MOMMI introduces a blend of fresh ingredients, innovative cocktails, curated playlists, urban artwork, photography and weekend brunch.
Blending the upbeat rhythm of South America, the elegant refinement of Japan, the effervescence of Miami and the eclecticism of Venice Beach, the new Japanese-Latin Raw Bar + Grill on Clapham High Street aims to bring sophisticated style and substance south of the river.
Behind the success of KOKO, Mint Group has chosen Mister Important to lead the design of the intimate space with a collection of photography by famed photographer Ben Watts, brother of actress Naomi Watts, and a bespoke mural from internationally acclaimed Melbourne-based street artist RONE.
MOMMI plates
With cuisine influenced by both Japanese and Latin communities, the menu from Executive Chef Paul Sowden is a mix of raw, fresh and healthy small plates, most of which are gluten and dairy-free, presented on unique, colourful tableware imported from Japan.
Diners are invited to mirror the market-style eating and sharing culture of South America with dishes of fresh fish and seafood, vibrant salads and Robata-grilled meats designed to share and savour.
Paul has carefully fostered close relationships with 30 London suppliers, so freshness and authenticity is guaranteed throughout the menu. Start with crispy Peruvian canchas (made using a special type of large-kernelled corn originating from the Andes with a distinct creamy, nutty flavour); plantain and sweet potato chips with rocoto pepper dip or steamed edamame with sea salt.
The Raw Bar boasts an array of naturally nutritious offerings. In addition to a wide variety of tartare and sashimi options, Nikkei chirashi sushi includes yellowtail with anticucho ponzu and red onion, alongside sea bass with soy, avocado, ikura and kizami nori. Citrus-cured ceviche options comprise lobster, yellowtail and truffle oil or sea bass, salmon and “Pisco Sour” sorbet, while Japanese flame-seared tataki dishes feature tender beef fillet with daikon and lemon.
The Robata Grill offers smoky scallop and pancetta skewers, smashed peas, choclo and huacatay sauce; split prawns with garlic, onion Aji Panca and lime teriyaki; chicken, red corn causa, crushed canchas and coriander crème fraîche; or tenderstem broccoli and asparagus with toasted almonds and ginger.
The Hot Kitchen will also be cooking-up flavoursome signature dishes of pork belly with sweet potato & salsa criolla sánguche; braised short rib teriyaki, quinoa lime picante and smoked paprika oil or sea bass with pink cauliflower puree, cucumber, smoked anticucho salsa and ama-su cauliflower.
A touch of sweetness comes in the form of baked crispy chocolate gyoza with vanilla ice cream; roasted pear and crispy quinoa honey crumble with chichi morada syrup and pineapple ice cream; and mango, melon and orange ceviche with coriander sorbet.
Drinks
Paired with the cuisine, MOMMI has introduced a priced-to-experiment wine list. The selection of South American bins from Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay are all priced the same for a glass (£6 small, £8.50 large), carafe (£17) or bottle (£25), encouraging customers to explore what interests them, rather than be dictated by price.
Both the popular and lesser-known national liquors of South America and Japan jostle for top billing on the back bar shelves, with Head Mixologist Andrew Houliston creating an exciting and truly unique cocktail list.
Japanese craft beers, including Hitachino Pale Ale and Kagua White, and a choice of sakes (ripe Junmai, sweet Nigori or refreshing sparkling) are also on offer , as are a selection of detoxing iced teas or pure coconut water.
MOMMI brunch
Come the weekend, the restaurant’s brunch service (10am-3pm) offers small plates of Latin-infused classics with a distinctive MOMMI twist. From purple potato pancakes with organic honey, natural yogurt, blueberries, plantain, avocado, toasted almonds and crispy quinoa; to scrambled eggs with shiitake mushrooms and roast vine tomatoes on toasted sourdough; to chorizo and sweet potato sánguche with anticucho salsa, ama-su cucumber and coriander crème fraîche or confit duck leg, soft aji amarillo polenta, plantain, avocado, aji panca jam, organic honey and a soft-boiled egg.
Interiors
Interiors by Mister Important Design (whose recent projects include W Hotel San Diego, Gitane restaurant and Hard Rock Hotel, Palm Springs) use a combination of natural oak, steel, marble and leather materials to showcase a distinctly rough yet elegant urban street style rooted in the cities the cuisine draws upon. Settle in one of the large horseshoe-shaped leather booths, along the burgundy leather banquette, or pull up a stool at the low marble-topped bar surrounding all the action of the theatre kitchen.
Famed photographer Ben Watts, brother of A-list actress Naomi Watts, has chosen MOMMI for his first UK exhibition with a collection of his bold, bright and vivacious prints on display in the bar area. Shooting for the likes of Nike, Vanity Fair, Elle and Rolling Stone, Watts brings the frenetic verve of street photography to his diverse body of work.
Internationally acclaimed, Melbourne-based street artist RONE has also created a stunning bespoke mural entitled The Blight of Carmen across the feature interior wall
MOMMI Raw Bar + Grill, 44 Clapham High Street, London SW4 7UR
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