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Santa Monica ‘s Mon Ami “First Class to Spain”  Sept 19 Experiential Dining Brings Catalonia to Your Table

If you’re not already familiar with Mon Ami, you’re missing out on one of Santa Monica’s tastiest hidden gems.

Tucked behind the crowds on Ocean Avenue, this hidden courtyard restaurant feels like the best-kept secret for cocktails and bites near the beach. 

Nas Negahban’s Mon Ami “First Class Experience’ takes Your Tastebuds to Barcelona

Under the guidance of Nas Negahban from Pacific Coast Hospitality Group, a seasoned traveler with a passion for authentic culinary experiences, Mon Ami strives to mirror the richness of Mediterranean cultures in every aspect. 

The Mon Ami event series will launch September 19.

Reservations to the Barcelona First Class Series Event: https://resy.com/cities/santa-monica-ca/venues/mon-ami?date=2024-09-19&seats=2&query=Mon%20ami&activeView=list

Pricing is: $95 plus tax and gratuity for the 4-course food menu

Or $125++ for the food menu and 2 included drinks. 

Mon Ami Chef explaining tonight’s dishes

Speaking on his inspiration and Mon Ami’s concept, Nas explains:

“I’ve always had a passion for building new concepts and brands across various industries.

We currently have a few restaurants in Spain and other countries

but Santa Monica is home. ”

Nas Negahban

Mon Ami is the true Mediterranean experience.

With an emphasis on a variety of culinary dishes and spices and inspired spirits with an enhanced flair attached to it from several countries located on or by the Mediterranean Sea such as Spain, Greece, Italy, France, Morocco, & many more with a lot of their food curated and selected from the local Santa Monica Farmers Market. 

First Class Series Event on September 19 – Extraordinary Journey to Barcelona

The First Class Event Series includes 2 items from Mon Ami’s drink menu (specialty cocktails or wine)… and dishes from their food menu:

• appetizer
• first course
• second course
• choice of 3rd course
• and choice of dessert

If that sounds like a lot, it is.  And not in a “I’m stuffed and need to roll home” kind of way.

Incredible flavor.

Diversity.

Filling.

But you leave feeling pleasantly fulfilled. Not heavy.

For me, that’s incredibly important.

Mon Ami’s First Class Series is a great idea for date night, for a casual business dinner, for a birthday or celebration.

Most importantly, it creates memories.  It’s been a few days since my dinner, and I’m still remembering it and smiling.

Mon Ami’s Blackberry Mojito

Mon Ami’s Blackberry Mojito

Mon Ami’s Catelonia Margarita

Mon Ami’s Catelonia Margarita.

The dinner started with a light appetizer, perfect to ignite your appetite.

Mon Ami; Amuse Bouche (Iberian Jamon with Burrata, Calabria Chile on a crustini)

Amuse Bouche (Iberian Jamon with Burrata, Calabria Chile on a crustini)

Light with a good crunch and subtle flavor.

Equally important, the perfect conversation starter.  If your dining table has a quiet moment, the arrival of this plate sparks smiles, giggles and reactions.

Mon Ami; Tapas Trio: Truffle mushroom, Chicken Mousse with a Pickled Onion, Spicy Tomatoes and Pepper

1st Course

Tapas Trio: Truffle mushroom, Chicken Mousse with a Pickled Onion, Spicy Tomatoes and Pepper

This is the first feel of diversity.  Flavor, mouthfeel; each of the three delivered a different experience.  From subtle, to bold, to a kick of spice.

Is your dinner Instagrammable?  It is if you’re at Mon Ami.

All evening long diners were taking pics of their meals.  Why?  Sure, it’s delicious.  But the plating.  Beautifully well-designed and playful.

Mon Ami takes their flavor seriously, but has fun creating each dish into art.

Mon Ami; Grilled Octopus with Patatas Bravas

2nd Course

Grilled Octopus with Patatas Bravas

The grilled octopus is tender and juicy, paired well with crispy fried potatoes and drizzled with red sauce. It made you hungry for what’s next…

Mon Ami; Marinated Skirt Steak with a side of Spanish Rice and Roasted Zucchini

3rd Course 

Marinated Skirt Steak with a side of Spanish Rice and Roasted Zucchini

Don’t forget, the 3rd course has options: steak vs pasta.

Choosing skirt steak because it’s commonly a tougher cut and I was curious to see how Mon Ami’s skilled chef would create a heavenly plate.  Here, the marinade brought out the tender juicy flavor that we hoped for.  Well-prepared.

Our table shared smiles, giggles and mmmm’s with each bite.

Mon Ami; Crema Catalona with Shaved Chocolate and Berries

Dessert

Crema Catalona with Shaved Chocolate and Berries

Again, dessert offered choices.  Dessert was between Crema Catalona and Sorbet.  I chose the Crema because I wanted to see how the Chef and his kitchen would prepare the dish.  His choices were impressive so far and I chose to trust his instincts.

I’m glad I trusted him.

It was perfect for me.  To be clear, I don’t want a mountain of sugar.  I want 5 bites of flavor and pleasure.

If tonight had been a date, sharing 2-3 bites each would have been the perfect evening to a perfect dinner.

Born and raised in Santa Monica, Nas is committed to elevating his hometown’s hospitality scene to reflect the sophistication of beachside cities he has encountered abroad.

This is present in every aspect of MON AMI’s ambiance, from its lush indoor-outdoor seating surrounded by greenery to its late-night live entertainment and picture-perfect cocktails. MON AMI is meticulously curated to enchant and immerse guests.

The event series will launch September 19 at the Mon Ami Santa location.

Reservation to the Barcelona First Class Series Event: https://resy.com/cities/santa-monica-ca/venues/mon-ami?date=2024-09-19&seats=2&query=Mon%20ami&activeView=list

You can also email events@monamism.com if you have any questions or want to book over the phone.)

Pricing is: $95 plus tax and gratuity for the 4-course food menu or $125++ for the food menu and 2 included drinks. 

Mon Ami will offer a complimentary taste of the sangria upon arrival.