Mutu’s Italian Kitchen is a classical Italian restaurant open for lunch and dinner in the heart of downtown Durango.  Rustin and Jaimee Newton opened Mutu’s in November 2005 bringing both Northern and Southern Italian cuisine at moderate prices in a comfortable environment.  Neither of the owners is Italian and the name Mutu’s is actually Romanian (Jaimee’s maiden name). Rustin was a well respected executive chef at The Strater before starting his own business.

The décor is simple with colorful decorative glass oil lamps, corked bottles of dried legumes and olives and baskets of ornamental fruit as well as Asti Cinzano and Florio Marasala wines prints in the bar. Progressive music ranging from bar-style Italian to jazz and classical guitar is playing everywhere (even in the ladies room!).  The bar has wonderful ambience with comfy armchairs and a sofa to relax in. This is a great date place.           

Appetizers are hearty and half price at Happy Hour. The Calamari Fritti is a real treat with a flavorful homemade Italian seasoned breading and The Crab Stuffed Mushroom Caps are exquisite with a light champagne cream sauce.  A great comfort food choice is Shrimp, Spinach and Artichoke Dip served warm with sliced baguette, Italian spiced crostini and crispy tortilla chips.           

My favorite Soup of the Day so far is Mushroom Soup with porcini, baby buttons and portabellas and a splash of sherry. The Caesar is fresh and accompanied with Mutu’s Caesar salad dressing with anchovies (I added extra) and the Antipasto Plate with cured olives and marinated veggies.  Entrée salads, Panini’s and Pastas are offered at lunch including a Tuscan Salmon with fresh grilled Salmon and a Spicy Tuscan Rub and a Walnut, Grape and Gorgonzola with Candied Walnuts with a homemade Raspberry Vinaigrette.          

Rock Shrimp and Lobster Ravioli is a delicate savory creation with a lemon cream sauce and a touch of sweet Blue crab meat. Linguini Vongole, a Northern Italian dish made with manilla clams, is available with your choice of white or marinara sauce.  Eggplant Parmesan and Chicken Parmigiana are made with a robust fresh plum tomato basil sauce.  I suggest ordering these dishes with extra sauce.  Mutu’s staff brings a basket of Ciabbata (Durango Bread’s) with their awesome sundried tomato butter and happily grates Parmigiano-Reggiano tableside.                                 

Homemade desserts (generous portions) and Specialty Drinks really show off the creative mind of the Chef. Try an Italian Mojito with Limmencello and basil or an Espresso Martini with Three Olives Chocolate.  Sipping a glass of Bollini’s Italian Pinot Grigio is also delightful. The Pistachio and Chocolate Cannoli is dreamy, and their Tiramisu (this one has white chocolate mousse also)is artistically presented with a drizzle of white and dark chocolate, whipped cream  and a sprig of fresh mint, and, who would pass up on Rustic (Rustin’s) Apple Tart served warm with apple brandy ice cream.

The Kids menu has a terrific selection of Italian and American foods!  Mutu’s will cater your wedding or private party on site or at location (I’ve heard it’s a lot of fun)! The extra virgin olive oil they use is Trafoglia!  And, Durango jazz musician Jeff Solon is now in the lounge on Thursdays!                                    

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On November 17, 2008, at 1:21 pm, Huntington J Bear wrote:

Yes, but can they do a decent Waldorf salad?