Newly opened Ceiba is on the right track
DESCRIPTION: What a nice surprise it was to walk into Ceiba the other day. I work around the corner and had been watching its transformation from day one. The end result in terms of decoration is pleasing to the eye with a conservative palette of coral and ivory colors accented by dark woods and colorful paintings which is more than elegant enough for the high-end business power lunches as well as relaxed and cozy for the romantic evening t te a t te. For having opened its doors just last week, Ceiba appears to run pretty smoothly. Service is prompt and friendly if a bit unsure (there are mix-ups about who ordered what dishes) and the food, what I have had the pleasure to try so far, is delicious. True to tradition, Ceiba follows in the footsteps of its sister restaurants (DC Coast and Ten Phen) in the serving of dishes. Flair in the presentation while encouraging the diner to participate in the preparation of his own food. Therefore, the conch chowder comes with the soup kept properly hot in a small little jug that is served right before your eyes to release delightful wisps of steam and delicious smells and, so that you don't feel left out, you get your own two little jugs of flavorful additions to be poured at your tastebud's requirements. The varied appetizer menu offers tantalizing descriptions of tried and true latin american cuisine favorites which are faithfully reflected in the ensuing presentations of food. None of that "sounded better than it tasted" deal with Ceiba. Here the food tastes even better than it reads. As I've said before, I haven't had an opportunity to try much but you must not miss out on the chicharrones, the ceviches, the duck empanadas and the churros with hot chocolate for dipping. They've become my favorites in a very short time. Ceiba is definitely on my list of culinary highlights for this year. I can't wait to try out what is left on the menu and dread to think that if I can recognize the value of its cuisine, so can other satisfied diners who will no doubt become my competition in fighting for a space at its tables. Ceiba is on the corner of 14th Street and G. Tel: 202-393-3983.
DATE: 2003-10-02
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 6

Give it some time
DESCRIPTION: I recently went to this newly opened restaurant with some friends to a few appetizers and some drinks. The service was excellent and the drinks were wonderful (try the mojito). Our only issue was the taste. We shared the shredded duck empanadas, chicharones, mussels and the queso fundido. Although avery dish was beautifully presented and came from the kitchen promptly and hot, every dish was bland. It was as though they added no seasoning during cooking or even bothered to taste what they were serving. We were all a bit disappointed because DC Coast and TenhPenh are two of our favorite places to eat in DC. After this experience we won't be returning any time soon to have dinner.
DATE: 2003-10-03
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 4

Surprisingly good.
DESCRIPTION: Great decor and service. The food was served promptly and the presentation was excellent. The Ceviche was good, in a town where the Latin community is growing, it is hard to find upscale restaurants that can maintain "homemade" taste while venturing in using "exotic" ingredients.
DATE: 2003-11-12
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 6

It's about time!
DESCRIPTION: Over the last couple of weeks, I've become a "regular" at Ceiba, simply because of the excellent service I received and the food, and the mojitos. I usually eat at the bar, and the bartenders are awesome. Kudos.
DATE: 2003-11-20
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Jamaican 'Stamp and Go' crab fritters, Clay Crock Steamed Bluehill bay Mussels, and the Tilapia with plantain

Great service and good food
DESCRIPTION: I was at Ceiba on Saturday night and the service was impeccable. The decor is very unique with different color combinations creating a genuine Latin American ambiance. Food was great as well, however if you are after simple yet elegant dishes, you may need to pick with caution. Most of the dished were pretty heavy on the cream sauce and had complex textures. Presentation of dishes was magnificent.
DATE: 2004-02-09
FOODRATING : 6
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Scallops

Go somewhere else
DESCRIPTION: I, and a group of nine others, have never been treated so rudely by a maitre d'/manager. We left after deciding we didn't want to give them any money after the way we had been treated.
DATE: 2004-03-02
SERVICERATING : 2
OVERALLRATING : 2

Excelente!
DESCRIPTION: The food and service are terrific, but you should definitely make reservations -- we managed without them, luckily. If you're looking for Tex-Mex, don't look here, this is exclusively Mexican. However, if you like Tex-Mex you will certainly like this place. The decor is cool.
DATE: 2004-06-22
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Zicil-P'ak and Taquitos de Pollo

Go Somewhere Else for Real Mexican.
DESCRIPTION: The atmosphere was lovely, but felt the staff were all a little out of it and the food mediocre. Greeted by a hostess who just sort of stared at us as we approached her and then a waitress who, I felt, must have just started that day - it was all a rather 'ok' experience. The entrees took forever to arrive, only because I think our waitress put in the order late because she thought we were still waiting for our calamari appetizer, which we already finished long ago! All in all, the food did not taste like authentic Mexican food, but rather something I could make for much less at home. The chips and salsa seemed store-bought (the salsa was like ketchup), the refried beans seemed to have come from a can and the beef in my burrito dish and the chimichanga were like mush.
DATE: 2005-08-07
FOODRATING : 2
SERVICERATING : 4
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 2
RECOMMENDED DISHES : no recommendations

Great Food. Obnoxious Staff
DESCRIPTION: Isn't the restaurant industry all about customer service? Apparently David Winer doesn't think so. Although the food was exceptional at Merkado Kitchen, the staff at "the front of the house" was anything but. When I called to ask about the vintage of a certain wine on their wonderfully sourced (and priced) list, I was rudely told to "call back in an hour...I'm in the middle of something." Just yesterday I made reservations for a big group in person and the manager, acting annoyed, and barked orders at me, after acting as if he was doing me a favor. This area might be starved for good restaurants, but Merkado Kitchen will need a serious attitude adjustment in order to fit the bill.
DATE: 2005-05-16
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 2
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 4
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Asopao!!

Great food and service
DESCRIPTION: Maybe they read the earlier review. Anyhow, the service last night was excellent. The woman at the front door did her best to accommodate my wife and I, and get us a table during a very busy part of the evening. After an exceedingly minor incident where I was given a glass with a chipped rim, they credited me for my cocktail. The waiter was quick and knowledgeable without being pushy. Decor here is great.
DATE: 2005-06-10
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Duck starter - perfectly cooked! Tuna entree - delightful.

Great Food & Service
DESCRIPTION: Super enjoyable spot with some of the most amiable service I've come across in quite some time. Menu is interesting and fairly priced. We enjoyed everything but loved the White Tuna Sashimi, the Whole Fish and the Blueberry Napoleon. Wine list is a bargain. Bonny Doon Telegram is a steal.
DATE: 2005-06-28
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : White Tuna Sashimi

Coolest Place in the Hood
DESCRIPTION: Congrats to Winer, he's done it again. Best neighborhood restaurants in DC. The food was great, service was friendly and on the mark. Glass and a half of wine is a nice touch as well as the cool list of specialty drinks. We'll be back.
DATE: 2005-07-16
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Asopao