Cuba Libre: Rum Cake

Bill

The “Torta Mentirita” is a riff on Cuba Libre’s namesake rum-and-Coke drink.  The cake is soaked in Cuba Libre 15-year rum, topped with lime sorbet, and Coca-Cola sauce.  The rum cake flavor changes daily.  The one I tried was peanut butter.

The cake was a little course and dry for a rum cake.  Its gooey peanut butter parts were great, and I usually don't even like in desserts.  The Coca-Cola sauce was tasty and unique, and the lime sorbet was pleasantly sharp but hindered by ice chips.  This dish had some great elements, but fell victim to some easily correctable mistakes.  As it was, it deserves a good rating.

801 9th St NW Washington, DC 20001
(202) 408-1600

Google map and reviews (3.32/5)

Washington Post (Critic 1/4; Readers 2/4)

Washingtonian

Washington Life 

Wonkette

Yelp (3/5)

Cuba Libre: Chocolate Torte

Bill


Cuba Libre's DC location was one of the recent openings that generated a lot of buzz.  It's a good sign when a restaurant posts a separate dessert menu online, and Cuba Libre's chocolate torte more than delivered on that promise.

The torte has a fabulous interplay of texture and flavor.  It combines a thin soufflé crust, softer inner soufflé, gooey dulce de leche, and a thick chocolate sauce.  Each of these elements is of the highest quality and could stand on its own.  This dessert is a masterpiece of both design and execution.  Count the chocolate torte among our favorites and give it our divine rating.

The pairing of the torte with blueberry compote is odd, but one can ignore it, so it doesn't detract from the dish.  Also note that this is not a traditional soufflé.  The chef intentionally allows the soufflé to sink.  

I'll warn you that not all of Cuba Libre's offerings are up to the torte's standard.  Check out Two DC's review of the restaurant as a whole.  I agree with their "Second Thoughts From B," except I would rate at least the small plates higher than Cheesecake Factory's non5essert offerings.  Check back here for a review of the rum cake.

801 9th St NW Washington, DC 20001
(202) 408-1600

Google Map

Washington Post (Editors' Pick; Readers 1.5/4)

Washingtonian

Washington Life 

Wonkette

Yelp (3/5)