Sicilian Cuisine, Handmade Pastas, $7 Martinis Highlight New Spot from Caruso's Grocery Chef.
Mount Vernon Triangle, D.C. – Chef Matt Adler, known for his popular Italian-American restaurant Caruso's Grocery, is returning to his southern Italian roots with the upcoming launch of Cucina Morini. Opening on Tuesday, March 26th, Cucina Morini takes over the former Nicoletta Italian Kitchen space, offering a menu brimming with fresh seafood, housemade pastas, and Sicilian specialties.
A Collaboration Steeped in Experience
Adler's culinary journey with southern Italian fare began 15 years ago at Convivio in New York, followed by his role in opening Osteria Morini, the Altamarea Group's Navy Yard establishment focused on Northern Italian cuisine. Now, he reunites with his former employer to create Cucina Morini, a testament to his passion for the vibrant flavors of Southern Italy, further fueled by a recent trip to Sicily.
A Menu Brimming with Southern Italian Flavors
Diners can expect a focus on quality ingredients and technique similar to Caruso's Grocery, but with a sharper presentation and brighter, spicier flavors. The menu, co-created with Altamarea Group's Corporate Executive Chef Bill Dorrler, boasts an extensive seafood selection. Start your meal with a crudo flight featuring four varieties, or indulge in fresh oysters with mignonette.
Vegetable-centric small plates like fried cauliflower with pistachio pesto and broccoli rabe with pumpkin-seed gremolata cater to vegetarian palates. Housemade pastas take center stage, with options like squid-ink taglioni with shellfish ragu and paccheri alla Norma, a traditional Sicilian eggplant and tomato dish. All pastas are available in two sizes, perfect for sharing or creating your own tasting menu.
Cucina Morini also pays homage to Osteria Morini classics like prosciutto-mortadella meatballs. Larger plates include a hearty Sicilian seafood soup and roasted game hen with a spicy honey glaze.
An Enticing Bar Experience
The adjoining bar, formerly Brew'd Coffee Bar, transforms into a stylish 18-seat space. Here, the star of the show is the $7 martini menu, featuring classic, dirty, nitro espresso, and even a Morini martini with a unique vodka-gin blend. The bar menu offers additional delights like Sicilian olives and rosemary chips with a spicy Calabrian chili dip.
An enticing wine list focuses on southern Italian varietals, highlighting small producers and offering a range of affordable bottles.
A Culinary Homecoming
"My experience at Osteria Morini greatly impacted my career," says Adler. "The opportunity to collaborate with them again as a partner at Cucina Morini is incredibly exciting."