Café Rivera

Walking through the front doors to Café Rivera the first thing you notice is the very distinct layout.  The large store front windows and the high ceilings make the front section of this restaurant feel open and free as an outdoor patio.  But if you choose something more intimate take the walk down the center of the restaurant, with tables on your left, bar and open kitchen on your right, step under the proscenium arch and enter the more intimate back room, with subtler lighting and a feel for the romantic.  As you walk out the front door the last thing you will remember is the great service and the wonderful food.

Although the atmosphere feels refined it quickly becomes apparent this is a casual place to dine.  I was pleasantly surprised when our waitress, dressed in jeans and a simple black shirt arrived with our menus.  A warm welcome, menus "dropped" on the table, a drink order was taken and she was off to fetch our libations.  We asked to sample a wine or two and she soon arrived carefully balancing some bottles and a bunch of glasses.  There was nothing formal about her presentation and we quickly made a choice.   When our food arrived I was again surprised to discover one of the owners was now serving me.  Dressed as casually as her employee Lucinda Rivera stopped and chatted for a few moments. This little exchange truly made it feel like a small local diner and I was already thinking about my next visit to this warm restaurant.  Given the atmosphere I expected something different, not so much a tuxedoed sommelier, but finely dressed and delicate service.  Our waitress's and owners casual dress and tone were very welcome and I eased back into my chair for a relaxing and casual dinner.

It's service is casual and its name suggests a "café" but the food can easily sit on the table of any elegant high class restaurant in the best part of town.  Bruce Rivera owns the restaurant and is also responsible for the wonderful meals placed on the table.  His resumé boasts thirty five years experience and kitchens all over the States giving him a knowledge of food from around the world.  With a menu including Argentinean style steak, Spanish meat hash, Cuban pork and Farmer's grilled chicken he clearly demonstrates his varied styles.  My fried plantain appetizer, served with a roast garlic aioli and a light dipping sauce, was a deliciously sweet opening to dinner.  For the main course I ordered the Cuban sandwich and sampled the Ceviche Tostadas.  My classic sandwich of ham and roast pork was served on a light flat bread and the swiss cheese and mustard held everything together without overpowering the taste; with each bite I experienced a rich blend of flavors.  On the side I ordered fries which were lightly oiled, not greasy, and perfectly salted.  The Ceviche Tostadas was equally tasty. The gulf shrimp lightly marinated in lime juice, mixed with tomatoes and onions were reminiscent of a refreshing Caribbean conch salad.   Setting it apart from the traditional island favorite was the avocado, making the meal just heavy enough to be filling, and the tortilla chips.  Both dishes were a generous portion but still left room for desert.  Chocolate cake soaked in three milks and drizzled with chocolate sauce sounded rich but the tres leches chocolate cake was sweet and light.  Light enough that I sampled the flan Cubano.  A richer desert, but definitely not heavy; this custard was exactly what the menu offered creamy and velvety smooth.  It was the perfect cap to a dinner that deserved a tuxedoed sommelier and reservation to get in the door.

Café Rivera is located at 117 East Poinsett Street, in Greer, SC.  They are open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday and are available for private parties and catering.  On the last Saturday of the month they do a fixed price themed wine dinner.