Asia De Cuba

slightly elevated played host to a mix of characters hinging on perfect to
quirky. This all left me with a smile and a sigh.

The menu was foreign, Cuban fusion as they've coined it. We trusted this
place to successfully introduce us to new flavors. Oxtail which would
normally raise an eyebrow tasted exactly like roast beef in the Oxtail
Spring Rolls. This paired well with a Mango Chili Glaze and a fascinating
Papaya Mint Relish which got equal attention. Green apples replaced the
usual cabbage in a slaw that accompanied the unbelievably delicious Crab
Croquetas. These beauties made with real snow crab were so delicate,
elevated further with a Roasted Red Pepper Remoulade. A Lobster Club
was chosen among so many other worthy dishes by a narrow margin. No
matter that it had undetectable flavor from the Ginger Mango Mayo, and
large chunks of lobster for that matter, it was still a splurge with
applewood smoked bacon stealing the show between pillows of thick
brioche.

Appreciating the fondness our waiter felt towards the Ciello De Coco we
shunned any glimpse of the dessert tray. The absurdity of it all continued
on with a slice looking more like a whole birthday cake as it neared our
table. We shared half between the two of us and gave the other half to a
table of three next to us, and still there was leftovers. This "mile high"
slice of coconut cake was layered with a sauteed banana concoction and
served with scoops of dulce de leche ice cream. More than partial to
bananas barely hanging on to their last hint of green I found the brown
layers between this dense cake too sweet for my taste.

When it was time to wake, I longed to struggle back and continue where
I'd left off. It was all too good to be true. Unlike a dream though I'm not a
helpless victim and I will return here again.

Prices: Crab Croquetas $12, Lobster Club $22, Oxtail Spring Rolls $10,
Ciello De Coco $16

Located at 8440 Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles

(323) 848-6000

OCTOBER 2005

There seems to be another dimension one
hinges on as they step off the sidewalk of
Sunset Boulevard through the doors of the
Mondrian. Much like a dream, curious shapes
intended for seating appeard here and there in
a vast open space. I could hear the moment,
while deep inside myself it was silent. In the
distance white sheets emerged from a
doorway suspended on a breeze, beckoning for
us to enter. It was surreal.

Cool air brushed against our faces as we
walked into Cuba De Asia where in this next
scene everything was clean and white. In the
real world we may take this place for granted,
but for now it was a scene in some romantic
adventure film, but not for long. Before we
knew it we had arrived at an outdoor table in
the queen's garden and I was now Alice in this
wonderland. This was a magical place. Did I
eat the side of the mushroom that makes one
small? I was dwarfed next to potted plants on
either side of me. The foliage inside these
giants linked above like a childhood game I
vaguely remember where rows of children
joined hands with the ones across from them
and I ran through their tunnel. At the end of
this tunnel seemed the edge of the world with
a breathtaking view of the city of angels.

The dream went on as they do, senseless, with
strangers donned in soft white cotton walking
to and fro in slow motion. Very near a pool