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| - Cava has a very trendy ambience to it - simple decor, nice little touches that give a cultural reminder of what cuisine you're eating.
Service is stiff - I didn't find the waiters to be particularly friendly, warm, or inviting. While immensely knowledgeable about the menu and the wine list, their attitude is kind of hoity-toity, rather than catering towards your needs.
The meal itself had its moments. Overall, the food is good, but the price? Not good value for the money.
Mmm-ness
Pinchos of artic char and avocado: simple, delicious.
Chipotle-caramel popcorn: very enjoyable with a little bit of heat. A different type of popcorn kernel should be used though, as the caramel made the popcorn a little too sticky.
Pinchos of gamay-poached foie gras: also excellent.
Papas-fritas! Oh I liked the saltiness and the rosemary on these delicious fries. But then again - they're fries - and $7 for a small serving?
Kingfish ceviche: quite nice, light, done right!
On the fence
Grilled squid with fingerling potatoes: mmm. Potatoes are quite nicely done, and the squid had a good charred flavour. Tentacles a little overdone.
Beef tripe: meh... was not a fan.
Oysters with tomatillo salsa: Excellent choice for the oysters, but the salsa - completely unnecessary.
I liked the simplicity of the plating - however, when delivering fried items like the potato chips/papas fritas/popcorn, they afix a little holder which is offcentre on the table, and put a little paper cone into it. Kind of unfortunate for the person who is sitting immediately in front of this device as it impedes their access to the other dishes!
Generally speaking, it is a nice idea to go and share a couple of different dishes with a friend or two, and try something new. A worthwhile experience to give it a shot and see what you think.
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