With accolades pouring in from Food & Wine, Esquire, The New York Times, and Michelin, Mirra chefs Rishi Kumar and Zubair Mohajir continue to outdo themselves with the opening of Muhājir in Lincoln Park earlier this year and Mariela inside the StayPineapple Hotel in The Loop. Mariela carries on with the east-meets-west theme that has gained Mirra national recognition but with a deeper dive into Kumar and Mohajir’s enthusiasm for the migration of people, food, and culture. Guests can expect a blend of the coastal flavors and cuisines of Southeast Asia and Mexico, where both chefs have spent significant time through their upbringing and extensive travels. Whether you are having a pre-show dinner or wrapping up a day of holiday shopping downtown, Mariela offers a menu that is worlds away from the usual burgers and fries that make up The Loop dining scene.
Right off the top, we recommend the light and crispy Scallop Tostada where fresh scallops share space with smoky trout roe, jalapeños, and microgreens on a housemade papad (Indian wafer cracker). An almond-vanilla macha (a feature throughout the menu) and achar aioli daintily dresses the edible canvas which can easily be shared between two diners or savored all to yourself.
Just added to the menu, the refreshing Cucumber Salad comes doused in a buttermilk and white kimchi dressing, with a drizzle of jalapeño oil and shavings of Asian pear adding subtle pops of Fall color and flavor throughout.
The Singaporean Chili Crab Shrimp Toast is a delightful showcase of bold Southeastern Asian flavors. Three vessels of perfectly fried brioche bread come topped with succulent Argentinian Red Shrimp, crab and a drizzle of chili crab sauce. Dipping the toast into the companion Tom Yum sauce creates an unforgettable textural experience.
The best bites on the menu arrive in the form of the Seafood Kebab Tacos. A pair of fenugreek roti acts as the “tortilla”, loaded with beautifully grilled octopus and seafood chorizo and dressed with an almond vanilla macha and julienned papaya.
A staff favorite, the Rasmalai Tres Leches is the perfect way to cleanse the palate and end the meal on a lighter note. Constructed with an olive oil citrus cake base, moistened with saffron-cardomom milk, the slice of heaven is adorned with tiny hills of mango mousse making each bite a balanced trip around the world.
Can’t decide what to get or short on time with a theatre show to get to? Opt for Mariela’s Prix Fixe Menu, four courses at just $70 per person. To start, choose from the Little Gem Salad or Scallop Tostada before moving on to the second course where the Seafood Kebab Taco and Saag Burrata are both delicious choices. Course Three ushers in slightly larger portions with your choice of the Piri Piri Cornish Hen, Poached Black Cod or Steak Frites. Finally, satisfy your sweet tooth with either the Rasmalai Tres Leches or Soft Serve flavors of the day.
Mariela is located within the StayPineapple Hotel at 1 W Washington St. They open at 8am, Monday through Friday and 9am on the weekends. In addition to dinner, the seafood-centric restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, brunch, happy hour and a pre-theatre menu for those catching a show in The Loop.
The Takeaway
With accolades pouring in from Food & Wine, Esquire, The New York Times, and Michelin, Mirra chefs Rishi Kumar and Zubair Mohajir continue to outdo themselves with the opening of Muhājir in Lincoln Park earlier this year and Mariela inside the StayPineapple Hotel in The Loop. Mariela carries on with the east-meets-west theme that has gained Mirra national recognition but with a deeper dive into Kumar and Mohajir’s enthusiasm for the migration of people, food, and culture. Guests can expect a blend of the coastal flavors and cuisines of Southeast Asia and Mexico, where both chefs have spent significant time through their upbringing and extensive travels. Whether you are having a pre-show dinner or wrapping up a day of holiday shopping downtown, Mariela offers a menu that is worlds away from the usual burgers and fries that make up The Loop dining scene.
Right off the top, we recommend the light and crispy Scallop Tostada where fresh scallops share space with smoky trout roe, jalapeños, and microgreens on a housemade papad (Indian wafer cracker). An almond-vanilla macha (a feature throughout the menu) and achar aioli daintily dresses the edible canvas which can easily be shared between two diners or savored all to yourself.
Just added to the menu, the refreshing Cucumber Salad comes doused in a buttermilk and white kimchi dressing, with a drizzle of jalapeño oil and shavings of Asian pear adding subtle pops of Fall color and flavor throughout.
The Singaporean Chili Crab Shrimp Toast is a delightful showcase of bold Southeastern Asian flavors. Three vessels of perfectly fried brioche bread come topped with succulent Argentinian Red Shrimp, crab and a drizzle of chili crab sauce. Dipping the toast into the companion Tom Yum sauce creates an unforgettable textural experience.
The best bites on the menu arrive in the form of the Seafood Kebab Tacos. A pair of fenugreek roti acts as the “tortilla”, loaded with beautifully grilled octopus and seafood chorizo and dressed with an almond vanilla macha and julienned papaya.
A staff favorite, the Rasmalai Tres Leches is the perfect way to cleanse the palate and end the meal on a lighter note. Constructed with an olive oil citrus cake base, moistened with saffron-cardomom milk, the slice of heaven is adorned with tiny hills of mango mousse making each bite a balanced trip around the world.
Can’t decide what to get or short on time with a theatre show to get to? Opt for Mariela’s Prix Fixe Menu, four courses at just $70 per person. To start, choose from the Little Gem Salad or Scallop Tostada before moving on to the second course where the Seafood Kebab Taco and Saag Burrata are both delicious choices. Course Three ushers in slightly larger portions with your choice of the Piri Piri Cornish Hen, Poached Black Cod or Steak Frites. Finally, satisfy your sweet tooth with either the Rasmalai Tres Leches or Soft Serve flavors of the day.
Mariela is located within the StayPineapple Hotel at 1 W Washington St. They open at 8am, Monday through Friday and 9am on the weekends. In addition to dinner, the seafood-centric restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, brunch, happy hour and a pre-theatre menu for those catching a show in The Loop.
Explore This Topic
Location
1 W Washington St., Chicago, IL
Comments
Be the first to comment.
Never miss an eat.
Sign up for breaking news from the Chicago food scene.
Follow Us