Mara at Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis Welcomes its One-Year Anniversary with New Menus and Tableside Beverage Service

Starting in June 2023, Mara Restaurant and Bar is offering a variety of new dining options to further elevate the guest experience including seasonal menu items, tableside Champagne and amaro carts, and a generous Four Seasons style Sunday brunch buffet. Since opening in June 2022 along with Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis, Mara has earned the recognition of local and national media for its memorable cuisine, welcoming hospitality, and elegant design. The Star Tribune and Minnesota Monthly both named it “Restaurant of the Year” and Robb Report called it one of “America’s Most Beautiful Restaurants.” Now, Mara welcomes its second year and the summer season with the introduction of a few enhancements.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the team at Mara as the restaurant steps into its second year,” says Mara General Manager Mason Foster who previously worked at Four Seasons Resort Maui as Assistant Director of Banquets and Assistant Restaurant Manager. “We are looking forward to providing our guests with a lavish experience.” 

Weekly Sunday Brunch Buffet 

Starting June 4, 2023, Mara is serving a luxe buffet spread every Sunday for brunch. The menu will feature a rotating selection of breakfast meats (bacon, sausages, charcuterie) and cold appetizers (fruit, salad, cheese, and more). Waffles and pancakes are served with maple syrup, whipped mascarpone, chantilly, and a seasonal compote. A variety of house-made pastries includes danishes, croissants, and more. Eggs and omelets are made to order. A changing list of egg specials are available such as shakshuka, eggs benedict, frittatas, and Turkish eggs. Executive Pastry Chef Eddy Dhenin’s mini desserts and cakes are presented in an artful dessert display. Reservations are available on Tock (USD 65 adults; USD 35 kids, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm). 

"Our holiday brunches were so popular that we decided to create an opportunity for our guests to enjoy this style of dining every Sunday, rather than wait for a special occasion," says Chef Gavin Kaysen. “We love to see friends and family make memories around the table and our new brunch format and updated spring menu are great opportunities to gather and enjoy a meal together.” 

Seasonal Menu Changes

A new spring menu that embraces the season's best produce is available now. Chef Kaysen has collaborated with Executive Chef Martín Morelli and  Chef de Cuisine Thony Yang to introduce lighter fare such as a Pea Ricotta Tartine with snap peas and pickled ramps, Spinach Cavatelli with smoked rabbit fricassee and fava beans, Chickpea and Giardiniera Salad, and a Scallop Crudo with pine nut milk and kumquat marmalade. 

A new Seasonal Fruit Tart and Lemon Hazelnut Pie from Chef Dhenin are featured on the dessert cart that makes the rounds during lunch service. 

Extended Lunch

Due to the popularity of Mara’s weekday lunch, the menu will now also be available on Saturdays starting in June 2023 (Monday-Saturday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm). Mediterranean salads, sandwiches, and entrées are thoughtfully prepared and presented with the midday time constraints of diners in mind. À la carte items are available as well as a prix-fixe option that includes two courses (either an appetizer and entrée, or entrée and dessert, USD 32 per person)

Tableside Beverage Carts 

Known for their welcoming hospitality, the beverage team at Mara is elevating the experience even further with a tableside Champagne cart and amaro cart available nightly. Guests can request pours in the dining room or the bar and lounge. Beverage Director Adam Witherspoon and his knowledgeable team will guide guests through the evening’s offerings. A variety of up to eight digestifs are featured on the amaro cart ranging from traditional options such as Averna and Cynar, to lesser-known selections such as Forthave Marseille from Brooklyn, New York and Amaro Dell'Etna hailing from Sicily. Complimentary, house-made chocolate truffles are presented with each pour of amaro (USD 15 per pour). 

The Champagne cart that first roamed the dining room during Christmas of 2022 will continue to serve a selection of fine Champagnes not available on the by-the-glass menu. Options include unique and obscure selections ranging from Bründlmayer Brut Rosé Reserve (made using esoteric varietals to create a textured and complex rosé), to the affordable and clean tasting A.R. Lenoble Brut Intense. 

About Mara Restaurant and Bar

Mara is a restorative Mediterranean-inspired restaurant featuring warm, sun-lit spaces and an open kitchen concept illuminated by floor-to-ceiling windows. Nationally renowned Chef Gavin Kaysen transports guests to coastal destinations with the flavours and techniques of 22 countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. Each dining experience is meant to nourish both body and soul. 

For more information, click here and follow @MarabyGK on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Reservations are available on Tock. Valet parking is complimentary until 5:00 pm for guests of Mara and USD 10 per vehicle from 5:00 pm to close.

About Chef Gavin Kaysen

Chef Gavin Kaysen is the award-winning chef and founder of Soigné Hospitality Group in Minneapolis known for his nationally renowned restaurants and cafés as well as his leadership in the culinary profession. He is passionate about mentorship and creating a more professional work environment for hospitalitarians. His approach to welcoming hospitality can be experienced throughout the Twin Cities at Mara Restaurant and Bar, Spoon and Stable, Demi, Socca Café, and Cooks | Bellecour. In May 2023, Minneapolis St Paul Business Journal named him one of "2023 Most Admired CEOs.”