I always have an amazing meal at Casa Mono, the Michelin-starred Spanish restaurant on Irving Place just east of Union Square. It’s is currently owned and operated by Joe Bastianich and Andy Nusser.

We noticed a white Malvasia from Lanzarote on the menu as my dining partner had recently been to that northern and easternmost volcanic island of the Canary Islands. He described how the vines are produced in the volcanic soil in holes below the surface. We ordered the Bermejos Malvasia Deco 2020 Lanzarote ($57) with apple and citrus notes with a slight mineral finish from the volcanic soil. It went so well with all we ordered.

I had forgotten that it was restaurant week until our well-trained server placed the special menu in front of us as we were eating their olives bathing in rich EVOO. Our order started with the specially priced two courses offered for $21. That included the Ensalada Mono, a pile of lightly dressed friseé, decorated with three triangle slices of manchego and topped with crumbled pimentón spiced Marcona almonds. The other dish was grilled Dorada in a puddle of summer fruit gazpacho topped with more diced fruit and veggies.

We also enjoyed three other dishes. Their three giant scallops came in a serrano pepper green curry made with coconut milk and accompanied by minted whole cashews ($24).  Their fideos —a dish similar to paella made with broken pieces of vermicelli instead of rice —was with diced chorizo, sea beans and whole clams ($19).

Our final dish contained a square of confit goat with an avocado cream with cheese, with a chunk of avocado sprinkled with chopped pistachios ($25). Yes, yes an odd shape for meat but that flavorful and tender dish is not to be missed. Neither is a meal at Casa Mono.

Well worth the trip!

Casa Mono
Gramercy Park
52 Irving Place
New York, NY 10003
(212) 253-2773
casamononyc.com/