Maimonide of Brooklyn

Culture Chic!

And the party went on, and on, and on at Maimonide (also known as M.O.B.) during its grand opening on Wednesday night. And why not? I cannot think of a better combination than great food and music. And there was plenty of both going around all evening. Guests were treated to delicious vegetarian and vegan friendly cuisine that is affectionately known as avant-garde vegetarian food for carnivores.

Dishes included dried fruit saucissons, vegan chicken nuggets, and open-faced sandwiches that were topped with wholesome ingredients, which are called MOBs. Try the veggie burgers the next time you visit them, and let me know what you think. If this is the way vegetarians eat, I do not think I want to be a carnivore anymore. On second thoughts, I do enjoy a good steak at Sparks from time to time.

This restaurant is a wonderful addition to the ever vibrant and culture chic side of Brooklyn, and I loved its playful design which is an homage to 90s hip-hop culture, Brooklyn, and the healthy-living beliefs of the famous Jewish philosopher Maimonides. The walls have poetry by Brooklyn poets, and displays of paraphernalia bringing Brooklyn’s legends to life (Notorious B.I.G. and Spike Lee).

The tables are communal style and each vegetable and fruit used on the menu has a sign on the wall, tombstone style. The corn soup is made with popcorn, to remember the time when corn was grown in Boerum Hill. How nostalgic. The ideas behind the MOB sandwich and the inclusion of Maimonides is explained through the story of Barack, a former fast-food delivery man, who realizes the error of his ways and heads off to save the world, one healthy meal at a time.

M.O.B. is the brainchild of Cyril Aouizerate. His partner in the project is Alain Senderens, the Executive Chef is Neal Harden and Zorina Price is the General Manager. Aouizerate is also the founder of Urbantech and co-founder of Mama Shelter, both located in France. The extraordinary flair of M.O.B. is the fact that the owner has combined his love for urban planning, architecture and philosophy. He’s done it in such way, that it all seemed flawless. Partner Alain Senderens, the legendary French chef, earned 28 consecutive years of three Michelin stars at Lucas Carton before famously rebelling against France’s strict star ranking system and democratizing the restaurant; he contributed to the menu with Executive Chef Neal Harden, formerly of Pure Food & Wine. This concept is so great, and I wondered why no one else have thought of it before. I believe that M.O.B will be a destination restaurant, and no doubt Manhattanites won’t mind the short taxi ride from Midtown, or the 20 minutes train hike from Times Square. I for one, will be making that regular trip. Maimonide is located at 525 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, New York.