LOCAL Houston | The City Guide NOVEMBER 2015 | Page 24

DINE WRITE
DELICIOUS DEPARTMENT STORE CUISINE, SERIOUSLY (LUNCH AT MARIPOSA)

Grilled Shrimp and Quinoa Salad

IN A PREVIOUS LIFE I WORKED AT AN AD AGENCY IN WILLIAMS TOWER. FREQUENTLY FOR LUNCH
WE’D TAKE THE SKYWALK TO THE GALLERIA. ONE DAY A COUPLE COHORTS SUGGESTED MARIPOSA.
ME: (Blank stare), THEM: You know, in Neiman Marcus., ME: (Blank stare)
I soon learned this fine little restaurant was up on the 3rd floor, and had
been since the distinguished department store was built back in 1969.
When I first attended, at the turn of the millennium, the décor was quaint,
as was the complimentary warm cup of broth and fresh monkey bread. The
food was excellent and though I did feel a bit out of place being a young,
disheveled guy on a budget, Mariposa earned a spot in our group’s lunch
rotation.
Last month, I visited a brighter, more open, more modern version, perhaps
appealing to a younger crowd. But as soon as I sipped that broth and
peeled a piece of bread, the memories rushed back.

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Nostalgia is common there.
“We have customers who’ve been coming for 30-plus years,” said Aida
Cabrera, the general manager. “Now their children are regulars.”
Recently the restaurant partnered with Open Table to promote more and
reach a broader audience. But as Cabrera says, Mariposa has always
thrived by word of mouth.
It’s easy to see why. Especially when you taste a spoonful of the tortilla
soup, its queso offering creamy comfort.