A plant-based foodie’s experience at Mora Asian Fusion & Sushi
24108 W Lockport Street, Plainfield IL
I dined at Mora on a Tuesday night in February 2017. FYI: This is not a sponsored post and all opinions are my own.
The Atmosphere
There are certainly elements that are what I would imagine are reminescent of genuine Japanese dining. Low seating (on ottoman stools), burgundy decor, mirrors, a blingy bar, wooden chopsticks, table spacing appropriate for intimacy – all in a small dining area.
Yet, there’s an undeniable modern vibe that is comforting, very 2017. Something I happily embrace as a millennial. I feel like I can easily start a conversation with the bartender, or ask for extra utensils, or even modify a dish, if I choose. (I did all these things, by the way!)
Our waiter, Leonard, was attentive, enthusiastic, knowledgeable about the menu, and definitely elevated the experience. Mora was void of awkward interactions or miscommunications, which often ruin restaurant experiences. A very chic, home away from home, with energy and food you’ll remember long after you step out of the restaurant.
The Food
I always start a meal with vegetables. It’s a habit. So naturally a chose Mora’s highly recommended Brussel & Kale salad as my first course. Fried brussels and kale, raw chilies, and a spicy dressing. Simple, but yummy. I usually prefer some nuts/seeds, and often a fruit component, but I wasn’t disappointed in this salad. I could have made it a meal with the addition of salmon, which I may just have to try at home.
My guest, Christina, ordered the Crispy Korean Chicken Wings, which blew her away. She loved the sauce and the crushed peanuts on top. The King Mushrooms sparked my interest. They’re not something you see on a typical menu and I love their meaty texture. One piece was slightly undercooked, but the others were excellent. I felt that the vinegar-based sauce on the side was unnecessary.
Mora definitely has creative sushi options, in addition to the classics. We tried the Crispy 8 and Alaskan rolls. I loved the palette-cleansing strips of ginger on both plates. I am no sushi connoisseur, but both were delicious. I am a purist, so in the future I would probably stick with the classic options, but it is certainly fun to try other creative versions! Next time, I would also add an order of Garlic Sweet Soy Salmon, because sushi never has enough fish for my taste, and I like a hearty dinner!
Overall, the menu has classic Asian elements (Miso Soup, Orange Chicken, Crispy Tofu, Lemongrass Beef), but also has a voice of it’s own. The food is approachable, and the menu easy to interpret. You can also easily eat vegan, vegetarian, or pescetarian here, without any hiccups or disappointment, and without feeling deprived. So long, boring green salad!
Conclusion
Mora is not what I consider “my type of food.” And it’s much different than the food I actually cook. Meaning: 1) Many of the ingredients are fried (wings, salad and sushi components) 2) There isn’t any bread or pasta, and limited rice dishes 3) There are a lot of sweet and/or salty sauces that I typically don’t enjoy.
However, the meal was delicious. Why? Because Mora has a voice. A story. An identity. Something so commonly lacking in restaurants, especially new restaurants. Mora rely too much on what classic Asian food should be. Nor does it jump on the bandwagon of all the lastest food trends. Is it Asian Fusion? Yes. But it’s the dining experience and execution of the dishes that are more impressive than the cuisine itself.
I can cook damn well. So if I am going to leave my house on a cold winter night, I want hospitality and I want to feel a spark. Mora has it! From the authentic staff to the well-thought menu and delicious flavors, Mora Asian Fusion is an inspired space to dine!
