Cafe Salsa (1712 14th St. NW), bites off a lot, promising a "nuevo Latino cuisine" that is "inspired by the diversity of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Caribbean and South American culture" (emphasis added). After an admittedly small sampling, I'd say it generally pulls it off. The complimentary, fried, Asian-style noodles and Provençal -style tapenade make for a strange starting note. But Cafe Salsa shines when it counts, as with the ropa vieja and the bistec with sauteed onions.
