+++ Advertisement: This post was created in cooperation with the avva Restaurant. Thank you! +++

The avva invites you to linger.

avva: Sun terrace and "Small Plates" A lot has changed since I last told you. about the avva in Dreimühlenstraße I have. Modern European dishes with a South African touch, along with matching wines from the same region, are still offered in an appealing setting. In my opinion, the service staff has not only improved significantly, resulting in a positive and relaxed atmosphere with professional advice, but the menu and the overall concept have also undergone some changes. The reason for my visit: the summer terrace, added to avva at the beginning of May 2017, which comfortably seats 60 people. Sitting, sipping drinks, and – also recently added – enjoying "small plates" while soaking up the sun and getting a good dose of vitamin D. Reason enough to take a closer look, wouldn't you say? ...and what exactly are these "small plates"?

Doesn't that look great? "Small Plates" at avva.

Small plates and lunch at avva

As the name suggests, these are "small plates." Avva has recently started offering six different combinations of these daily from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The restaurant continues its established concept ("modern European cuisine with a South African touch"), serving the plates in portions similar to an appetizer. They're small snacks, but anything but "small" in terms of creativity and flavor. These plates were introduced so that guests don't necessarily have to choose from à la carte dishes or set menus, and can simply enjoy a light meal with a glass of wine in the sunshine. There are six different plates, and no two "small plates" are alike. The plates are intended to adapt to the seasonality of the individual components and change accordingly. Currently on the small plate menu are "Lamb belly with hummus and red cabbage" (€9.50), "Chilled cucumber soup, melon, peppers and olives" (€5), "Colorful beets, olives, vanilla, raspberry and za'atar" (€5.50), "Grapes, tarragon, Majorero and Ubriaco di Capra cheese" (€6), "Gamba Rocha, mango and green asparagus" (€8.50), and, for a sweet finish, a small portion of "Amarula mousse with wild strawberries" (€6.50). It all sounds exciting and not like something you've had a hundred times before. But you can only really imagine it when it's in front of you. Time to order.

Lamb belly as a „small plate“

Selection and evaluation of the individual small plates

Now you know the current options. So, which one did I choose? Exactly! Of course, the prawns with mango, the lamb belly with hummus, and the colorful beets with raspberries. Inevitably, the Amarula dessert also landed on my table, but one thing at a time. You choose the individual plates, and two or three should be plenty if you have a normal to medium appetite. If you're hungry and want to try the small plates, I recommend ordering four different ones. Be smart and ask for wine recommendations to go with the plates (or anything else you order). The team is now joined by the highly competent wine expert Matthias Götz, who has worked in various Munich restaurants and attended sommelier school. That's reason enough to let him guide you through the evening, even if it's just a glass of light summer wine and a plate – they're happy to help at avva. (You can find the wine list here.) here.)

Amarula mousse with wild strawberries

All three plates were served at once, which I appreciated, as I like to have my entire selection in front of me at the same time, especially with smaller snacks like tapas or finger food. The interplay of colors alone, both combined and individually, delighted me. Attractively arranged on simple white plates, they stood in the middle of the table between my companion and me. Let's get started! I first chose my visual favorite, the prawn and mango medley, and was thrilled with the texture and combination of ingredients. The prawns were unexpectedly soft and had a similar firmness to the mango, while the green asparagus added a slightly crisper bite. A great taste experience, I think, despite the not insignificant chili heat. I saved the intentionally slightly fattier lamb belly for last and tackled the truly vibrant plate of colorful beets. Visually, it was a "wow!", and in terms of taste, an "ooooh!", thanks to the unexpected and intriguing hint of vanilla just before swallowing the vegetables. Pressing the individual beet slices against the palate revealed a distinct vanilla flavor combined with the pure taste of the vegetables. The soft raspberries were wonderful, each one appearing alongside a different "accompaniment," constantly creating new sensations. I really enjoyed this, and if you're open to not just "eating" but "experiencing" and "getting to know new things," the Small Plates are the perfect opportunity. The lamb belly, placed on a vibrant green bed of peas, was delicate and intensely flavorful, but not my favorite. I did enjoy the combination of mashed and whole peas, partly because I'm always fascinated by how differently the same ingredient can taste depending on its texture. A riot of colors, a variety of flavor combinations, including the small side of hummus on this "small plate." After the three plates, I was full and no longer hungry. Of course, you can always order more.

A summer drink („Caperitif“) on the terrace

Summer terrace, lunch and drinks at avva

The fact that "small plates" have just been added to the menu is surely also due to the fact that we all like to eat smaller portions in the summer, right? And we're all looking for a sunny spot with wine and snacks in the summer. So, keep a look out for avva; they now have around 25 tables, some sunny, some shaded. The terrace is furnished with comfortable chairs, simply and minimalist, but fittingly and invitingly designed. Add a glass of wine or a drink from the menu along with a "small plate," and nothing stands in the way of the perfect start to summer. The area where avva is located has really come into its own in recent months and years. Many good and new restaurants, cafes, and other establishments have opened in the area, and it's worth exploring new places. So, have you been there yet?

Oh yes… one more little note about the drinks on the menu. Be adventurous and order a "Rock Shandy" as an aperitif or to accompany your meal if you're in the mood for something a bit sweeter, or a "Caperitif" if you prefer something more bitter, similar to an Aperol Spritz. The gin selection is also impressive. The menu features exclusively Bavarian, Scottish, and South African gins, and you can even order an "avva Gin" (of Scottish origin). Contrary to the trend that's been going on for quite some time, avva doesn't mix the gin with a lot of extras; instead, they keep it simple: "Gin, ice, tonic." Good gin, good tonic (Fever Tree, Schweppes Dry, or Thomas Henry), mixed in the right combination – that's all you need for a great gin and tonic at avva. It's great that they consciously choose smaller producers for their drinks, just like they do for their wineries and wines.

The lunch menu at avva

Also new: Lunch at avva is currently available only on Saturdays from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM until the end of May, and additionally on Fridays at the same times in June. The menu features regularly changing and varied set menus. Sometimes it's two different main courses or appetizers, other times a set menu consisting of a starter, main course, and a glass of wine. So there's plenty of variety. If you're curious, it's best to check it out. here um.

Key facts, dates and personal conclusion

Small plates are available from Tuesday to Saturday, i.e., daily during opening hours, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the restaurant area and also after 7:00 pm in the front area at the bar. Afterwards, the usual à la carte dishes and set menus are offered, with or without wine pairings.

The small plates all end up together in the middle of the table.

I personally love eating lots of different small dishes, which allows me to sample more. So, the concept and the new approach won me over even before the first bite. I also love the experimentation; with a little focus on the flavors, you can discover completely new tastes. I experienced this firsthand with the lemongrass ice cream with tennis biscuit crunch, chili, and coriander, and thoroughly enjoyed savoring each individual component. Nothing overpowered the other flavors or was too heavy. It's not an easy challenge, but one that was skillfully executed, even with the small plates. At my table, I felt like I was among friends and was delighted to see that every single guest was greeted so warmly, openly, and personally. I simply can't understand how anyone could dislike avva as a restaurant and summer hotspot. Give it a try, be open to new experiences, and don't forget your sunglasses!.

+++ Next event: Winemaker's dinner on May 31, 2017, with "Tania and Willie de Waal of Scali Wines" featuring a four-course tasting menu including wine, aperitif, water, and coffee (from Vits in Munich) for €99. +++ Winemaker's dinner on July 11, 2017, with "Kathy Jordan of Jordan Wines" featuring a five-course tasting menu, also including wine, aperitif, water, and coffee for €115. +++

Restaurant visited: avva Restaurant
Details: „Small Plates“ under test and opening of the sun terrace
Address: Dreimühlenstraße 30, 80469 Munich
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday from 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM and Saturday from 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Reservation at reservations@avvarestaurant.com or 089 139 276 503
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