Welcome to our web site!
Mara’s Homemade food began at our former establishment, Java N Jazz, in Union Square. While Java N Jazz was a neighborhood hangout, it also provided delicious homemade foods by Mara. We would label anything made by Mara, “Mara’s Homemade…” and that’s when Mara’s Homemade was born. Therefore, it seemed only fitting to name our new restaurant Mara’s Homemade.
In a short period of time Mara's Homemade has received recognition. NPR's All Things Considered on June 3, 2010 interviewed David, who purchases Mara's seafood, regarding the ongoing effects of the Gulf oil spill on the oysters. When the Gulf oil spill occurred, both Mara and son, Josh were interviewed on April 30, 2010 by NBC news on the impact of seafood at the restaurant. On March 2, 2010, Mara demonstrated Artichoke Dip on Fox 5 Good Day New York. On Fat Tuesday February 16, 2010, the Today Show featured Mara's King Cake as one way to celebrate Mardi Gras. Sirius/XM Radio's Road Dog station interviewed Mara on the "Freewheelin" Show on Mardi Gras, 2010. Bloomberg News featured Mara's Homemade as one of several locations to celebrate Mardi Gras 2009 in NYC. NY1 publicized Mara's on their Zagat Review for Mardi Gras, 2009. The NY Press featured Mara's Crawfish Cheesecake as "One Great Plate" in September, 2008. Channel 7 News interviewed Mara regarding Super Food for the 2008 Super Bowl which aired January 31, 2008. In the August, 2007 issue of Louisiana Cookin', Mara's Homemade is featured as a Cajun restaurant outside Louisiana. In the February, 2005 issue of Chili Pepper Magazine Mara's Homemade was listed as a Cajun restaurant to visit in New York. Al Roker has brought his Roker on the Road show on the Food Network to Mara's Homemade. The show aired May 10, 2005. City Search voted Mara's as the 2007 and 2006 Best of CitySearch for Barbeque Restaurants and 2004 Best of CitySearch for Cajun and Creole Restaurants. Mara's Homemade is highly rated in 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 & 2005 Zagat Survey New York City Restaurants and "Time Out New York's" 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2005 Eating and Drinking Guide . Mara's Homemade was listed in USA Today on September 23, 2005 as one of seven recommended Gulf Coast restaurants outside of Louisiana.
On Thursday, May 14, 2009, Mara did a cooking demonstration of Shrimp Grits and Shrimp Etouffee at Macy's cellar, Herald Square. On Thursday, June 28, 2007 Mara did a cooking demonstration of Jambalaya and Crawfish Mara at Macy's cellar, Herald Square and on Friday, October 6, 2006 Mara did a cooking demonstration of Crawfish Mara and Shrimp Etouffee at Bloomingdale's 6th Floor Houseware's Department.
Mara's Homemade was a participant in the White Boot Brigade's June, 2006 trip to New York City to promote Gulf coast shrimp. Mara's Homemade, from inception, has ONLY served Gulf Coast shrimp. The White Boot Brigade, on behalf of the Mayor of the city of New Orleans, presented Mara's Homemade a proclamation in honor of our continuing support in the rebuilding of the city of New Orleans.
She is flying in from the Louisiana Gulf, fresh Oyster's, Crawfish, Alligator, Crabs and Shrimp. Mara has created her own dishes of Oysters Rockefeller and Oysters Bienville in addition to serving Oyster's on the half shell. If you have been to NOLA and had the BBQ Shrimp then you will love Mara's. Mara's is also serving such Jazz Fest favorites as Crawfish Mara, Crawfish Pot Pie, Crawfish Stuffed Bread and Crawfish Cheese Toast.
In May, 2005 Mara introduced Arkansas style smoked BBQ to her menu. She uses hickory and mesquite woods to infuse the best smoked flavor into the meats. The sauces are all homemade by Mara. They are now being bottled and sold through the restaurant, at Jetmore Barbeque in Wantagh, NY or online by email request.
In June 2006, Mara added a portable smoker to "go on the road" at New York City Street Fairs and Festivals each week-end and to bring the smoker to your back yard BBQ. Just call Mara to make arrangements.
The only American food on Indian Row, Mara’s Homemade supplies just that, made-from-scratch-on-the-premises just good food. You will find Cajun and Creole favorites such as live craw fish when in season, Shrimp and Crawfish Etouffee, Jambalaya, Shrimp Creole, Po' boys, and okra gumbos. Comfort foods such as Southern fried chicken, macaroni and cheese and chicken fried steak are served.
On the menu are New Orleans favorites such as Blackened Redfish, BBQ Shrimp, Catfish New Orleans, a sautéed catfish fillet smothered with Crawfish Etouffee, and Crawfish Mara. Also served are Gator Bites made from Louisiana alligator.
Mara prepares her favorite desserts such as chocolate soufflé, bluegrass pie (pecan pie with chocolate and bourbon), key lime pie, red velvet cake, bread pudding, chocolate cream pie, and chocolate fudge pecan cake. In addition NOLA favorites, Bananas Foster and Beignets are prepared to finish your remembrance of the South. Also available, seasonally, are fresh fruit cobblers and fresh fruit pies. Call for the daily dessert specials.
Iced fresh mint and sweet teas are made from loose tea leaves. Fresh squeezed lemonade is also served. Seasonally, Mara spices organic fresh Apple Cider and makes homemade Eggnog.
Planning a party? Mara would love to host your party or special occasion. She can provide you with a special menu or use our regular menu. Planning a private lunch meeting or an all day conference? Call Mara.
Mara, the mother of four, uses the same family recipes at Mara's Homemade for most of the foods she prepared for family dinners
All dishes are prepared after an order is placed. Mara's Homemade is NOT a fast food restaurant so please allow enough time to prepare your meal.