Welcome to the Monkey House

Inbetween sniffling and other unsundry, sickly events last week, I was well-enough one night to join a few gal pals to celebrate my friend Stacie's b-day at Mario Batali's newest restaurant Casa Mono. Apparently, the name is Spanish slang for "House of Monkeys" and the food is inspired by one of Batali's favorite dining haunts in Barcelona.

Waiting for our table, we sipped a beautifully rich red wine at the miniscule Bar Jamon next door. Although it was packed and more than a bit stuffy, the crowd was jovial and it definitely seemed like it was worth another trip.

I wouldn't say the same for its sibling.

Mind you, the food wasn't bad. And, perhaps I had overblown expectations considering my love for Batali's fare, but Casa Mono just wasn't up to snuff. Nothing on the menu completely "wowed" me - and I think our table tried about half of Mono's small plate offerings.

The best of the bunch: a duck's egg, fried sunny-side up on top of herbed fingerling potatoes, with a few slices of the salty Spanish delicacy known as mojama, which is dried, aged tuna; crunchy, creamy pumpkin goat cheese croquettes; and quail cooked with pomegranate and grenada.

The restaurant's version of creme brulee was passable. But, there wasn't another dessert that truly tempted. Heck, even the ice cream sundae fell somewhat flat - its combination of brandy and prunes tasting odd rather than ethereal.

Have no fear though. I'm not through with Spanish food. In fact, I've got a Restaurant Week reservation at Bolo. So, expect more on this culinary front...

P.S. Photo credit to NYC Eats.