MONA Fresh Italian Food Review
MONA Fresh Italian Food is a new sophisticated fast-casual concept with “Make – Your – Own” pastas, salads, and piadanas aka Italian sandwiches. The main allure of MONA is the pasta (which they make fresh in house) and their use of fresh farm to table ingredients. The concept is innovative and I was truly impressed by all the thought put into the restaurant. It truly is one of a kind and a Katy gem!
The Owners
All operations are run by the dynamic duo – Chef Sidney Degaine and Maria Degaine. Sidney runs back of house operations and Maria runs front of house. The French couple (originally from Nice) are the former owners of Cafe Azur in Montrose. They wanted to offer a fast and convenient way to enjoy freshly made pastas combined with farm to table ingredients at an accessible, family-friendly price point. The pair are both entirely hands on, Sidney cooked my pasta and Maria checked me out at the cash wrap – the two are both extremely friendly and I could talk with them for hours!
The Decor
Aesthetic, Aesthic, AESTHETIC. Honestly, I couldn’t ask for more. I walked in and the place blew me away. Seriously yall, I was SHOOK. I was expecting Chipotle like decor and they gave me full on Catch LA vibes ! From the eye catching hanging plants to the mosaic on the wall – everything about MONA is restaurant decor goals. I felt like I was in a chic greenhouse ! The space also features an exhibition kitchen with saute station so you can see all the action while your food is being made. The atmosphere is warm and inviting – I highly suggest dining in to take it all in.
The Food
So first and foremost, I have to talk about the house-made pasta! There is only one type, fettuccini, but after you taste it – you will be convinced that there is no need for any other variety. The pasta is tender, delicious, and thin. The texture is perfectly chewy with just the right amount of bounce. The fettuccini marries perfectly with the sauces and doesn’t stick together at all. The pasta is also dried and sold fresh in the store to make your own yummy homemade creations!
The menu has 18 farm fresh ingredients to choose from like roasted bell pepper, carmelized onion, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and bacon to name a few. The sauce choices include chicken broth, pomodoro, alfredo, and pesto. They also have an array of protein choice add-ons and gluten free options!
I tried two of the chef inspired recipes, The Mona and The Beef. I added chicken to The Mona and I loved the flavor profile that the carmelized onions and alfredo sauce added. I think my favorite part was the fresh egg cracked on top, it cooks only slightly but the yolk mixed in with the alfredo sauce is so decadent! The Beef is all about the giant meatball that comes on top, the meat was fresh and seasoned well! Next time I will probably be more adventurous and create mey own recipe but the chef recipes are a great place to start if you’re not feeling adventures.
A note on salt levels : If you are used to over processed food and add salt to everything then you will think this food needs salt. The Chef is very big on keeping the sale levels low for various dietary reasons and to focus on the fresh flavors used. I always say, its better to have to little than too much because you can always add your own but never take away!
The Freshness
Not only does MONA Fresh Italian Food look like a greenhouse, it really is one! When you walk in you can’t miss the cherry tomato plants growing in the front. For a second, you might not think they are real but believe it. The restaurant also grows fresh basil and micregreens in house. They use both of these fresh produce ingredients in their cooking DAILY! IT’s super sustainable and cost effective.
The Recommendations:
I suggest The Mona Chef Recipe pasta with added chicken and don’t forget to add a drizzle of truffle oil, blanket of parmesan cheese, and sprinkling of fresh herbs. Try the fresh house-made lemonade to drink and the Nutella Pistachio pannacotta for dessert. Your taste buds will thank you!
Overall, the concept is delicious, approachable, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing. MONA will also offer Illy espresso drinks Italian wines and locally sourced beer within the upcoming months. This is the first of multiple concepts from the Degaines. Maria told me they plan to open up other locations around the city. But for now, Katy foodies can rejoice at their sole location.
Hours of Operation are seven days a week 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. MONA Fresh Italian Food is located at 19355 Katy Freeway, #500, Houston, Texas 77094.
