I headed over to Cuatro, located at 2030 S. Wabash Avenue, this past weekend to see what their Latin fare is really worth.  And, I would have to say it is worth a good bit, in my not so humble opinion. 

As a side note, let me first say that I truly appreciated the name of the restaurant, Cuatro.  Apparently the owners are four siblings with a passion for Latin food and for this growing area, just a bit south of the Roosevelt CTA.  The ambiance of the restaurant was fun, and dare I say, intriguing at the same time.  Most of  the intrigue came from the unique art on the walls, which kept conversation stimulating and interpretive.

Cocktails, like bread, often seem to offer me the first impression of what is to come.  And...I was SO PLEASED.  I usually go for the simple, yet refreshing, plain mojito, although I became a bit daring on this night and opted for the Pomegranate Mojito made with 10 cane rum.  Let me just tell you..it was insanely flavorful, fresh and had a fabulous zing about it.    

The Cuatro Margarita rocked too!  I felt that I could not get enough of these refreshing drinks.  And, if I had closed my eyes and taken a sip, I am convinced that I would have saw a glistening blue Caribbean ocean in view.

Mmmm....okay, we are moving right along to main eats, although it is hard to stop thinking about these outstanding drinks.

I enjoyed the Coctel Vuelve a La Vida, which serves up scallops, salmon and mini-shrimp ceviche wrapped in avocado slices.   I must say, that I have missed these wonderful ceviches, since moving from California, where Mexican delights, such as this, are often served. Covered by a tamarind-aji panca vinaigrette, this ceviche offered a light and appetizing way to begin the meal.

Time to talk main courses.  Loved!  Loved! Loved the Moqueca De Mar!  I am a sucker for seafood and love it even more when it is immersed in a decadent broth, like this one.  The spicy coconut milk and tomato broth was a superb complement to the loads of seafood within it!  I could not get enough of the mussels, shrimps, scallops, squid and tilapia. Although, I am not a big fan of plantain tostones (fried food has to be exceptional for me to want to add it to an almost perfect dish ) - it did soak up the broth nicely, if you are into that.  The coconut rice was a delight too and our wonderful and helpful server suggested dipping the rice into the broth before eating.  That was yummy.

My husband enjoyed the Bistec a la Parilla - a Uruguayan strip topped with green chimichurri, served with a twice baked chorizo potato and sauteed spinach.  He was taken aback by the size and shape of this beautiful cut of meat.  I loved the chimichurri on top, which gave this medium rare beauty a good zip due to the cilantro, olive oil and garlic.  The potato offered a unique take on the normal twice baked potato by adding the chorizo topping.  Overall, this is a truly enjoyable option.

I really want to try the Pistachio Praline Ice Cream next time I go back.   That does sound like the perfect way to end this fabulous meal, in retrospect. 

All in all, this meal has left me wanting more!  I want more of my Moqueca De Mar for sure! I want more cocktails and I want more of that wonderful experience. I highly recommend Cuatro. 

The menu is fabulous, not over-priced and it certainly left me happy!