Cafe Madrid (Probably Should Have Been Named Cafe Quito)

So after leaving the delicious and memorable meal at Basso, we staggered across the parking lot of the strip mall, and adjacent to the Rite Aid were flashing fluorescent lights circled around the sign that read "Cafe Madrid".   It looked as though it was brand new, and I was impressed to see some outdoor dining set-up (though looking out at people walking in and out of Rite Aid clutching contraceptives, diapers and laxatives maybe isn't that appealing).
Walking into Cafe Madrid, I was immediately impressed with the decor and vibe. It's obvious that much thought went into the design of the place, and whoever did design it really was trying to go for an authentic-looking tapas bar.  The wine list was good and affordable, consisting largely of Spanish and South American varietals (a few of which I had never even heard of).  The drink they poured the lovely lady accompanying me was incredibly strong and got her rather tipsy (good for me).  And by the time we left,  I found myself with a bit of a buzz (not good for, considering the twenty minute ride home that was awaiting me).
I decided to return to Cafe Madrid the following week to sample the food and see if everything was as good as it looked.  Now I generally have a problem with Tapas Bars, and I'm tired of seeing them pop up all over the place.  Back in the early part of the 2000's, the craze was strip-mall sushi, and even the most tried and true family-friendly Chinese restaurants (you know, places with names like Peking Garden #4) were adding sushi bars and sushi chefs.  For the most part, the sushi at these places was nothing special.  Such seems to be the case now with Tapas Bars, as they are spreading like wildfire, and just about any and every slightly ethnic eatery- even ones next to a Radio Shack or Rent-A-Center- likes to brag about their Tapas.
Really, Tapas in general leave me unsatisfied if I'm in the mood for a meal.  If I wan't a snack or an appetizer it's fine, but my appetite needs a real meal nine out of ten times. 
So when eating at Cafe Madrid, I opted for the Pollo Inferno, a spicy chicken breast smothered in hot peppers, onions and in a white wine sauce.  It was good for $14.95, though nothing that I couldn't have made at home.  And it's nothing that I couldn't have ordered down the road at any run-of-the-mill gritty Central or South American restaurant not trying to be a Tapas Bar for $8.95.  Speaking of South American, in talking with the very friendly and outgoing bartender at Cafe Madrid, I learned that the restaurant is about as Spanish as I am.  Based on the names and some of the menu items, I deduced that Cafe Madrid is Ecuadorian-owned.  I see nothing wrong with that, as I quite like Ecuadorian cuisine.  In fact, I would have much rather the place be an outright and honest Ecuadorian restaurant, and not try to pass itself as a Tapas Bar.  But, again, it's all about marketing and $$$$, and the average unknowing Gold Coast customer gets all excited and aroused when they hear the word "Tapas"; so I can't say I blame them for at least trying.
I'll definitely go back to Cafe Madrid at some point this summer.  It's a mellow, laid back sort of place, and the vibe is quite nice (indicative of the outgoing and kind people behind the bar).  And while I may not order a meal there, it's definitely worth going for a few drinks and a chance to unwind.  And if nothing else, I can sit outside and watch the locals go in and out of Rite Aid.