Mister Mao

Who is not having a great time at Mister Mao? Miles away from the French Quarter in Uptown, find a lively dining room painted top to bottom in bubblegum pink and emerald green. The colorful setting is as vibrant and upbeat as the cooking. This is not food that fits into a tidy box, as inspiration leans Asian and Indian with detours all over. Fried chicken dumplings with date and poblano chile chutney are as satisfying as garlicky egg noodles glossed in butter, oyster and fish sauce, and Parmesan. Kale and collards cooked down with cumin, turmeric and coconut milk is a cross-cultural sensation. Clever and flavorful, the food here is both fun and accomplished. Weekend brunch is the perfect time for large groups to order with abandon.