Arriving at Mondrian Hotel's star restaurant, Asia de Cuba is almost like swooping onto a gleaming landing strip. A pale, very long, cream polished floor leads to one of the most spectacular dining/viewing experiences in Los Angeles.
From the efficient, friendly leaving of your car at the hotel's graceful entry to a prompt greeting and confirmation of reservations (always a must here), a wonderful evening of dining and viewing is in store.
Be sure when making reservations to request a window table where a spectacular view of Los Angeles is spread out like a huge picture window. Then handsome, smartly attired service personnel appear magically to take your beverage order. Cocktails are exotic and varied, from the perfect chilled ice teas to a roster of specialty House drinks.
Often it takes some time to sort out a favorite or perhaps something reckless such as the Mambo King, raspberry champagne infused vodka with a sugared rim. All told there are seventeen specialty drinks on the menu. The Sangria, too, is nice by the lass or pitcher, especially for a group.
Rum drinks are special here with the largest selection of Caribbean rums in the City. Like everything else appetizers are special here. Our favorite is the Calamari salad Asia de Cuba. The crispy calamari with chayote, hearts of palm, bananas, cashews, chicory and radicchio comes with a yummy sesame orange dressing. Huge portions here since all dishes expect to be divided.
We also enjoyed the 'Ropa Vieja' of duck. The diner takes one of the fresh crisp lettuce leaves, fills it with the shoestring cut lean duck dressed with choices of thin slices of assorted herbs and veggies, and then a dash or two from the tiny pitcher of Hoisin port sauce. Then roll it up in the lettuce leaf much like a taco and enjoy. And we have described just two of twelve exciting appetizers.
From a dozen selections my dining partner decided on the Ahi Tuna, pan seared and served with Wasabi mashed potatoes, chick peas and a chimichurri sauce. All these entrees are big enough to be shared.
Amazingly we still had to consider desserts. Yours truly relished the tower of chocolate fudge cake with a tiny dollop of caramel ice cream. My dining partner waded through a lush looking Flam.
Like everything else here the wine list is exceptional with a large selection of California boutique vintages. There is an after dinner drink menu with Ports, Madeira, Sherry, single malt scotches and cognacs.
Asia de Cuba is open seven days a week. As hotel dining room breakfast is served Monday thru Friday from 7 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday and Sunday till 12:30. Dinner served nightly till 11 p.m. The restaurant is located at the Mondrian Hotel, 8440 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. Reservations at 323 848-6000. Valet parking.
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