For years, Mara’s Homemade has been serving delicious New Orleans fare at a festive restaurant in the East Village. But after Saturday, May 14th, urban po’ boy lovers will have to go elsewhere for their Cajun fix.
Mara Levi, the restaurant’s chef and namesake, sent out a newsletter in March saying that their lease had expired and they were unable to find an affordable NYC location. This message was as shocking as it was sad. Not only is the food at Mara's great, but since it's family owned and operated, there's a very down-home feeling that you don't get at many of the city's other eateries.
It’s definitely worth dining here during their last week of service, and if you are lucky enough to get that chance, here are a few recommendations:
1) Crawfish stuffed bread: This hollowed out baguette is stuffed with crawfish tails and oozes with hot, gooey cheese. It’s listed as an appetizer, but it’s very rich and filling. Share it with someone you think is too skinny, and dig in.
2) Po’ Boy: Go with a half shrimp/half oyster combo. The seafood is breaded in cornmeal and deep-fried, then topped with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and Mara’s creamy remoulade sauce. If you want to kick it up a notch, pour on some Crystal hot sauce. Plated alongside tangy and crunchy no-mayo coleslaw, this is one satisfying sandwich.
3) Crawfish boil: If you’ve never experienced this, it’s an absolute must! Get down and dirty with a bucket of crawfish cooked in Mara's spicy Cajun boil. The server will show novices the proper technique for getting the meat out of these tasty little crustaceans. You’ll need lots of napkins and lots of beer, but it will be worth it.
Those are just a few highlights, so feel free to explore the expansive menu on your own. And if you eat something you know you'll be craving again down the line, there's good news. The Levi family tradition will live on at a new site in Syosset (Long Island). Just hop on the LIRR, or in a car if you have one, and head to 236 West Jericho Turnpike. It may not be walking distance from your apartment, but it's cheaper than a flight to New Orleans.
Mara's Homemade
342 East 6th St
between 1st and 2nd Ave
New York, NY 10003
212-598-1110
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