Earlier this year I got the chance to visit Trattoria Molto, a small Italian restaurant in Apgujeong. It’s had a reputation for being really good for ages and I’d always wanted to go at least once, so I was pretty lucky. Molto is famous not just for the food but also for its fantastic wine list, picked by the chef, who used to be a sommelier. The place is small and pitched as a neighbourhood restaurant, so it’s not the right fit for a fully formal gathering, but since you can enjoy authentic Italian casually at a reasonable price, I’d say it’s a very useful place to have around. (Come to think of it, while I was eating there I ran into several people I know who live in the area.)
The soft lighting is nice for enjoying a meal, but unfortunately the photos didn’t come out well. So I’m posting them small. Next time I’ll have to go during the day.
Antipasto platter of four
An easy way to start the meal. Good with wine, too..
Today’s wine
Jean-Pierre Moueix’s Saint-Émilion 2005, a half bottle. 2005 Saint-Émilion is legendary, right? Tasting it, it was pretty decent for the price.. If we’d been splitting the bill I might have ordered something a bit more expensive, but I was being treated, so.. ^_^
Bolognese pappardelle loaded with Hanwoo beef and Parmigiano cheese
There was a set course, but the chef kindly sent out one pasta of each kind, so we got to try a whole range. The finely minced meat, fresh tomato sauce and tender noodles make for a truly authentic flavour. People say that once you’ve had the fresh pasta here, you can’t eat pasta anywhere else.. but honestly, can’t you just order fresh pasta when you go somewhere else? ^_^ The problem is that there still aren’t many places in Korea serving fresh pasta at this level..
Pasta..
It was a few months ago, so I’ve forgotten the name..
I think this was a chicken grill.
I’ve been working out hard lately to get a momjjang body, so I’ve been eating a lot of chicken. Ah.. but after months of just sitting and working, my body’s turned completely useless..
The house signature: Hanwoo steak from Okgwa, Jeollanam-do
This is that supreme steak I’d only ever heard about as a legend. I was full that day so I didn’t order it, but the chef brought some out anyway, saying I should at least have a taste since I’d come from so far. What a moving moment.. Bless you, Chef~
Cross-section
I’d never seen a steak grilled to such a perfect medium rare. The outside is crisp like caramel and full of bite, and inside the fresh juices just run.. I found myself wondering for a moment whether an Italian restaurant, not even a Korean barbecue place, is really allowed to serve a steak like this.
Dessert
A light dessert comes out.
A truly satisfying meal. I hope it stays this good for a long time to come. Next time I’ll have to go with a friend who loves meat.