Maria’s Mexican Bistro at 669 Union Street recently closed for renovations. With the constant flux that Park Slope establishments are known for, “renovations” took on a new meaning when Maria’s reopened as Mercado Social instead. We contacted one of the new owners, Antonio Lara, to talk about the restaurant. Some foodies might recognize Lara’s name. He’s an old friend with Pedro Munoz and Vivian Torres of the Pan-Latin restaurant Luz in Fort Greene, and he has teamed up in the past with the godfather of Nuevo Latino cuisine award-winning chef Douglas Rodriguez. Lara tells us that most recently he’s worked with Danny Meyer at The Modern and says in regard to this new endeavor, “I hope to share my hospitality experience with the wonderful people in Park Slope.” With a background like that, if Mercado Social plays its cards right, the bistro can easily make its way up to be one of the better Latin restaurants in the neighborhood. Some appetizers include the Mexican street-cart favorite elote asado (grilled ear of corn with mayo, chili, and cotija) and an exciting Pico de Mango (chopped mango, red onions, tomatoes, chili and limejuice). Classic Mexican dishes are also present like pozole, sopes, tamales, mole poblano and chile rellenos. Some new twists can also be found in the Vera Cruz inspired red snapper with capers and a red pepper sauce on a bed of rice. Has anyone else had a chance to try the new menu? Let us know in the comments.
—E.C. Stephens
10 responses so far ↓
1 Juliemoon // Oct 10, 2008 at 4:45 pm
OMG- Antonio! One of the BEST bartenders. He trained me- he’s great.
Another place to stop by.
2 Brenda from Flatbush // Oct 11, 2008 at 1:36 am
We will miss Maria’s–great guac.
3 Dan // Oct 12, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Bummer they got rid of Maria’s unlimited Bellili/ Mimosa brunch. Another drunk brunch in the Slope that will be sorely missed.
4 Teresa // Oct 12, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Another reason to travel from Idaho back to city– Lara has great ideas- can’t wait to see and taste this one!
5 Georgie // Oct 16, 2008 at 10:07 am
Antonio, I wish you the best to you and Mercado Social.
6 Erica A // Oct 18, 2008 at 4:15 am
I understand that the owners of Maria’s Mexican Bistro are undergoing a very nasty parting of the ways and that Maria’s was on the market for some time as part of a divorce settlement. Story has it that the owner was discovered having sex with a waitress and that the wife walked in on them after the place was closed. Let’s hope that energy doesn’t permeate the new Mercado Social.
7 claire // Oct 20, 2008 at 8:17 pm
delicious. very well done and thoughtfully prepared. very fresh and all there are willing to please…
the drinks alone are incredible…and not just because antonio is meticulous about them…lovely blends and solid favorites like the sangria. these also change seasonally.
to make it better…they are friendly, welcoming, and create an environment worth hanging out in more than just one night.
8 Neal Zupancic // Nov 5, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Antonio is doing it right. The Mole Poblano was great – the mole was a vast improvement over Maria’s and the chicken was incredibly tender. The Estrana Asada was tender and juicy and the scallions complemented it very nicely. The new quesadillas are phenomenal. The salsa is unique – it’s almost like a subtle, earthy buffalo sauce with a garlic finish. The margaritas are perfect.
9 Slope Dude // Nov 23, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Well there is not much to miss about Maria’s since the owner, Edwardo is still a partner and on the job. You will still find several favorites from Maria’s on the menu including the famous fresh guac. and stuffed poblano
To my great delight, the interior has been improved by getting rid of a lot of clutter, a fresh coat of a pleasing denim blue paint and better lighting.
GO! enjoy – Still a great value.
10 blind willy // Dec 16, 2008 at 12:59 pm
well, dont fear, its back to maria’s again.