Möeca at 1 Shepard Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts is a classic example of a Boston-area restaurant that offers wonderful flavors in new and compelling dishes. It is presented by the folks who gave us Giulia, so expectations were high.

The dish of the evening was the green crab custard with black truffles and leeks. Our (warm, friendly, knowledgeable) waitress explained that the idea behind the dish is to make an appealing dish out of an invasive and destructive species—green crabs are bad for oysters in particular.

The savory, creamy result was a big hit. A very creative and delicious solution to a problem.

The big dishes were equally well done. The cassoulet was a big hit among a party that has spent a good deal of time in France and paid attention to the food while there. The butter beans in that dish, always a key element, were delicious.

Dessert offered, among a list of compelling items, a lemon bombe that was out-of-the-park good. I don’t know when I’ve had a better lemon curd. Intense without the harsh edge that sometimes accrues. Even one spoonful made a memorable conclusion to a wonderful meal in a memorably charming restaurant.

Learn more about Möeca on their website: https://www.moecarestaurant.com/