[Photo: Carey Jones]

Any self-respecting tapas bar had better know how to fry croquettes, and at Casa Mono, they succeed admirably. The Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Croquetas($9) may sound like a sweet and simple choice, but they're intensely squashy, a velvety puree surrounding an aggressively tangy core of soft cheese. Bite in through the thinnest of shells and steam pours out. The crisp-fried sage just adds to the fun.

Casa Mono

125 East 17th Street, New York NY 10003 (map)
212-253-2773
casamononyc.com