I needed Spanish food. Seriously, I was in withdrawal, having returned recently from San Sebastian. That’s why I selected the Michelin 1-star Casa Mono to meet a friend for lunch. It never disappoints.

Since I chose the place,  I let my dining partner, a wine professional, Wanda Man, founder of Wine With Wanda and East Coast Editor, The SOMM Journal, select our wine.

After chatting with their Somm, she chose Sin Mas 20 ($59), a fun, funky red from Galicia. This light-bodied, low-alcohol wine “had a Kombucha quality that the Somm described. But the fruit was fresh and bright, with no oak. A very good match with our meal,” said Wanda.

We started with the lightly dressed Ensalada Mono ($15) of frisée and other greens tossed in a light membrillo (quince paste) vinaigrette, chopped Marcona almonds seasoned with smoked paprika (pimentón) and slices of 3-month-old Manchego cheese, aged for three months.

Their flavorful mussels ($19.00) came with crumbled chorizo and pimenton. I sopped up that sauce with their bread. Their not to be missed foie gras comes with five varieties of roasted onions ($34.00).  Heavenly. Also recommended are their piquillo peppers stuffed with braised oxtails ($24).

The only dish we didn’t finish was their patatas bravas ($12). It was fine, not exceptional as their other dishes.

As an ending, we split their orange-infused bread pudding with sherried blueberries served in a cast iron skillet ($12).

I highly recommend a visit.

Casa Mono
Gramercy/Flatiron
52 Irving Place
New York, NY 10003
212.253.2773