(monasseattle.com) – Green Lake
How I heard of this place: I first heard of Mona’s through the Entertainment book, but had not made an effort to sample the fare until Amir invited me to enjoy a Living Social Deals.
Type of cuisine: Italian inspired with small plates, salad, a handful of pasta and pizza selections and entrees including pork shoulder, flank steak, chicken and risotto.
Ambiance: Artsy interior with red-orange walls, decorated with large bottles of wine. Dimly lit with candles and lights over the rectangular bar in the middle of the restaurant space. Chair and table settings are found on either side of the bar, with limited patio seating available.
What I ordered: The two of us ordered two appetizers to enjoy prior to dinner. The first was an assorted cheese plate with local, seasonal cheeses and accompaniments ($12), which included a creamy, blue goat cheese drizzled in honey, a hard, pungent parmesan cheese with pomegranate syrup and cheddar cheese, pistachio nuts, dried cranberries, apple slices and crackers. We also partook of a large slice of baked brie with a balsamic reduction and sliced apples ($7). For dinner I selected the risotto di mare ($18), served with tiger shrimp, Brussels sprouts and broccoli, finished with a sweet balsamic dressing. My dining companion ordered the flat iron steak ($19) with grilled broccoli, garlic mashed potatoes and a red wine peppercorn demi glace.
What I loved: Of the dishes we sampled, my dining companion and I agreed that the cheese appetizers were the best. My favorites were the blue and hard cheeses, while my dining companion most preferred the warm, gooey baked brie. The entrees lacked flavor (salt) and the punch of tastiness for which we were hoping.
Why I loved it: I loved that our table, closest to the windows, was in the open air, just behind the patio, as the large windows opened up to the outside.
Cost: Average ($15-$20 for dinner entrees)