We don't get downtown for pre-theater dinner much as
we don't often go to Ford's, National or Warner's theaters, however
last night we joined friends prior to s superb performance of "The
Laramie Project" at Ford's Theatre which is not to be missed. That said,
before the show (or after) you should head over to dinner at CEIBA (http://www.ceibarestaurant.com/ceiba.html)
where you can get a steal of a deal and a super supper. Every day
except Sunday between 530pm-630pm they offer a 3-course $35 dinner and
the food is still spectacular after so many years.
We ordered
drinks first and the martinis and margaritas are top notch, although my
Margarita came with a tons of salt glopped on the rim. Our super server,
Joe, said he would get me another, but I simply wiped a small mouth
space and enjoyed the drink taking just a bit of salt every now and
then. If this is the only thing that goes wrong at any dinner, it's a
great meal, and everything went swimmingly (we ate lots of seafood!)
well from here on in. We all ordered the $35 special and as I said, it's
a steal. You can choose from 4 starters:
YUCATAN SHRIMP CEVICHE which is really a shrimp cocktail with Pico de Gallo, Avocado & Crisp Torn Tortillas.
If
you want real ceviche, choose the fabulous PERUVIAN CEVICHE which is
loads of fresh fish cubed with lime, red onion, cilantro, popcorn and
aji picante. The CUBAN BLACK BEAN SOUP with ham & cheese croquette
and latin crema got huge raves from the Cuban at our table!
There is also a salad option.
You can choose any main course from the menu but three of them have a $4 surcharge and it's well worth it for the tasty
seared JUMBO LUMP CRABCAKES with Smoked Bacon Fufu mash, Caramelized Brussels Sprouts and Aji Cumin Broth or the amazing
EL VIEJO SAN JUAN LOBSTER which is out of shell atop mofongo and Creole Sauce!! Three of us chose the superb dish.
I
forgot to mention that flatbread comes with Red Pepper Puree and we
also got treated to some extras which were amazing from Chef Matthew
Britt:
CRAB & ROCK SHRIMP NACHOS with pickled jalapenos
and the amazing Grilled OCTOPUS with Gazpacho Vinaigrette, Queso Fresco
& Black Olive Aioli (a regular starter on the main menu) that was so
tender we thought we were back in Spain!
Our
first wine was a super Sauvignon Blanc Terrunyo from Concha y Toro
"Block 28" in Chile that is intensely citrus and was perfect with the
ceviches! The second wine was a Muga 2011 from Rioja in Spain made from
Viura and Malvasia that was mineral and a bit of earth and lots of fun
with the shellfish for sure.
Dessert choices are
Flan with Honey-Tequila Oranges and Brazil Nut Biscotti, Chocolate &
Banana Mousse Cake or my choice of the three sorbets: Pineapple/Lime,
Coconut and Strawberry/Prickly Pear all very refreshing and a great end
to a wonderful meal for $39.00!!!! The post-dinner platter has Mexican
fudge/Passion Fruit Pate/Dulce de Leche Shortbreads and then the meal
isn't over until the Caramel Popcorn arrives.
We weren't finished either. we had so much fun we went back for drinks after the show! And valet parking is $7.00 here!
I must add that on Thursday-Saturdays there is a fab Tasting Menu offered for $55 (or $75 with wine pairings). Each month the region changes and next month is the Caribbean. Sounds like a call for a return visit!
I must add that on Thursday-Saturdays there is a fab Tasting Menu offered for $55 (or $75 with wine pairings). Each month the region changes and next month is the Caribbean. Sounds like a call for a return visit!
Kudos to the entire team at Ceiba who made us feel at home!
