Mokomandy - Modern. Korean. Cajun.

Written by Abigail Thoburn

I didn't know exactly what to expect from a restaurant that I could not, did not, even know how to pronounce. Nor one that is part of a shopping center. But I know what I got: absolutely wonderful food.

Mokomandy is a small but efficiently operated dining experience. Everything is done professionally and with a modern twist, but the staff is so real. The chef (one of only five employees) traveled the world and loves to cook food from all cultures. He has cookbooks lining the shelves by the kitchen. The kitchen itself is so small so you can watch the chef and his assistant as they work.

Mokomandy Interior 1

The staff are friendly, calm and easygoing. They treat each other like family, always ready to help clear each others' tables, or refill water. Though there aren't many workers, each one is interested in interacting with the guests. While washing our hands at the public sink (which is equipped with an automatic and massaging hand-washing machine), my brother and I noted an oil diffuser, a staple at our own house. The waitress spent time to show us the bird sounds it made, and she dug out the oil from the cabinet then chatted and smelled the different oils with us. The staff are just really pleasant to be around, and so genuine. They are also knowledgeable about the menu and the restaurant owner. Overall, they are quite helpful with recommendations and great people to be served by.

The food and menu are designed to be shared (honestly who would eat more than two gator croquettes anyway).  The seafood was extremely fresh; the shrimp etoufee was especially delicious. The jalapeno hush puppies were surprisingly flavorful and the gator croquettes were pretty tasty.  As it is ready, the food comes out from the kitchen in a steady stream, so it's fun and simple for all to grab a bite. Also lending to the sharing aspect, they don't accept reservations for more than six.  It's a calm, cozy atmosphere where everybody's included.

Cool Pepper Tuna Ssam 2

The food is meticulously prepared. I've never seen so much care put into each dish. Nothing was so-so, and everything was different; we weren't just served a table full of fried and buttery things. Everything had a nice purpose. They had three house-made hot sauces. I went for the hottest one. But it wasn't that same ole my-mouth's-on-fire-I'm-going-to-be-sick. It was flavorful, and I actually enjoyed it. Don't worry, it was hot, and the tingle stayed in my mouth for a bit, but it wasn't stupidly hot for the sake of being hot. It had a goal and that goal was flavor.

Not only do they have great appetizers and entrees, but the waitress offered dessert. When my surprised father asked, "You have dessert?" she responded, "Of course, we're a restaurant!" I took this to mean we have to serve dessert, so you can have a cookie or a brownie with or without ice cream. Boy, was I wrong. They served us creme brulee, mini pies (with amazing crusts), French press coffee, and a classy white candle for the birthday girl. I got chocolate, caramel, and chicory. They hand dipped my caramel in dark chocolate and sprinkled toasted candied nuts over it. that wasn't even the whole dish, just a detail. Again, they were meticulous.

Lavender creme brûlée 3

I am looking forward to a return visit to Mokomandy, to try their homemade biscuits and gravy, and come octopi season, their famed Pasta! And, the name is pronounced moe-koe-man-dee.  The Asian-fusion restaurant gets its name (and menu) from the owner's parents.  His father is Korean and his mother is Mandy, from Louisiana.  They have the perfect blend of modern Korean and spicy cajun cuisines.








1 Picture from SethDesignGroup. http://www.sethdesigngroup.com/projects/mokomandy-restaurant-branding/

2 Picture from Regina D. on Yelp. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/mokomandy-sterling?select=woH_T0LRQt-k-o0i4eClqQ

3 Picture from Jennifer N. on Yelp.http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/mokomandy-sterling?select=lKf7r8eXnStlJna_HIuv1A

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