Mokomandy

So, today I'm going to write about the food that someone else made--food prepared by the chef at Mokomany to be exact.  I love tapas--for me it's the satisfaction of being able to eat multiple small bites; sampling a variety of new food, or getting to enjoy a little of each of my favorite things.  So, when my husband's friend recommended Mokomandy in Sterling with it's menu of small plates, I was really excited to try it out.

Hidden off Algonkian Parkway, Mokomandy is unexpectedly city chic in the suburbs of Northern Virginia.  With it's contemporary interior, the setting felt clean and modern, without feeling cold.  And, of course, the simple setting keeps the focus on the food--which was worth focusing on!

For the person who likes to try new things, the restaurant offers turtle and wild boar dishes; but there are also Mokomandy's spin on the traditional deviled eggs or s'mores.  With a menu consisting of many small, appetizer, or tapas, type dishes; followed by slightly larger meals, there is something for everyone on the menu.

I have to say that my favorites were the Catfish Po'Boy Sandwiches,  Foi Gras Dumplings, and the Kobe Carpaccio.  The catfish sandwiches, served in the form of mini burgers, were tasty and melt-in-your-mouth; can you say that about fish?  I don't know, but you should be able to in regards to this particular fish sandwich.  The foi gras dumplings were small bites of delight--mixed in with pieces of braised duck and served with a small salad that included onions and whole red pepper corns, the dumplings were light and flavorful.  I would think if you've never tried foi gras before, this would be the perfect dish to start with since it's all packed into a small tasty dumpling...so no reason to feel queezy.   As for the kobe beef carpaccio, this had to be my favorite.  The meat on its own was delicious, but what made the carpaccio stand out were the flavors that topped it off--a mini salad made up of radish and green apples which really complimented the carpaccio.

This may not be the place for those who equate the quantity of food with the quality of the restaurant--but I will say that the small servings are interesting and tasty, and the quality of what you are getting certainly need not be questioned.  In all, for any foodie who doesn't feel like driving East of the beltway, Mokomandy is a fantastic find.  Small plates with an asian feel make this a different type of tapas restaurant--and with a fully stocked bar, their own signature cocktails, and a menu that changes according to 'what's good,' as our waiter explained, this is a great place for a spontaneous date night or to meet up with friends for a bite to eat.