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| Chef Mikko Kosonen |
From our friends at Mikko...
Mikko Restaurant to Launch New Patio Space
Renowned Chef Mikko to offer seasonal small plates for dining al fresco
After opening DC’s only Finnish restaurant last month, Chef Mikko is excited to announce a new seasonal menu of small plates, available on the recently opened patio at Mikko beginning Tuesday, July 10.
Nestled on R Street, NW, a block in from 17th Street corridor, Mikko’s distinct exterior - painted in colors found on Nordic flags - and bright patio furniture hint at the flavors to be found on the plate. Defined by simple, nutritious ingredients and versatile cooking techniques such as curing, smoking and pickling, Nordic fare is as elegant as it is abundant. Chef Mikko uses Nordic foundational foods like rye bread, seafood, mushrooms, berries and root vegetables in cleverly modern ways.
On the new menu are potato blinis heaped with mushroom salad or salmon caviar and topped with red onion, sour cream and fresh dill. White trout, seared on an open fire needs only cucumbers, bell peppers and a sprinkling of dill. Prawns served with chive sauce have a smoky flavor. Meatballs made of lamb and beef are served with root celery puree and a Demi glaze made from Nordic superfood, lingonberries. Vegetarian options include sautéed seasonal mushrooms served on seed bread and topped with micro greens as well as a quinoa roasted vegetable salad with lemon vinaigrette and an assortment of roasted mini root vegetables. A platter of cured meat is sold with relish, house made bread and Mikko’s signature crisps, the perfect accompaniment being of course, a platter of house cheese, jams and crisps. House sausage is served with a side of potato salad and a hot dog with house pickles, Swedish mustard and tomato relish.
Aromas from a morning of pastry making and bread baking are a pleasant greeting upon walking inside. Mikko’s assortment of prepared foods are on full display including loaded toasts and flaky pastries, perfect for a quick, nutrient dense breakfast or a grab and go snack. In the morning, guests can find smoked salmon wraps, freshly baked cinnamon rolls and cardamom buns, seven seed bread topped with lingonberry, black currant, gooseberry and cloudberry jam, and an assortment of savory pastries. The stars of the afternoon menu are the assortment of danish-style open faced sandwiches served on rustic, hearty and seeded breads with toppings like shrimp salad skagen, roast beef and potato salad, triple cheese, gravlax, herring and salami.
The market is an exotic assortment of goods including Swedish preserves, Finnish name brand chocolates like Moon Cups, Mikko’s own brand of crisps, and books from other cultures for both children and adults.
Mikko is open Tuesday through Thursday from 7 AM to 8 PM, Friday and Saturday 7 AM to 10 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 6 PM. For more information, please visit www.chefmikko.com or follow the team on Facebook and Instagram.
