Restaurant Mare e Monti by Kukuriku was Frank's last in a row for Restaurant Week 2011. Mare e Monti by Kukuriku in Stella Maris Holiday Village near Umag offered definitely the best food Frank had during the Restaurant Week. And it is the only one where Frank will not go back. Ever. Despite excellent food (Chef, Chapeau!), stunning setting (seafront terrace) and really good wine list.
Service! Frank expected a slap in the face on departure. By the waitress. The way she served Frank's table that evening, he couldn't expect nothing less. Then, at least, he would believe the service is bad on purpose, and maybe he would try to get the concept. Like this, he can only feel sorry for the owner, for the chef, and for all the future guests who will be eating at Mare e Monti by Kukuriku.
Place! Set within Holiday Village Stella Maris, at the seafront, fine dining restaurant Mare y Monti by Kukuriku has a great terrace by the sea, perfect setting to dine out. Although it was already late season, the restaurant was pretty busy. Frank even met a friend, who later confirmed Frank's feelings about the service (just a prove that Frank is not being difficult!).
Food! As mentioned earlier: Excellent! Starters: Fish tartar with emulsion of citrus, olive oil and red pepper; Beef fillet carpaccio with parmesan cheese served on rocket salad; or Pumpkin Soup. Frank and co. tasted Fish tartar and Beef carpaccio and both entrees were excellent. Main course included the choice of: Oven-baked fish with rosemary and cherry tomatoes served with Swiss chard and potatoes; Poached fish with root vegetables and zucchini; or Pork fillet in a beer sauce served with a cabbage and potato tart.
Fish was excellent, but pork fillet was one of the best Frank ate – tender and really tasty. Desert included: Tiramisu, Chocolate mousse; or Vanilla ice cream with almonds and chocolate. Dark chocolate mousse was rich and simply delicious.
