Mariposa
In Neiman Marcus, Ala Moana Center
Cuisines: Asian
About
Once you get past the gourmet food department of the new Neiman Marcus, you'll be in Mariposa, a popular lunch spot. High ceilings and tables on the deck with views of Ala Moana Park and its Art Deco bridges add up to a pleasing ambience, with or without the shopping. You'll find cordial service, nearly four dozen reasonably priced wines by the glass, and a menu of Pacific and American (called "heritage cuisine") specialties that include everything from a king crab, shrimp, and mussel risotto to pan-roasted Hawaiian snapper and New York strip loin. Chef Jason Kagihara's creativity emerges with dishes like the Laksa seafood curry, which is only available at lunch. Another lunchtime favorite is Mariposa's signature starter: the towering, eggy popover with poha (cape gooseberry) butter. Save room for my favorite dessert, the Valrhona chocolate fudge cake (four layers of devil's food cake with chocolate ganache and raspberry compote) -- heaven on earth!
