upbeat Latin music and Concept Chef/Partner, Guillermo Pernot's delectable menu of 'Nuevo Cubano' dishes and traditional favorites, make all of our restaurants a must-see, must-experience dining destination." Closest Metro is Gallery Place-Chinatown.

Ceiba

Last date I was here: 08/29/2009

Restaurant: Ceiba (http://ceibarestaurant.com/)

Location: Metro Center

Total Rating: 4.05
Food: 4, Price: 4 Service: 4, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 5

Summary: The name Ceiba pays tribute to the imposing umbrella-shaped tree found throughout the new-world tropics, and not surprisingly, the food is Contemporary Latin American cuisine, specifically Yucatan (Vera Cruz and Cancun), Brazilian (Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro), Peruvian, and Cuban. Quiet, textured shades of cocoa brown, burnt red, ice blue and sage green distinguish the walls of the five distinct areas of the multi-level restaurant. Other surfaces are lined with a subtly figured limestone from a quarry in Merida, Mexico, and large expenses of ceiling are covered in natural canvas awnings, reminiscent of a tropical marketplace. The tables, chair frames, and bar area are a rich, dark wood, and the chairs are upholstered in a creamy faux leather that is cool to the touch and restful to the eyes. An abundance of seafood and meats prepared in traditional Latin American styles compete for your attention with more creatively conceived dishes, inspired by the flavors and techniques discovered by Chef Jeff Tunks on his recent tour of South America and Central America. Closest Metro is Metro Center.

We tried Ceiba for another Restaurant Week dinner and were generally pleased. The atmosphere is jovial with bright murals on the wall and Latin music playing, yet got much louder and overbearing at times as the night progressed by all the chatter. Both the hostess and our server had to lean in close or ask us to repeat when our orders were taken. The table next to us even mentioned how loud it was. We nibbled on tortilla crackers and a Latin “hummus” while we waited for our drinks. It was quite a busy night and our server did an impressive job keeping up with all the demands. My caipirihna was delicious and refreshing. Keith tried the “Dark ad Stormy” – a concoction of dark rum and ginger beer – and was shocked by how strong it was at first, but got used to it by his second one. My appetizer was just ok – the shrimp was fresh, but I did not care for the salsa and only 3 chips served with it. I am very glad I ordered the stew as my entrée dispite the $9 up charge. Overall, our experience at Ceiba was enjoyable and the food tasty and fresh.

What I ate:

Yucatan Shrimp Ceviche "Cocktail"

Pico de Gallo, Avocado, Crisp Corn Tortillas

♥ "Moqueca BaHiana" ♥

Brazilian Shellfish Stew Lobster, Shrimp, Mussels, Coconut Milk, Traditional Accompaniments

Lime & Sour Cream Pound Cake

Served with Fresh Strawberry Salad, Lemon Sorbet

Plus Keith ate:

Manuel's Bolivian Beef Empanadas Saltenas

Olives, Egg, Raisins, Spicy Rocoto Dipping Sauce

Seared Yellowfin Tuna and Crab Stuffed Aji Amarillo

Served with Shaved Asparagus Slaw, Purple Potatoes, Sweet Rocoto Soy Reduction

Traditional Flan

Served with Pineapple & Fig Compote