Our taste sensation at the relatively new restaurant, Sol Fire (2014 N. Farwell Ave.), began almost immediately.

We sat down at the bar and each ordered a margarita especial ($5.50). "These are dangerously good," said my dinner companion, and I couldn't agree more. A delicious concoction of tequila, pineapple juice and sweet and sour soda, these babies are served in a tall, chilled glass dipped in sugar (instead of the usual salt).

We decided to remain at the bar, have another margarita and order caramelized plantains ($6.95) as an appetizer. Again, we were blown away. The plantains were perfect: soft but solid and drizzled with ancho cream and cilantro oil, adding just the right amount of saltiness to the fruit.

We were tempted to order another appetizer -- the roasted corn soup ($5.95), fresh oysters ($7.95) and glazed short ribs with chips ($8.95) had caught our eye -- and yet another margarita, but decided it was in our best interest to sit down in the eating area and order some "real" food and sodas instead.

Our only disappointing experience of the evening came at this point. The tables and chairs seem out of place -- the kind you might find in a bagel shop. The small chairs are a little uncomfortable and, surprisingly, there wasn't a tablecloth on the table. Luckily, we were so taken with our food, drink and the warm décor, that we were less bothered than we might have been at a less-delightful restaurant.

Although the structure is exactly the same as when it was La Casita, the interior is completely different. The walls are painted deep reds and oranges and beautiful beaded hanging lamps and table candles shed soft but ample lighting.

At first, we poked fun of the velvet drapings in the diningroom. My dinner companion jokingly asked me if a marionette show was about to begin, but by the time we left, we agreed that the lush velvet added even more warmth and color to the cozy-yet-classy environment.

Every item on the menu is seductive. The American cuisine has surprising twists of South American, Central American and Cuban cooking. Options range from burgers and grilled tofu sandwiches ($7.95-$9.95) to gourmet entrees.

We decided to continue with our already-established decadence and order entrees, ranging in price from $12.95 to $16.95. Most are ala carte.

After pondering the tornado of salmon ($16.95) and the butternut-feta ravioli ($12.95), I decided on moqueca ($14.95), a Brazilian seafood stew with shrimp, mushrooms, little neck clams and oven-roasted tomatoes over cilantro rice and drizzled with a buttery, light broth. I also ordered a Caesar salad with asiago cheese for $6.95.

My date went for the tilapia ($14.95), Cuban white fish breaded in blue corn meal and pan fried. It came with to-die-for cumin fries and he also ordered a Caesar salad.

Both meals and salads were superb. The portions were medium to large, and the moqueca featured generous servings of each seafood. The tilapia was extremely flavorful and was healthier than we expected as it came only lightly breaded and fried.

We forced ourselves to finish our meal with chilpotle ($5.95), a chocolate flourless cake. Although obviously a gourmet dessert, the presentation was unappealing in a way that actually made us snicker. (Choosing my words very carefully, it looked like it came from the restroom rather than the kitchen. They gotta reshape that thing.) However, it tasted absolutely dreamy and was topped with cinnamon crisps, brandied cherries and whipped cream.

According to owner Kevin Sloan, who also owns The Social, Sol Fire will soon open a small parking lot just North of the building and will have patio seating this summer. Only sunshine and a warm afternoon could improve those fine, fine margaritas.

Call (414) 291-0232 for more information or to make reservations for a group of at least six.