Mara's Cafe

When is the new South Orange Mara's Cafe opening?

I don't know but I walked by it on Friday, and I'd say they are just about ready. I could almost smell the pastries..

There is one in Fanwood--- I don't know what all the hoopla is about. OK at best.

How about giving a new business 5 minutes before you look down your nose at it? Don't go if you don't want to.

I guess the hoopla is that we are getting a new business in town.

Very well received and successful in Denville.

I have also heard only good about Mara's. Wish them well in SO!

Mara's looks like it's a good place for breakfast and lunch. Is there parking for it in The Gateway parking area?

There's enough room for outside tables.

I wish them well.

http://marascafe.com/full-menu/

Have had good lunches at Mara's in Denville. But the best thing they offer that I know about is an incredible triple chocolate mousse cake. Amazingly delicious

I've peeked inside and was really impressed. Nicely done, attractive and professional. The owners of this franchise location of Mara's small network have made a sizable investment in our community. I'm looking forward to giving Mara's a trywhen they're ready.

I walked past one morning they were conducting interviews so their opening is not far away. I'm excited by new business - especially when they're selling sweets

someone was in there working on the place today when we left the pool around 5. It definitely looks nice, the decor seems unique enough.

The proof will, of course, be in the pudding. Looks like it could be a could place to grab a bite if thof food is good

https://www.facebook.com/marassouthorange?fref=ts

We had a very nice lunch in the Fanwood one once, and look forward to the opening.

Liked the Denville one very much. No place in SO offers the variety of well made vegetarian options, which makes me happy. I'm sure others will find it fills an empty niche.

Walked by the other day and it looks like a nice addition to town

Awesome to see that end of South Orange looking so much better! Between Bunnys and Falafelly Yours renovations and upgrades it's a nice destination spot. Hope this encourages other businesses and landlords to up their game as well. A number of the businesses at that end of town have barely changed the light bulbs.

Mara's was putting tables outside this morning.

From their Facebook page, the interior is looking very nice. I'm looking forward to trying it.

https://www.facebook.com/marassouthorange/photos/a.1596903070555270.1073741828.1485377268374518/1612356752343235/?type=1&theater

Oh, I like the wood they used to panel that counter front. Looks like pallet wood. I've been thinking about using that for paneling for awhile now, ever since they started using raw wood for paneling on DIY shows.

Ha! i looked in the other day --and found it unappealing -- more like a bar/ tavern --the reused wood look and dark colors -- seems so wrong for a bakery (and more than a little overdone), but then perhaps they see themselves more of a restaurant. I am looking forward to trying them -- but not for the interior design - it does not draw me in and I consider myself a foodie and try everything - from food trucks to high end!

PeggyC said:
Oh, I like the wood they used to panel that counter front. Looks like pallet wood. I've been thinking about using that for paneling for awhile now, ever since they started using raw wood for paneling on DIY shows.

Hey, wait until they are done decorating and have it loaded up with FOOD.

I saw people sitting outside just now whilst picking up dinner across the street. It added a nice vibe to that end of the avenue.

Ok so I like the interior more than before, still seems a little sparse.

Ate there today. The quality of the food and service, are still, umm, in v e r y soft launch mode. Give it some time.

sitting outside today sure was a plus...

I stopped in this morning. I parked on the street in front but later looked out the back door and there are a number of reserved parking spaces behind the building for the cafe. There was a fair amount of foot traffic through there in the 10-15 minutes I was in there. The cases were full of all manner of cupcakes and cakes, with one case holding some breakfast pastries and bagels.

The egg and bacon panini I ordered was very good. I was worried I'd be getting pre-cooked microwaved bacon and eggs but the bacon looked and tasted like it was cooked fresh, and the egg was light and fluffy. The panini bread was pretty tasty too. The coffee was good. They pour it and you fix it up at a Starbucks-style counter. Tab was under $6.

I like the interior ... very open and light, I thought it was nicely modern but not super-distinctive. Lots of tables and lots of electric outlets for the laptop crowd. One big comfy chair in the corner. It seems very family-friendly but not like Cafe Meow ... the decor doesn't say "Hang out here for the next three hours with your kids and a single cup of coffee." More like "This is a good place to get your kids a reasonable lunch or dinner without feeling like a fast food joint."

I think one challenge will be food turnaround time. I waited a while for my breakfast sandwich, which was okay because I had a little time. But it's not likely to catch on big with the train-catching crowd if they can't get people served and out the door quickly. I wouldn't want them to sacrifice food quality for speed. Right now, their online ordering is not active, but if that changes and someone could order from their smartphone before the walk to the train (not during - you'll get hit by a car!) they can expedite things.

That being said, there's a sign on the door stating they're in soft opening mode and things will improve.

I may go there tonight to try a salad or burger. It might be a nice evening to sit outside!

To be more transparent -- the food at lunch was pretty awful. The chicken was dry, over cooked. The presentation pretty thrown together. Nothing attractive about it. My companion's salad was even worse. They provided "oranges" as a side -- yeah, those overly sweet little tangerines that come out of a can -- quite lame. And at $9 for a sandwich, it was even a worse value. We both said no need to come back.

I had a pretty good muffin there. The coffee is pretty good. My sandwich was very bland. How can you have pesto on a sandwich and it taste bland? The roasted peppers seemed jarred, because they too had little flavor. I really want this place to work. But I probably won't be ordering any more sandwiches. Might try an egg sandwich, just to see.

Stopped in for a late Bkfst: The Jersey Omelet (3 eggs + Taylor Ham & American Cheese) was tasty enough, but its very fluffiness made it feel oddly light, when compared to the substantial (although pricier) ham & cheddar omelet I occasionally enjoy at The Ritz. When asked about bread, I asked for buttered rye toast; Mara's version was smallish rye/pumpernickel slices, barely warm & un-slathered. Soft Opening...

The staff seems to be energized, though, and some have clearly done this before.

The place is probably loud when it's busy, but most folks were dining al fresco when I arrived, so the interior was nicely quiet (and exhaust-free)...

How's the coffee???

-s.

Coffee was good.

I agree the staff was quite energetic and pleasant.