$63.30 (food - crab & corn toast, lobster bucatini. drink - Tall in the Saddle) Mulino monologue:…read more
During my time in Lander, I wanted to celebrate something special at a special place. I came across Mulino and really enjoyed the information I read on their webpage (this really is a family restaurant), checked the spot out and fell in love with the open kitchen concept, the interior placement of the decor and outdoor dining option. I decided, at that moment, that this was going to be the place to celebrate!
I was accompanied by 11 friends. Yup, we made an evening out of it. We sat outside and indulged in drinks - adult and kid friendly beverages, although there were no kids with us - Italian cuisine, storytelling and laughter. It was a great atmosphere and great weather for all of that.
The drink and dishes that I consumed were items I never tried before. (See above for my order). So, I figured today was the day to experiment. The concept of the toast I enjoyed more than the actual item. Personal preference issue: It came out hot, which was great. I like toast, but not well done toasted bread. It was like eating a big crouton that was submerged in a dipping spread. I had to use my knife and fork to create pieces to eat. Because it was so large and hard, there were crumbs jumping everywhere. Maybe I needed a finely sharpened surgical knife for clean, precision cutting. The spread cooled quickly, which was to be expected after all the work I had to go through just to get one bite. I liked the spread better when it was hot. I think that if the spread was created and served in a cast iron dish, with a side of "croutons" to dip in it, that would have been better suited for this concept.
The lobster buccatini, well, again, a personal preference issue: The sauce was tasty, the noodles were fun, the peas were, well, peas (you either like them or you don't) and I do love microgreens. I have no suggestion for what could have been done differently here; it was good, but one time was enough for me. Like I said, I just wanted to try something different. And different I did...in Lander, Wy!
Oh and the drink was tasty. In all, the experience was enjoyed by all. Definitely an upgraded, large city type atmospheric restaurant, compared to what Lander has to offer (or not offer).
P.S. - If you are interested in reserving space for a large party, when the restaurant opens, know that you may get some pushback (The reason for the 3 stars). If we were sitting at an open air restaurant right now, enjoying a nice brunch surrounded by people in cute brunch outfits, I would give you all the details. But in the end, it all worked out (but not before I took some deep breaths, and vented to a few folks to make sure I wasn't the crazy one. I even had to call my mother on this one. Sheesh!)
