Mara’s Homemade — Review and Farewell

A little update on this post from A-Tooch dated back in 2009. Sadly, the last supper was celebrated at Mara’s Homemade in the East Village.

Following a couple weeks on two separate trips in the south, I was going through some serious southern cookin’ withdrawl. Lucky for me, Mara’s Homemade is an authentic and delicious spot right in my neighborhood. After a delicious dinner (photo tribute below), I logged onto the internet the next day to read that Mara’s just announced it is due to shut down next month! Really sad to see a unique place like this go. It’s just a testament to the fact that opening a restaurant in NYC isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be.

For our final supper (little did we know it would be this) I brought my friend J, a Louisiana native and true southerner, who said Mara’s made him nostalgic and miss home. I think that means he approved of the food! I made him meet Mara… and her husband… and the waitstaff… they’re all just too dang friendly and eager to please.

Gator bites — my very first time eating alligator. A tough meat and chewy, but surprisingly pretty tasty.

Shrimp etouffee — don’t be fooled by the aesthetic. Cajun spices and a delicious cream sauce smother the shrimp in a gumbo-style dish served over rice. YUM.

Abita Purple Haze – My latest kick is anything from Abita Brewing, Turbodog, Strawberry Lager, Abbey Ale, Andygator… So funny to me that in New York state we have access to a global range of beers yet I have such a difficult time tracking down an American brew from Louisiana, Abita!

Bluegrass pie — the piece de rèsistance. A pecan pie filled with bourbon and chocolate filling, in a crumb crust. WAY too intense for just one person to finish and perfectly delicious even sans ice cream.

Not included but equally as tasty were: hush puppies with a jalapeño butter, boudin (homemade rice stuffed sausage), crab cakes, stuffed crawfish bread and cajun shrimp. Yes, three of us and enough food for about five.

We’re sorry to see you go, Mara’s!