Mystery Diner: MORA brings urban sophistication, Asian flavors to Plainfield

PLAINFIELD – MORA Asian Fusion describes itself on its website as “the essence of Chicago’s dining experience” in the suburbs, and it does not disappoint, offering up style and sophistication in both its décor and cuisine from a location in charming downtown Plainfield.

I recently enjoyed lunch with a friend at the relatively new restaurant, which opened about seven months ago on Lockport Street.

The sunny patio with its clean wood furnishings, the dark hardwood in the entryway and the funky geometric bar all made a good first impression.

From there, my friend and I were led into the main dining room, which featured intricate paneling in white, black and gray; eclectic artwork in wood frames; and a wall completely lined with booth seating.

As we sat down and began to peruse the menu, I was happy to see sushi as an option and was surprised to find the prices were quite reasonable, which I’ve not always found to be the case at other eateries that serve sushi. I ordered a set of two rolls for $14, selecting the California and spicy crunchy salmon varieties.

The California roll was cool, clean and refreshing, with crab, masago, cucumber and sesame. The salmon roll, on the other hand, offered crispiness and a little heat with its house-made tempura crumbs and spicy mayo paired with Scottish salmon and avocado.

My fellow diner selected adobo fried rice with a miso soup starter.

A recent graduate of culinary school, she deemed the soup’s tofu to be cooked perfectly and said the rice dish, with its fried egg, braised pork belly and scallions, provided well-balanced flavors.

To accompany our meal, we sipped teas chosen from the wide range of those served at MORA.

I picked a white chrysanthemum herbal tea that was light and aromatic, while my friend went with the moonlight jasmine blossom tea. In addition to the pleasant flavors of the teas, we enjoyed watching as the dried floral components of each beverage bloomed in its respective clear glass pot.

While MORA features a selection of salads, hot plates and sushi on its lunch menu, its dinner menu also offers small plates, such as “Angry Chicken” with spicy chili sauce and house slaw; lemongrass beef with sweet soy glaze; and asparagus in miso tarragon butter sauce.

The restaurant has a tempting list of cocktails with enticing names such as “Black Dragon” and “Spiced Blood & Sand.” Sake, beer, wine and cider are served, as well.

• The Mystery Diner is a newsroom employee at The (Joliet) Herald-News. The diner’s identity is not revealed to the restaurant staff before or during the meal. The Mystery Diner visits a different restaurant and then reports on the experience. If the Mystery Diner cannot recommend the establishment, we will not publish a review.

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IF YOU GO

WHAT: MORA Asian Fusion

WHERE: 24108 W. Lockport St. in downtown Plainfield

HOURS: Lunch is 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. Dinner is 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday to Thursday and 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is closed Monday.

KNOW MORE: Visit moraasianfusion.com or call 815-782-5340