Calle Ocho Scores Less Than A Perfect Diez

Watching two Columbia boys attempt to woo a waitress whose looks could rival a model’s is almost as fascinating as watching The Hills—especially when the backdrop of the duel of corny pick-up lines is a restaurant frequented by Upper West Siders whose disposable incomes allow them to spend approximately $50 on a meal. Welcome to Restaurant Week (or, rather, two weeks), a clever advertising scheme meant to seduce the frugal into the lifestyle of the glamorous eaters.

Never one to miss out on a good marketing ploy, nine Columbia students and I visited Calle Ocho, an upbeat, modern restaurant in the business of innovative Latin American cuisine.

The walls are the warm shades of a sunset, the ceiling is adorned with balloons of tastefully muted colors, and the tables receive the royal treatment—leather tablecloths. Interesting, but necessary? Ana Baric, CC ’12, could not help but wonder how many animals died for the diners’ experience. Beyond the tablecloths, however, the décor joins forces with the non-stop salsa, samba, and meringue music to create the sensation that one is in a sun-drenched place, far away from the Core, the slush, and English speakers.

Complementing the ambiance are the specialty drinks offered by the bar. The sangria’s delicious combination of fruits is brought to full strength and flavor by the wine used, and the mojito strikes a perfect chord with its balance of sweet and sour in harmony with the rum.

Unfortunately, some felt the quality of the food was slightly inferior to the atmosphere and the drinks. “The food was okay,” said David Charles Mills Jr., CC ’12.

Pierre Gergis, CC ’12, agreed that “the basics were a little bit overdone.” He was referring to the mahimahi, which was surrounded by a pool of orange-tinted butter, and tasted bland despite the accompanying plantain puree.

Steven Tsai, CC ’12, insisted that the steak, which was tender and “really good,” far outdid the fish. Placed on a tart filled with bleu cheese and onions, the dish was hesitantly called “interesting, but good” by Celia Eddy, CC ’12.

The last course, dessert, excelled beyond the rest. The domino-shaped chocolate cake was moist without being drippy, while the coconut ice cream was subtle and flavorful. “The flan wasn’t traditional—it had a mango mint sauce which made it interesting and really good,” said Natania Field, CC ’12. The coffee, which was available in a French press the size of a jug, ended the night on a high note.

Check Spectator A&E’s blog, Spectacle, throughout the weekend for more Restaurant Week reviews at spectacle.specblogs.com.