Mister Mao, the highly-anticipated restaurant from Chef Sophina Uong and husband/partner William “Wildcat” Greenwell officially opened to the public in Uptown on Saturday, July 24.
With a vibrant bar and lounge, a lively dining room, and an interactive Chef’s Counter, Mister Mao will be the perfect perch to gather with friends and family for an evening of creative, “inauthentic” food and killer cocktails.
“Wildcat and I are so excited to welcome our guests and let them experience first-hand everything I love about cooking – the ability to celebrate being together, experimenting with flavors and ingredients from around the world, and finally getting to savor it all.”
– Chef Sophina Uong
The new “tropical roadhouse” will allow the Cambodian-American Chef to showcase her creative dissection of the Southern plate.
The whimsically themed menu is sectioned off into categories. You can begin with Drinking Snacks such as Deviled Almonds & Plantain Chaat – an aromatic Indian riff on bar nuts.
From there, diners can pick from Foods We Love to Share and those You Don’t Have to Share. All the dishes boast untraditional takes on traditional dishes. Shareable plates include specialties like Escargot Wellingtons and Alabama Corn Pudding.
Main plates include Niman Ranch Pork Shanks, Mawi Tortilla masa dumplings, Korean piperade, and Raines Farm Wagyu Beef – slow braised and served with cumin smothered chickpeas, Covey Rise tomatillos and summer radishes.
If that wasn’t whimsical enough, guests can peruse the menu sections: These Bring Us Joy, Hellfire Heartburn or Here Comes the Chuck Wagon – the roving carts at Mister Mao that will change frequently, giving diners a cross-section of a variety of tiny plates.
After a sensational meal, diners can indulge in sweet treats by Pastry Chef Sarah Cotton, who diners may know from Restaurant August and Shaya in New Orleans.
The 1,400 square feet restaurant and bar features funky décor, bright colors, and ample seating options. Guests will enter through the bar on Jena Avenue, where the cozy lounge and bar seating for 25 make for a perfect meet-up spot before a show at Tipitinas; a girls’ night out; or a relaxed date night.
A Chef’s counter seating six provides up close and personal views of the open kitchen, while casual dining tables and chairs are also offered throughout the room.
Pinks, Blues, and Greens are complemented by tropical plants and a hand-painted mural by New Orleans artist/designer Margie Tillman Ayres transports guests to a tropical jungle.
The restaurant will serve dinner Thursday – Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday) from 5 PM – 10 PM. For reservations and further information please visit www.mistermaonola.com.
Mister Mao is open to the public starting today, Saturday, July 24th at 4501 Tchoupitoulas.
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featured images via Brustman Carrino Public Relations
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