Samba Room sizzles

Atmosphere: Samba Room is a lively Cuban bar and Latinocafé on the corner of Travis and Knox, well deserving of itsinstant popularity since it moved into the area three yearsago.

The stylish design on the restaurant is what first caught my eyewith its Havana-esque surroundings and sexy appeal.

Once inside, Samba Room continues to impress with is outstandingservice. The staff never left a single thing unattended; there wasnever an empty glass on the table and my napkin was even refoldedwhen I returned from the restroom.

Samba Room is moderately noisy — Latin music is playedover the dinning area at friendly levels. However, those sensitiveto cigar smoke should proceed with caution.

Food: While the scene at the bar and lounge area enticed me, myattention was immediately snapped back tableside with the SambaRoom’s culinary accents. Diners can enjoy an array of foodfrom the restaurant’s menu, with main dishes ranging fromcumin-rubbed roast pork tenderloin with sweet potato hash, friedwhole red snapper with cilantro-coconut rice and garlic-gingerbroth, or cachaca smoked chicken over Caribbean rice with redwine-habanera syrup.

I liked the food but, it was the dessert that locked me in— I recommend the coconut crème brulee.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed dining out at Samba Room. I wouldsuggest trying it out on a Wednesday night from 5 to 8 p.m. whenthey feature live music on the patio and two dollar tapas andmojitos.