Moto Cucina + Enoteca
Moto’s Sunburst Trout Crudo
blood orange, fennel, benne seeds
I often like to eat at a new restaurant at least a couple of times before I say much about it. However, there have definitely been some first time experiences that leave me so enamored that I simply must talk about it right away. That is the case with M Street’s newest addition, Moto Cucina + Enoteca.
On my recent visit, I had a couple of dishes that I seriously have not been able to get out of my mind, so of course you now get to hear about them!
The Moto menu features “rustic-modern Italian cuisine”, and as you’ll see from what I ate, that encompasses a whole lot more than pasta and pizza. We started with an incredible Sunburst Trout Crudo. The bright, citrusy flavors in this dish make it one that I will want to eat time and time again as the months grow warmer. There is no doubt in my mind that I will go there often this summer just to order this (sorry, not sharing) along with a glass of bubbly. Perfection.
Moto’s Octopus
perfect grill, borlotti beans, pancetta, salsa verde
Well, that’s not entirely true, because there is something else I’ll need to order along with the crudo. In fact, I don’t think I will ever be able to step foot in Moto again without getting the Octopus. I’m not exaggerating when I say this is one of the best dishes I’ve eaten this year. Perfectly tender and succulent, it’s the best octopus I’ve ever had. No lie. The best.
In addition to these delightful appetizers, my friend and I also shared the Pork Cheek Terrine with crispy ears, pickled onion and toast points, and the Brussel Sprouts with pancetta and apple agrodolce. Both were great.
For entrees, she chose the Blueberry Lasagna. I know, sounds weird, right? We’d both heard rave reviews for this lasagna and the name alone had us curious. I was afraid it would be too sweet, but the server assured us it wasn’t, and he was right. Actually, I think a more appropriate name for it would be Wild Mushroom Lasagna topped with blueberry gastrique. Of course, that wouldn’t make it nearly as interesting so I get what they’re going for.
Seared Scallops special at Moto
sunchoke puree, chicken jus, truffles, wild mushrooms
I chose to order the special of the evening, Seared Scallops with a sunchoke puree, truffles and wild mushrooms. I love scallops when they’re cooked well, and these were perfect. Sorry that it was special and you can’t run out and try it for yourself right now!
All in all, a really fantastic first experience at Moto, and I can’t wait to go back again. It’s going to be hard for me to leave room in my belly for much more than the crudo and octopus on my next visit, but I definitely want to try any favorite dishes that you guys have had there, so leave me a comment and tell me what I should order next time!
