Momocho Update

1835 Fulton Road
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 694-2122
www.momocho.com

I am not usually one to mention chefs or drop names of individuals involved in the establishments where I dine, but I had to mention this.

Chef Nolan Konkoski has left the building!

(He might not like that I am posting this, but he deserves some props never the less.)
Many may not realize that Nolan has been the "Go-To" guy of Momocho for the past few years. Yes, we all know who owns the place, but sometimes the one in the spotlight is not the one whom actually is keeping the place going. Nolan has been the behind the scenes guy who makes sure the restaurant has food to eat, and GOOD food to eat for some time now. Nolan has been the brains behind most of the tasting menu items as well as the regular menu. Most of you have probably seen him working his A#@ off in Momocho's tiny kitchen upstairs for some time, but no longer.
It has yet to be determined if Nolan will continue to offer part time work or consulting services to Momocho in the future.
All I know is, Momocho has a very interesting road ahead of them in order to keep up the high standards that Nolan has been dishing up since the opening of this Ohio City gem.

Good Luck!

Momocho

1835 Fulton Road
Cleveland, OH
(216) 694-2122
www.momocho.com


I do not know where to start when it comes to Ohio City's Momocho. I have been there many times, and have always loved it. The music, the lighting, the service, and the food make you feel comfortable and looking forward to the next time.
Knowing we were in for a good meal, we were excited to attend Momocho's latest tequila tasting dinner. I have attended a wine tasting dinner and a tequila tasting dinner there so far, so I couldn't possibly miss the last of the season. We sat at the bar, which was a perfect spot to be able to see all the activity around us. Not everyone was there for the tasting dinner; many chose to order off of the menu. Their menu choices are wonderful, but if there was a delectable tasting menu being offered, why wouldn't you get in on that!? To each his own I suppose.

First, we were presented with a "play on soup and salad". A bowl was placed in front of us with a dollop of chopped rock shrimp and a basil pesto sauce nestled in the bottom.

Over the rock shrimp and pesto sauce, they poured in the Tomate Amarillo Soup. The soup had just enough spice to wake you up but not to knock you out. The consistency of the soup was of a smooth puree and it was a perfect way to set the stage for the following courses.

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Patron Silver was the tequila partner for the first course. Although Patron Silver is not my favorite of tequilas, it definitely fit well with the spicy soup and tender shrimp.
The second course offering was the Sweet Corn Fritters, served with roasted chilies and Queso de Urgell Fondue.

The corn fritters were served on skewers over the bed of chilies. The Urgell Fondue was on the side for dipping or pouring. The Urgell was just the right accompaniment for the corn fritters. The creaminess of the queso brought out the sweetness of the corn and the smokiness from the roasted chilies beautifully. Herradura Reposado tequila was served with the fritters.

This tequila also brought out the sweetness of the corn and cut through the queso nicely.

The third course was the Tuna Cebiche Taquito, served with Watermelon Pickles and a Sour Orange Crema. First of all I love cebiches. The citrus denaturing the fish is just a lovely frolic for the tongue. This cebiche presentation was no different.

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With the squeeze of lime served on the side, the tuna was bursting and the Watermelon Pickles I could eat all by themselves. With the drizzle of the Sour Orange Crema the dish came together superbly.

The cebiche was accompanied by Don Julio Anejo tequila, and with its honey undertones was absolutely perfect.
Next was Momocho's intermission course. I love this unique offering. The intermission includes a flavorful little selection to cleanse the palette before continuing on the culinary journey.
Served in a shot glass was Guanabana Punch with a Vanilla Bean Nieve, topped with thinly sliced Strawberries.

This was perfect. The guanabana, which is a sweet tropical fruit, with the vanilla bean and a bit of sorbet was delicious. The thin strawberries added just enough texture to the little shot glass of sweet heaven.
Next, my favorite course, was the Pork Confit served with Baby Ramps, Coconut Foam, and Mango Salt.

This dish was so good that I felt drunk after finishing it. I love discovering dishes that just intoxicate you, or immediately give you that euphoric feeling, this dish accomplished both. The sweet fatty pork belly was exquisitely spiced and the lightly sweetened foam danced on the surface before it melted and surrounded the saltiness that lay beneath it.

The mango salt sat on the plate tormenting you, as if it knew, after a bite of the pork, you wanted that extra sweet and savory addition. Served with this was Corazon Anejo tequila. This tequila has a hint of spice to its finish, and complimented the fattiness of the pork well.
As if that weren't enough, the fifth and final course was dessert. The dessert was a Latin Crepe Cake, with Milk Chocolate Mojo and a Tequila Spiked Horchata.

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Thin crepes were stacked upon one another and placed on the Milk Chocolate Mojo, with a shot glass of milky Horchata for sipping, shooting or pouring. I opted for a few sips then the pouring. My companion opted for the complete pouring over the sweet crepes. The Mojo was wonderful and was perfect with the thin crepes. The mild sweetness of the Horchata was very nice sipped or cascading down the layers of the thin crepes.

Momocho has never disappointed, and this trip was no different. The tasting menu and it's pairings were perfect and thoughtfully executed. Unfortunately, the season is over for the tasting menus, but now that the weather has changed their beautiful patio will be open. I will surely be visiting them again soon, very soon.

Le Petit Triangle

1881 Fulton Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 281-1881
www.lepetittrianglecafe.com

The former home of Le Oui Oui Cafe is now another French cuisine based bistro called Le Petit Triangle. The space is tiny and cozy, and only has about ten tables that are right next to the open kitchen complete with a crepe cook top. The menu includes salads, sandwiches and an extensive crepe menu, both sweet and savory. I have been looking forward to trying the quaint bistro for some time and finally got a chance to have lunch the other day.
We started with the French press for two. A delightful French Roast coffee steeped and pressed. Next, I ordered the Croque Madame Sandwich.The Croque Madame is a grilled ham and Gruyere cheese sandwich, topped with a fried egg and Béchamel sauce, and served with roasted potatoes on the side. Le Petit Triangle is a French inspired cafe, but the portions are definitely Americanized. I remember ordering a Croque Madame in France along my travels, and the sandwich was no where near the size it was at Le Petit. Don't get me wrong, it was tasty and I did nearly finish the whole thing, but it certainly was a hefty lunch. My companion ordered the Chicken and Mushroom Crepe with Gruyere cheese. The chicken was tender and the crepe was perfectly cooked. We passed on dessert because we were so full at that point.
The space is so cozy and intimate that I will surely return if I am in the neighborhood and ready for a pleasing crepe.