Casa Mun Closed Door Dinner in Buenos Aires
by Rease Kirchner
Casa Mun is an up and coming closed door restaurant that seems to be quickly growing in popularity. I kept hearing whispers about it so when I found out there was an opening for an upcoming dinner, I decided I had to try it.
Casa Mun combines cuisine from Korea, Japan, China and California. I really enjoyed that Chef Mun defended his stance that when it comes to cuisine, California should be considered a country. When I read the menu, I was thrilled to see the variety and all the spiciness I was about to experience.
Starting the night right with some bubbly
The dinner began with a short champagne reception. I arrived second, slightly worried about being alone. However, I was welcomed at the door as if I were an old friend. I was handed a glass of champagne and I immediately started chatting with a lovely woman from Germany.
After the delicious Ponce Torres Extra Brut champagne, we chose our seats and were served a fresh glass filled with Rama Negra Sauvignon Blanc to compliment the Chinese Wonton Soup. The soup was Chef Mun’s signature recipe with shrimp, water chestnuts, bok choi, wontons, pork dumplings and bamboo shoots. He was kind enough to switch out my dumplings for chicken since I do not eat pork. The soup was flavorful and so hearty that chopsticks were provided so you could pick out the larger pieces. I found myself torn between engaging in the great conversation I was having with the man across from me and focusing on my delicious soup.
Real Sushi. In Buenos Aires.
After the soup we were served Chilean Salmon Sashimi & Maki Sushi California rolls. The plate was assembled so neatly that I almost didn’t want to eat anything. Almost. Chef Mun instructed us to work our way down the plate from the rolls wrapped in shaved cucumber right down to the roll stuffed with fried shrimp. Sushi in Buenos Aires tends to be a huge disappointment as it often contains things like cream cheese, canned tuna and even chicken. Chef Mun’s sushi was easily the best I have had in this city.
Bring on the heat!
After the sushi, Chef Mun kicked it up a notch with some Fiery Fish Tacos, paired with AVE Premium Torrontés. These Korean style fish tacos were served on fresh corn tortillas and piled high with gochujang sauce, cilantro relish, julienned cabbage and jalapeño wasabi guacamole. Everyone at the table seemed to hesitate before Chef Mun encouraged us to get messy and use our hands. Let me tell you, I never wanted those tacos to end. Everything was so fresh and tasty, right down to the corn tortilla, something I have missed ever since leaving the States.
Next up was Korean “Bibimbap” paired with Rama Negra Malbec. Chef Mun was born in Seoul and his heritage was evident in his wonderful preparation of one of the most famous dishes in Korean cuisine. The steaming bowl of veggies (with a seasonal fern imported from North Korea!) and rice mixed with Chef Mun’s mother´s secret spicy sauce was very satisfying.
Dessert was not only tasty, but quite classy as well. A Torta Aflajor covered in cocoa powder was perfectly complimented by a variety of fresh fruit. The Korean (and actually Chinese and Japanese as well) symbol for “home” was drawn in chocolate sauce, though I quickly destroyed it by dipping my fruit into it. We were also served a bold green tea to finish off our meal.
When we left the dinner, we all crowded outside, still excited from the night and chatting away. Everyone I met that night was lovely. It was a night spent sharing exquisite food with interesting people, something I hope to repeat very soon.
Take a look at the Casa Mun website to read more about it!
Rease is a US citizen currently living the ex-pat life in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is bilingual and an experienced traveler. She loves gaining and sharing knowledge of local cultures, customs and adventure.
Featured image by Simon Jaquier
