(Overall: B*) - Ultimately, I greatly enjoyed Moma's tasting menu as it had stunning presentation…read morefor most plates and innovative techniques and creative flavors with each new plate. My only qualm for this Michelin Starred restaurant was that my course pacing was at the mercy of other diners who were much slower than I am being a solo diner, dragging this experience on much longer than necessary.
[PART I - FIRST BITES]
Moma is a Michelin starred restaurant in which I opted for their classic tasting menu, with some thoughtful adjustments for my growing lactose intolerance. The first bites consisted of four one bites and a salad which definitely left an unequivocally positive lasting first impression all around --
(i) The chicken foie gras pairs with bell pepper, providing an acidic onion-y sweetness foreground with a crunchy shortbread finishing bite.
(ii) The pickled beet root is acidic and sweet without the daikon bitterness; I loved the umami saline pairing with this.
(iii) I usually dislike tacos, but this cod fish taco in the shape of a Panipuri was to die for; the cod was turned as creamy and flaky as crab, with a crispy shell encoating while simultaneously removing that unpleasant stale tortilla chip taste I despise.
(iv) One of my favorite beef tartares being mayo and dijon forward serving as flavor boosters that is enhanced by floral undertones.
(v) Fuzzy wild greens and candied licorice rounds off these bites with an exotic refreshing earthy sweetness. Love this delicately constructed salad.
Food: A+
Presentation: A+
[PART II - STARTERS]
Moma's starters are definitely the highlight of the classic tasting menu, turning foods that may sound unenthusiastic into mesmerizing showstoppers!!
(vi) First is their bread, which comes in a classic sourdough to be paired with a sicilian spiced evoo that is adds a unique zing; the other form is a very crispy bread chip that was quite fun to consume.
(vii) Their seasonal garden was the best dish of the the night -- the transformation of ordinary vegetables into a full symphony of flavors and textures -- a creamy parsnip puree, with acidic pickled fennel, carrot, and cauliflower; there's tempura greens, and crisped rice cauliflower -- truly pefection!!
(viii) Cuttlefish Tagliatelle -- pounding the cuttlefish to be immensely thin, then cutting it in the shape of tagliatelle, empowered by a deeply developed puntanesco sauce with olives and anchovies to have a beautiful balance of tomato and umami.
Food: S
Presentation: S
[PART III - MAINS]
Next on the menu is the mains, which consists of some of their more eye-catching dishes from the menu, which were still very high quality, but less show stopping than the appetizers:
(ix) Truffle Miso Corallini -- the abundance of truffle adds a soothingly fresh fragrance and herbaciousness, but the miso herb oil combo comes on a bit saline forward.
(x) Cod Linguine - This lactose-free substitution was constructed on the spot, using part of the cod to give it this sardine-like lingering umami that is pleasantly fishy. There's a touch of spice and celery that complements the seafood-forward pasta.
(xi) Pigeon -- There's a fascinating dichotomy between the perfectionist tender nut crusted breast and the barbaric barbeque leg with an intense addictive flavor. The creamed foie gras and berry dust added a pleasant creaminess and acidity to pair.
Food: A
Presentation: A+
[PART IV - DESSERTS]
The final bites of Moma's tasting menu consistent of some creative last minute lactose-free adjustments that hit well!
(xii) Strawberry Sorbet -- Very simple palette cleanser that is fruity and refreshing with a bit of meringue; the presentation is not on par with the rest of the meal.
(xiii) Pear Sorbet -- A very balanced dish with fall flavors, colors, and components. The pear sorbet works well with the hazelnut and caramel to provide a balance of flavors and textures.
(xiv) Finishing Bites -- The brownie and chocolates were very rich and chocolately, which contrasts well with the classic sugar cube providing a refreshing sweetness.
Food: A+
Presentation: A+
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Food: +1
Presentation: +2
Price: E
Atmosphere: E
Service: -1*
Menu: +2
Overall: 4 stars
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