July 11 2010

Casa Mono - I Want to Move In

By now you know my love for Mario Batali.  Otto’s cheeses, meats and pizzas can do no wrong and Babbo’s food is quite simply, epic.

This weekend, a group of us rounded out our tour de Batali with a celebratory birthday dinner at his Spanish Tapas joint, Casa Mono. It’s been two years since I dined here last and it was just as flavorful and delicious as I remembered.  

Casa Mono is located on Irving Place, the charming street just off Gramercy Park.  The intimate interior with an open outdoor concept, fits only a handful of diners who enjoy their meal while overlooking the open kitchen.  Service is attentive and helpful, especially when trying to determine what to order from the vast menu.  Our group of five ordered a great variety of dishes, allowing us to sample the majority of the menu. 

My favorites denoted with an ** below.

CaseyCulture Rating: 9 out of 10

Red Snapper Crudo with Scallion Ash

**Hudson Valley Pork Belly with Sweet Corn and Sandia

Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Croquetas

**Soft Shell Crab Sandwich

**Sweetbreads with Fennel al Mono

Hudson Valley Chorizo with Spring Beans and Aged Manchego

Calamares Fritos

Lamb Chops with Garbanzos and Harissa

**Sardinas Fritas

Duck Breast with Cherries Agridulce

**Foie Gras with Cinco Cebollas

Pudín de Naranja - Bread Pudding with Pear Ginger Sorbet

Torta de Chocolate with Apricots