Jane Ho

in the last week

"This was my first Michelin star restaurant and honestly, not impressed. The place was small and the tables are tightly nudged next to each other. Very claustrophobic inducing. Though we booked weeks in advance for an outdoor seating (only had that option available at the time), we were sat at the bar as they didn't have outdoor seating that day. They text to confirm reservations a few days before, the bar seatings could have been communicated. Here are comments on each of the dishes based on having them each for the first time: Pan Con Tomate: $12 Pros: toasty garlic flavor on the nicely toasted crunchy baguette. Cons: chopped tomatoes have no taste to them, what happened to the seasoning? Creamy Eggs +Sea Urchin, Ancient Anchovy Oil, and Walnuts): $30 Pros: sea urchin was the only saving grace here, earthy, gave the dish flavor Cons: creamy eggs? It was ok, not so creamy, I've made better creamy scrambled eggs at home, again, what happened to the seasoning? Walnuts added very little to the dish, taste wise. Iberico lamb Chops, Saffron Couscous and Mint Salsa: $40 Pros: Saffron Couscous was good, lamp chops good flavor Cons: what mint salsa? Could barely taste it on the dish. Little meat on each lamp chop, one bite that was it. There 3 little lollipop lamb chops. Duck Breast, Maitake Mushroom and Miel de Jerez: $40 Pro: this was the best dish of the evening, great duck breast, juicy & flavorful, amazing mushroomy, truffly mash. No cons here, worthed it! Pork Belly, Fabada Asturiana and Pickled Mushrooms: $25 Pros: the sauce and beans had a lot of flavor, very good. Cons: overly fried pork belly, so hard to chew I felt like my teeth was going to break biting it, almost inedible. Confit Goat, Avocado Queso, Scallion Ash, and Sicilian Pistachios: $28 Pros: I don't remember any. Cons: very little seasoning, goat tasted mushy, weird consistency (and I've had plenty of goat before), avocado queso no seasoning, weird & bland tasting dish. Service was mostly good (changing plates, sommelier was very friendly), except when I asked for more bread and olives, one of the waitress had a nonchalant reaction, no smile, no answer, stared at me for a few seconds as if I'm not suppose to ask for more (??) though she still brought us more olives but it just made me feel like her reaction could have been positive instead of making me feel uncomfortable asking for basic service. The lighting was quite poor, could barely see the food on my plate, maybe coz we seated at the bar?"

Adel

a month ago

"I recently celebrated my Baba’s birthday at Casa Mono, a Michelin starred Spanish restaurant, and it was a truly memorable experience. From the moment we arrived, every detail reflected care and sophistication. We were seated in a cozy, private nook by the wine display a perfect spot for an intimate celebration. Our server, Susan D., was exceptional, guiding us through a four-course tasting that showcased the chef’s skill. Each small plate was packed with flavor, with highlights including Bacalao Croquetas with Orange Alioli, Sardinas Fritas with Endive Ensalada, Pulpo with Fennel & Grapefruit, Skirt Steak with Romesco & Onion Mermelada, Arroz Negro with Sepia & Calabrian Chili, and Pig Ears with Pickled Serrano Peppers & White Grape Vinaigrette. The pacing was leisurely, making it one of the most enjoyable dining experiences we’ve had. For dessert, they added a celebratory candle, and we savored Crema Catalana with Buñuelos and burnt vanilla custard with deep-fried bay leaves both indulgent and perfectly executed. The service was knowledgeable, attentive, and friendly without ever feeling intrusive, and the prices felt reasonable for a Michelin star experience. Casa Mono truly delivers an elevated yet approachable dining experience, and I can’t wait to return to explore more of their menu."

Sonya M. Sumner

2 months ago

"Five stars all the way for Casa Mono. This meal was pure magic from start to finish and easily one of the most memorable standouts even among many great dining experiences. The fluke crudo was the absolute favorite, perfectly balanced and silky with that smooth coconut mouthfeel, and the leche de tigre was so good you could drink it. The burrata with tomato gazpacho was wildly delicious and far exceeded expectations, creamy and luscious with the perfect punch of acidity that made it a lick the bowl clean kind of dish. The bone marrow was decadent and rich, the kind of dish that reminds you why indulgence exists. The shishitos with lemon saffron yogurt were ridiculously good, zippy, tangy, and addictive to the point where I was so full but couldn’t stop eating them. The pan con tomate deserves its own applause, with soft bread, vibrant tomato, coarse salt, and just the right hint of garlic oil. The scallops with serrano had some nice heat and were cooked beautifully, though the garlic was a bit overpowering and the nuts threw off the balance for me. My husband loved them though. The razor clams à la plancha were fine, but definitely not a standout—pleasant, a little fishy, and easily skippable in favor of the other dishes that shine brighter. And then came dessert. The crema catalana with bay leaf beignets was what dreams are made of—divine, creative, and truly one of the best desserts I have ever had. The donuts dusted with sugar and wrapped around bay leaves were unlike anything else. I would go back just for that. The cappuccino was lovely, the wines were superb, and the overall experience felt warm and special. Get two or three dishes per person, plus dessert, and prepare to be rolled out in the happiest, most satisfied food coma imaginable. Casa Mono is an absolute gem and a place I cannot wait to return to!"

Genesis Vega

2 months ago

"Scallop,Bacalao croquetas,Pork belly with corn all the food we try it was amazing very delicious from the sauce to the actual meat everything was wonderful. Dessert was delicious we had bread pudding I will prefer no berry but this definitely add a bitter flavor that every sweet plate needs .Wine were delicious especially from the Dulce menu if you a sweet wine love. We did had a server but we didn't interact much with her instead we feel more welcoming with a belief was another server cal Ian (hopefully I spell his name right) he took ur drink order was really attentive suggest it think, his attention to details was amazing. He made out experience better. We got seat at the bar over looking the cooks since we did a walk in and I was really happy because we was available to see the Chef and cook work. Restaurant is small take that in consideration and the plates are small but pack with flavor totally happy with this dining experience. 10/10"

Laci Kim

3 months ago

"Some really great quality seafood spot in Gramercy. Definitely on the pricier side, but these dishes are a great introduction for semi-exploratory eaters. Nothing crazy, but good quality ingredients with classic flavors with a modern spin. Some great dishes were the pulpo and razor clam. If you can, I recommend sitting outside on a sunny day."