Latorre's, Charlotte

The restaurant's ambiance is sparse - probably because it was largely empty when we arrived. Turns out there's a reason for that. The first course was bland - that's the best thing that could be said for it. The real problem with this establishment, however, is the incredibly poor management. The service we recieved at the hands of the manager was outrageous. After receiving drinks (caipirinhas) which most closely resembled roach spray, our party politely asked to send the (unconsumed) drinks back in exchange for something potable. We were approached after 10 minutes by the manager who brusquely informed us that he would be happy to "add some sugar" to the drinks but it was against the restaurant's policy to replace them and remove them from the bill. The coup de gras came when, as he was removing the soup dishes, he snidely inquired if we expected the soup to be removed from the bill because it was left unfinished. We promptly left the restaurant and the only two other people in it and we will not be back.

Favorite Dish: If you enjoy incredibly bland food, you'll enjoy pretty much everything on the menu.

Great food, nice contemporary surroundings, great value!

Favorite Dish: I chose Empanada de Carne -- large Spanish pastry filled with ground beef tenderloin and wild mushrooms, served over field greens tossed in a sweet garlic dressing with a side of red onion escabeche. It was delicious and very, very filling! I was afraid it would be greasy -- it wasn't!!!

I also tried Sopa de Frijoles Negros -- Cuban classic soup topped with chorizo sausage. I didn't like it -- maybe because I don't like mashed beans.

Latorre's is a really great restaurant located in Uptown Charlotte in the shadows of the highrise bank towers. It's a tri-level place and the wood floors and bright colors are tastefully done and it reminds me a little of the "modernisme" that is discussed so often of the streets of Barcelona, Spain. If you come on a Saturday night, you can get free Latin dance lessons upstairs, where the restaurant turns into a club on the weekends.

Most recently, I visited Latorre's with VT member frankcanfly. Frank had the ahi tuna and I had the pork steak (pictured here) and both were great!

Favorite Dish: The Ceviche is wonderful. The menu varies but is influenced by many different Latin cuisines. Also, be sure to try one of the appetizers containing plantain or yuca.

Check out their website for updated information on events and the menu/wine list.

A place with modern and pleasant deco and live music (one gentleman was singing Latin songs on a Thursday evening). This could be a romantic place to enjoy gourmet food with your loved one. It has a large parking lot next to the building. My waiter was very pleasant and ready to help.

La Torre’s has a very interesting menu (see their website) and the dish I tried was excellent.

According to their own promo card (I asked if I could have a copy of their menu, as a result I got a beautifully designed card with lunch menu on one side and dinner, the other) “We offer an extensive selection of South American wines and tropical martinis and cocktails.”

Further, “Friday sand Saturdays, dance to the hottest Latin music and take free Salsa dance lessons starting at 10:30 pm”.

I decided to try their signature dish as I was attracted by the photo of this particular dish on Night and Life in Charlotte brochure (many restaurants provide photos of their dishes, but often, they failed to keep the quality, which reflects unstable quality level). I was very pleased by the presentation and well calculated flavors of the signature dish.

Favorite Dish: Signature Dish
Escalope y Attoz con Coco $24
“Amber seared jumbo sea scallops over coconut rice, black beans, and sweet plantains with mango-mojo”

The base layer is the coconut flavored rice, then black beans, crispy green beans, slightly seared succulent scallops, with fried sweet plantain adding the 3-D effect also gives a different texture, the tier is finished with a sea of mango sauce. Scallop, plantain, coconut and mango, all have a sweet but different type of sweetness. Together with black beans and crispy green beans, they produce a very harmonic and pleasant dish. I tried each ingredient separately and any combination of any two or three, any way is very tasty.