Mariposa reopens in time for the holidays

Nadine Kam photos
Mariposa at Neiman Marcus has a new look, but some things haven't changed, like informal lunch time fashion shows.

Mariposa restaurant was temporarily closed beginning early October to refresh its look, and reopened on Nov. 11, just in time for holiday shoppers who need midday or evening respite from the laborious task.

I took a peek over lunch Nov. 16, to find new carpet in springtime green, and lighter chairs to match. Otherwise, artwork and ceiling fans are still in place to keep breezes flowing around the room.

I was reminded that the restaurant hasn't had a facelift since the store opened 15 years ago, in September 1998, so it was due. Time sure flies!

Here's a look at a few of the new lunch dishes. Otherwise, the menu hasn't changed much, so you'll still find all your old favorites, from the Mariposa corn chowder, to composed salad, and Laksa seafood curry.

Grilled shrimp "cocktail" with avocado, fennel, orange slices and seaweed salad in Maui pineapple-golden tomato gazpacho is a tasty starter, and only 190 calories.

By popular request, Mariposa poke has been added to the menu, with hamachi, king salmon and ahi over brown rice. It's a starter that can also double as a meal for the fashionable who want to maintain their figures. It's 280 calories.

Rosemary and garlic-roasted pork chop is also one of the new menu additions. It's topped with pistachio gremolata, and served over risotto Milanese, $20.

Also new is the chicken breast stuffed with prosciutto and fontina cheese, served with roasted kabocha, potatoes and carrots, in kale-honey pesto.

Kabocha ravioli and shrimp is a sweet treat, with a sauce of balsamic brown butter, sprikled with golden raisins and pine nuts.

Among new desserts is a taro cheesecake, but if you've eaten a lot, I'd suggest trying the apple galette below, with spiced pumpkin ice cream, perfect for the fall season. Also good news, the caramel pot de crème is still on the dessert menu!