Need plans for the weekend? There’s a new brunch in town that you definitely don’t want to miss. Mola is a new restaurant (from the team behind Nido) in Mount Pleasant serving coastal Spanish cuisine in a bright, airy setting. We were invited in to preview their brand new brunch, and the experience was a real treat.
But First, Cocktails
Mola has a wonderful selection of brunch cocktails that go far beyond the usual suspects. We tried a classic mimosa with beautiful fresh-squeezed orange juice. The vermouth and soda was my favorite, a light concoction featuring Capitoline Rose (DC-made vermouth), soda and Guindilla peppers.
We also enjoyed the rebujito with sherry, muddled mint and limonata, an Andalusian version of the mojito. This was nice and refreshing with a notable punch from the sherry.
Snacky Things
A lot of the time when I go out with friends for brunch, we don’t want to eat big, heavy entrées. Mola’s brunch is perfect for groups who want to snack their way through a weekend afternoon while catching up.
As with any Spanish restaurant, small plates are abundantly available at Mola. We were over the moon sampling our way through several of the offerings, each more vibrant and beautiful than the next. The labneh and chickpea purée with ground spiced lamb were my favorites, but everything was fresh and tasty.
Tomato bread with house-cured anchovies
House-cured sardines with aioli and piquillo peppers
Housemade labneh served with flatbread, cucumbers, carrots and olive
Chickpea purée and ground spiced lamb with Guindilla peppers
Olive oil and sherry braised artichoke with herb, egg and pine nut sauce
Savory Mains
Those with heftier appetites have plenty of options as well. I loved all of the fresh veggies featured in the main dishes, many of which are topped with perfectly cooked eggs. You can’t miss the huevos rotos, served paella style in a cast iron pan and the fluffy tortilla Española. Like the snacks, these are all great for sharing.
Tuna confit salad with piquillo peppers, potatoes, capers and thyme
Tortilla Española -with aioli and pea shoot salad
Huevos rotos – four eggs over a mix of potatoes, onions, peppers and spinach (serves 2)
Huevos rotos with added Serrano ham
Squash pisto with two poached eggs and Manchego cheese
Patatas bravas with chili sauce and aioli
Don’t Forget the Sweets
Finish off your meal with a sweet touch. The torrijas are incredible – cinnamon and orange flavored French toast with orange blossom honey that is sinfully reminiscent of funnel cake (in the best way possible).
Brunch at Mola offers something for everyone with beautiful, fresh plates of food and tasty cocktails. This is the kind of good best enjoyed with friends and family, sharing a delicious meal and catching up. Consider your weekend plans made.
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