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Ceiba

Rating: ★★★½☆

Last Visit: November ‘05

I love this place. I have to admit it’s been some time, but I was reminded of it through someone’s mention of the name bearing tree.

Ceiba is a tree found in tropical countries. I believe it’s origin land is Costa Rica. Cuba has them as well. Accordingly, this tasty Latin American cuisine restaurant in the heart of lawyer’s, politicians and lobbyists, is named.

My aunt and father treated me to a much needed lunch hour for my birthday when I worked as a Paralegal on 14th St. Conveniently located 2 blocks from the White House, it was easy to find. The decor isn’t very Latin like, though the palm trees (faux or not) are a nice touch. It’s more mod and upscale hotel, than tropical.

We are seated and I instantly see “Happy Birthday Brenda” on the top of the menu. What a classy touch. I hadn’t even tasted the food, but I was lovin’ it already. Being Latin American means there will always be a selection of seafoods with some variation of chile. I opted for the Whole Crispy Red Snapper Vera Cruz. Stewed tomatoes, manzanilla olives, capers and pickled jalapeno sure sounded like a delectable combination with a really good and flavorful fish. I was more than surprised at how perfectly the snapper had mixed with the jalpeno (which I have a difficult time eating sometimes). It’s amazing how one base, in this case red snapper, can be made so many different ways to reflect different world cuisines and traditions. The portion was also very appropriate. I always dislike when I am shorted portions, especially if I’m paying more than $20 for a single entree. Though this time, I have to thank my dad for the treat.

I really can’t remember what I had for dessert, except for that whatever it was, I wanted more. That I recall for certain. It was probably some crispy banana canoli like presentation. Not too sweet, but perfect enough to keep me happy the rest of the day. Or was it a plantain dessert. Hmmm. I really can’t remember. If you look at their menu, you might see something you like and probably will not be disappointed.

Next time I visit home, I’ll make sure to visit again. I’ve had dinner there also, but something about the daylight lends itself to pretending you’re on a remote island sipping on a guava martini!

CEIBA

 

701 14th St., N.W., Washington, DC 2005

P: 202.393.3983 | F: 202.393.1863 | web: ceibarestaurant.com

Dinner: $18-$30; Dessert: $9  

Wear a nice pair of black slacks and pretty lacey top. Guys can opt for white or khaki linen pants during warm weather; A nice panama fedora will take you over the top!

What NOT to wear: Lazy looks! This is a semi-posh place so  put a little bit of effort into your ensemble. Oh yeah, no flip flops!

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Who Is B? Bren Herrera

Mi nombre es Brenda. My friends call me B. And Bren is my stage and pen-name. I’m a single gal living alone in Atlanta for the time being. I’m a soulful chick. I have a passion for all things food. I’m a singer/musician really, but an incredible cook, I have to say! I was raised in a very traditional Latin home, which meant everything happened(s) in the kitchen, literally! story-telling, crying, partying, fighting…oh yeah and cooking!

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Spanish Word of the Day
  • Bolsa (Bol-sah)

    (noun)
    Bag

    La bolsa means bag, and applies to many of the same objects as the English word. "una bolsa de plástico"--Trans: a plastic bag
  • Style Paella and Pael

    Paella is Cuban slang meaning "for her". It's also a Spanish dish of rice and a lot of seafood! I just threw Pael in there for the hec of it!

    I thought this was a tee shirt when I first saw it. I’d love this bag even more if it was! Great for running errands and maybe even some light grocery shopping!

    I’m styling a friend for his album cover. I’m thinking about this bowtie for his nautical and retro look. Please just don’t wear that when we go to dinner!

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    Latin Spices & Herbs

    Annatto

    Annatto or bixa is a seed from the annatto tree, indigenous to the Caribbean and Central America. It’s a spice we commonly use to color rice, meat dishes and sometimes even butter and does give a peppery taste. You will also find this spice used in the very popular branded Sazón seasoning packets by Goya. I sometimes use it as a substitute for saffron to make yellow rice. I seldom use it for my meats. In Latin countries the word is bijol or even achiote, though that has different properties I’ll address later. You can buy it in whole seeds and get the desired color by infusing in warm water or buy it in lose powder. Try it!


    Biting The States

    No rating indicates I did not benefit from a full visit. Therefore the review is based on whatever I did enjoy. If I return, I will modify the rating, accordingly.

    Stateside
    Atlanta +
    DC +

    American

    Caribbean

    Everyday

    French

    Latin

    Ceiba
    Rating: ★★★½☆

    Sushi

    Manhattan +

    Sushi

    Miami +

    Sushi

    Taos +

    Sushi

    International
    Barbados +

    American

    Caribbean

    Daphne’s Italian Restaurant
    Rating: ★★★★☆

    Everyday

    French

    Latin

    Sushi

    Paris +

    Sushi

    Monaco +

    Sushi

    Cuba +

    Sushi

    Italy +

    Sushi

    Ratings Key

    • 1 Spoon: Cheap, fast & just okay
    • 2 Spoons: Pretty good if I've been twice
    • 3 Spoons: $$ and date worthy
    • 4 Spoons: I can't get enough! Que Rico!
    • 5 Spoons: Gucci shoes, LV bag & Tiffany ring