Star-gazing in Luxembourg
Mosconi, Luxembourg's Shining Star
Nestled in the heart of the Grund, Luxembourg’s picturesque fairy tale district, overlooking the serene river Alzette, we can find Mosconi, stationed in an immaculate oasis. This Michelin star, Italian restaurant is run by the charming founders Ilarioa and Simonetta Mosconi, formerly from Lombardy, Italy.
Michelin Guide’s point of view states: “high quality cooking, worth a stop”!
“Ilarioa and Simonetta Mosconi are an enthusiastic couple that proudly pay homage to the gastronomic traditions of Italy. Their cuisine is full of flair as much as it is steeped in flavors. Italian cuisine full of panache, a firework of flavors!”
My decision to wait for my sisters’ visit before exploring this gem made a significant impact on our experience at Mosconi, as we all shared similar impressions and enjoyed the gourmet odyssey overall!
As we arrived at the property on a lovely evening just before the late summer sunset, Simonetta, a gracious hostess who exudes warmth and hospitality, greeted us with generous hugs and smiles.
Our conversations were lively as if we were old friends reuniting after a long time. We were kindly offered aperitifs and hors d’ oeuvres, which added to the convivial atmosphere.
It was a delight meeting Olivier and Georgia, Mosconi’s most gallant sommeliers. They both got full marks on the requisite: knowledgeable, articulate, discerning, creative, obliging, detail-oriented, diplomatic, and passionate.
Overall being a sommelier is a complex and challenging job that requires a combination of personality traits, the ability to connect with customers, share their love of wine, and provide a memorable experience.
Besides his guidance on the perfect pairings, I give Olivier extra points for entertaining us with his extraordinary sense of humor.
Georgia, made me feel so proud of her, hearing how much she has accomplished and what more she wanted to learn and do. She accompanied me on a tour of their premises and shared her prized possessions as she led me into their library.
Stepping into the dimly lit library, my eyes were immediately drawn to the stack of the red leather-bound ancient volumes that lined the shelf of an antique, glass-door ornate cabinet. I couldn’t help it, I was awestruck!
I gingerly began to run my fingers along the spines of the red, vintage Michelin guides, without lifting them, yet feeling the rough weathered leather. I perceived a sense of reverence for the knowledge contained within its ancient pages and a deep appreciation of the craftmanship that had gone into its design.
The Michelin Guides also known as ‘The Little Red Book’, are a series of guidebooks that have been published by the French tyre company Michelin since 1900. The Guide awards up to three Michelin stars for excellence to a select few establishments.
The excitement started to build within as we took our seats at the elegantly set table with refined linen, florals, candles, and dinnerware to complete a luxurious table-scape. My heart skipped a beat, looking around taking note of every detail that had been meticulously curated, providing indulgence for the eyes.
Each dish that arrived was a masterpiece in its own right. The design of the presentation, colors and textures were all perfectly balanced and the aromas were tantalizing. Both our sommeliers had inclusively paired wines that enhanced the flavors adding another layer of complexity to the overall tasting menu.
Amuse Bouche
Radish with almond cream & hazel nuts. Ricotta cannoli. Robiola.
Antipasti
Technique Highlight “mackerel, fennel, sea fennel, citrus, & bergamot”.
The simple combination of refreshing bergamot, slightly bitter taste of sea fennel (rock samphire) with the rich oily flavor of crispy but tender mackerel, yielded a fragrant & harmonious dish. The suggested Sauvignon Blanc was a classic pairing, bringing in bright acidity and zesty notes. We also had an Italian white that was light bodied and crisp, which helps cut through the richness of the fish.
Tomato, buffalo ricotta, peas, and tomato sorbet.
Paste
Spaghettoni, asparagus, morels, lardo di Colonnata, black truffle vinaigrette. Ravioli with ricotta, pecorino, parmesan.
Pesce
Taste Highlight! “sole with asparagus, morels, wild garlic and hollandaise, garnished with oxalis (a plant of a genus which includes the wood sorrel with three-lobed leaves. We had the one with deep pink flowers). The lemony, sweet tart bright taste almost like a summer plum, enhanced the delicate flaky fish as well as complementing the rich mashed potato stuffed morels. Sweet summery mushy green peas & asparagus added another exquisite dimension to this dish”.
Langoustines, caviar imperial héritage, almonds, sorrel.
Carne
Entrecôte di fassona, fava beans, turnip top, watercress cream.
Dolci
Chocolate, artichoke, amaretto ice cream. Babà, sour cherries, zabaione. Strawberries, rhubarb, rocket, ricotta ice cream, vanilla oil.
Petit Fours
Caper ice cream, salted caramel and cherry, Pistache cream doughnuts.
Finally, the shining star of the show, Chef Mosconi, came out of his kitchen after dessert service to meet us. A gentleman with the natural ability to put people at ease with his calm and friendly demeanor. His talents are numerous and diverse, his humility and modesty are endearing.
Having accomplished his formal training in Milan, Chef Mosconi is now paying homage to the culinary traditions of his motherland. Proud owner of two Michelin stars and being part of a series of famous gastronomic organizations like Les Grandes Tables du Monde and Relais & Château, there’s no doubt about the top quality that Mosconi offers.
Immersed in his craft, Chef infuses each plate with a vibrant burst of Italian flavors. Dining at Mosconi’s is a journey of rediscovery, where you can savor the authenticity of Italian cuisine through carefully selected and exquisitely presented ingredients. A feast for the senses that promises to delight and indulge your palate!
Simonetta and Chef Ilarioa’s message from their hearts: “It is our house, our home, we want our customers to feel relaxed and enjoy our product focused cuisine and a respect for the seasons.”
A truly enchanting location in the most authentic and captivating city of Luxembourg, a perfect destination for foodies and travelers seeking a unique palatable excursion.
As for us three sisters from Luxembourg, St. Martin, and Hong Kong, celebrating our reunion in the relaxed alluring surroundings of Mosconi was indeed a special treat. But no matter the occasion, Mosconi promises to deliver an epicurean delight that is truly unforgettable.
Very well written article. Makes me feel like going to Mosconi for the first time ever.
Great bonding amidst great surroundings