Overall CID rating 4 out of 5
Thumbs Up: decor, ambiance, service, “cojitos”, mango mousse dessert
Thumbs Down: disconnect between seafood and rice in paella
Recommendations: Monday nights for $5 Mojitos and Daiquiris in the Dining Hall and free Tapas in the Bar/Lounge
“CID Highlight” – Mango Mousse: CID rating 5 out of 5
This must be what heaven tastes like. Though I was full from the dishes preceding, all feelings seemed to melt away with this dish. The silky smooth mango ice cream, bouncy mango tapioca mousse, and mango syrup awww… Now I know the feeling Homer Simpson gets when he sinks into a doughnut.
Decor and Ambiance: CID rating 4.5 out of 5
This by far is the biggest space I’ve seen for Latin cuisine. The unassuming entrance leads to a smallish lounge and bar where the after work crowd was sharing laughs over drinks and free tapas all night. Once you squeeze past the good-looking crowd, you head down a short hallway which enters into a grand dining hall with high-ceilings covered with art and color. The seating was spacious which makes it great for large groups.
Corn Biscuits and Black Bean Dip: CID rating 4 out of 5
Bread! I need more bread! We asked for a refill and the waiter came back with a cigar box spilling with these wonderful little corn biscuits. The smooth and silky black bean dip made it irresistible to devour the whole box full.
$5 Mojitos and Daiquiris (Mondays): CID rating 4 out of 5
Another “Cojito” (Coconut Mojito) for me, please. This was by far the best Mojito I’ve ever had and the first for coconut flavored. The toasted coconut shavings around the rim of the martini glass added texture and even more flavor to this delicious drink. The “Pasion” Daiquiris made with Bacardi Gold, mango and passion fruit was also tasty. I was expecting something a little sweeter though.
Ostras: CID rating 3.5 out of 5
Tonight I am no longer a virgin. An oyster virgin! There’s no other way to lose it than to a foursome?! Margarita, Mojito, Ciprianha, and Sangria were their names. My verdict? Love it! Now I can finally indulge in some of these ocean delectables at Shaffer City Oyster Bar. As for the oyster shooters, it was fun to try this dish but the tiny oysters were drowning in the shots. Not entirely a $10 value.
Mariscos: CID rating 3.5 out of 5
The best ceviche I’ve had to date was in Acapulco, Mexico and remains so. For $14, both sides of the saucer plates should’ve been filled but instead we were served toasty popcorn. As for the mixed seafood ceviche, seems the shrimp needed a little more kick but the lobster bites were tender.
Camarones: CID rating 4 out of 5
All the elements came together with this dish. The Puerto Rican Rum glaze was a bit sweet, tangy, and spicy all in one but not enough to overpower the shrimp. This dish left me content with or without the crispy onion and avocado salad bedding.
Paella: CID rating 3 out of 5
My definition of Paella: a harmonious marriage of seafood, meat, and veggies simmered in a love ballad of rice and spices. Unfortunately the paella at Calle Ocho did not fit this description or my expectations. The chicken, sausage, and rice was delicious but the seafood sitting on top had no flavor. They were added on after the paella was done and didn’t have any seasoning at all. My favorite Paella spot is a toss up between Mama Mexico (Midtown East Location) and La Paella East.
