Supping on the culinary genius of chef Martin Rios produces a sensation much like that of falling in love—sweet, seductive, and intensely pleasurable. Taking time to prepare every element in the most fastidious fashion, Rios is known for making all sauces from stock reductions and finishing with butter and cream, and for introducing unexpected flavors in otherwise everyday items. Witness his roasted pork tenderloin, accompanied by sweet potatoes pureed with oranges that he's preserved for nine days, and his duck confit and foie gras in puff pastry with pistachios and cherry-celery compote. Take just a moment from swooning over chilled sweet corn soup and lobster soup with lobster tempura and osetra caviar to enjoy the candlelit stucco room, which is adorned with Mexican folk art and bold, oversized paintings, and is part of one of the city's oldest buildings.

The Old House Restaurant Information:

• Southwestern menu. Dinner. Closed Thanksgiving, Dec 25. Bar. Business casual attire. Reservations recommended. Valet parking.