Mommi - Clapham
"That's the thing about food, it demands to be eaten" - The Fault In Our Diets
Food reviews are longggggggg overdue on this blog, I feel like I talk about a lot of things that are important to me on here (food is very high up on that list) but for some odd reason, I never talk food. Seeing as I've been piling on the pounds from all the amazing food I've been eating, I think it's about time I start sharing.
Disclaimer - I am a foodie; but by no means a professional critic. I'll eat whatever you put in front of me at least once. All of my reviews are based solely on the singular dining experience described and is subject to change if revisited. When it comes to food; I'm very opinionated, making me incisive, especially when I don't like it; This doesn't mean you won't, it just means I don't or I've had better.
So here goes.
I went to Mommi (odd name) in Clapham a couple weeks ago for a birthday dinner, it's a Japanese/Peruvian fusion restaurant, with an open kitchen, and staff wearing Japanese-style chef headbands. There’s a charcoal grill and sushi counter but perhaps and the most outstanding feature is that it has an interesting cocktail menu and it's completely gluten free.
As I was dining with a fairly large group, we had a set menu with three different options. According to our delicious looking host for the night (Jose), each menu was made for two to share – 6 beautifully presented, perfectly balanced and devastatingly tasty dishes for the table. I chose option 2 - the Fuji menu.
Generally speaking, I HATE FISH. But in an interesting turn of oxymoronic events, when it comes to salmon, really good sushi, and sea bass I'll make an exception. However raw fish by itself will NEVER touch these lips of mine. So option no 2 in the fish section was a solid no from me as it was raw, a quick chat between Jose and the chef allowed me to swap my raw Salmon Nikkei for the Grilled Miso Salmon.
The meals came out in little plated duo's, first was Heirloom Tomato, Avocado & Sweet Potato Chirashi Sushi, Seasoned Sushi Rice, Aji Amarillo Crème Fraîch AND Grilled Miso Salmon, Sweet Potato Purée, Coriander, Choclo, Yuzu & Aji Panca Soy Dressing.
I loved this duo, the veg option is cold, so bare that in mind if you prefer hot veggies. The sushi rice and avocado was a good pairing. Sweet potato and salmon is one of my favourite go to meals so I liked this as well, although I found the salmon a little salty and coming from me that's saying a lot!
Then came the Lamb Cutlets Yakitori, Green Tea Miso, Aji Lomo, Coriander, Salsa Ocopa AND Sticky Miso Glazed Chicken Wings, Aji Panca & Inca Kola, Chilli, Sesame & Amu Su Celery, Rocoto Cheese Dip
The lamb, oh sweet baby Jesus, the lamb was delicious! So moist and succulent, this was a winner for me. The chicken wings were alright, nothing extraordinary, I've had better.
And finally Braised Sticky Short Rib of Beef, Quinoa Lime Picante, Ama Su Roots, Teriyaki Padron AND Nikkei Tempura Fish & Chips” Wasabi Mayo, Cassava Fries, Spring Onion.
Without so much teriyaki sauce, or just a tbsp of it the braised beef would have been orgasmic. It was really tender, like fall apart melt in your mouth. Unfortunately it was drowned in teriyaki that was sickly sweet, I could tell it wasn't served with the sauce it was cooked with, which distracted from fully enjoying a prime cut of beef. I tried to remove as much of it as I could, but I just couldn't stomach any part the sauce was covered in.
The fish and chips weren't my cup of tea, cassava chips are a bit drier than normal chips and fish does nothing for my palate, I did like the wasabi mayo though.
I also ordered an overpriced (£9.90) cocktail that looked very pretty, it was sweet, not very strong and to be honest I don't think I got my money's worth as there wasn't a lot in the glass.
In a nutshell
Taste - 2 out of 5
Aesthetics - 3 out of 5
Service - 5 out of 5
Ambience - 4 out of 5 ( They had a great musical playlist)
Value for money - 4 out of 5 six dishes at £24.99 is a reasonable price in my opinion
Would I go back? Only if I happened to be in the area and I was dining with someone who's on a gluten free diet. Life's too short to eat food you're not crazy about.