Milliken and Feniger “have done it again. At Ciudad, [they] have renewed their passports as intrepid intercultural trendsetters with a wildly inventive menu that showcases the tastes of Central and South American--and gives a big nod to their alcohol culture, with festive cocktails and a tasting
menu of more than 30 rums.”
Los Angeles Magazine Restaurant Issue

“... That optimism is reflected in designer Josh Schweitzer’s bold use of citrus yellow throughout the restaurant--the perfect alternative to Prozac. (If the color isn’t sufficient, though, try the Caipirinhas.)”
Detour

One of the most exciting aspects of this cutting edge restaurant is not just what's happening on the plate, but also what's happening in the glass. In researching "the bold seductive flavors of the Latin world," chefs and restaurateurs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger have discovered delicious drinks and wines from the same regions as the foods they're using in the kitchen.

"We found this whole new world of drinks," says Feniger, "that are not generally known in this country. The bar is a great place to start when getting to know the flavors of a new cuisine. Some really fabulous, classic drinks have come out of South American and the Caribbean."

"They're delicious and sexy," adds Milliken, "especially because they're new to so many people in this country. And the wines of Spain and South America are truly the next frontier for the wine enthusiast and connoisseur."

At Ciudad, it's hard to resist a Caipirinha while listening to bossa nova, and nibbling tapas-style from a menu called Cuchifrito.*  What better match for a Gaucho Steak made with Argentine beef than a Bordeaux-like Tempranillo red wine? Or a refreshing Albarino white to accompany Quinoa Fritters (made with the classic Aztec grain) with tangy Spanish Romesco Sauce?

Here's a closer look at the wines and spirits Milliken and Feniger are serving at Ciudad--and at home.

* "It sounds like I should slap you when you say that!," said one journalist. In fact, "cuchifrito" means "little fried things," and the word refers both to a variety of fried snack foods and the window/counters where they are sold in South America.