After months of anticipation and serious construction work in the old Anthem nightclub building at 121A 12th Ave. N., The Mockingbird is finally just about ready to open. Like Tànsuǒ with which it shares a building, The Mockingbird is a new concept from Maneet Chauhan’s Morph Hospitality Group, this time in partnership with executive chef Brian Riggenbach and front-of-house manager Mikey Corona. (Chef Maneet's flagship Chauhan Ale & Masala House is also in the building, which sits in the Gulch just north of Broadway.)
Riggenbach and Corona have spent years honing their version of cuisine and hospitality, and The Mockingbird is the culmination of many pop-ups and catering gigs where they evolved their vision of global fare with Mexican, Italian, French, Korean, Japanese, Southern American influences. If you’ve had the opportunity to meet the duo at any of the events they've attended or hosted around town, you know there's a playful element to their style that should shine through in their new venture.
For example, they plan to offer a dish called “Tray Chic,” served on an elementary school-style lunch tray loaded with house-made summer sausage, chicken liver mousse, sweet onion jam and toast points. The interior design of The Mockingbird’s multiple dining spaces also share a whimsical bent, with an American diner vibe mixing with Mexican influences and Art Deco flair. And don’t forget about that walk-up taco window!
The official opening date has been set for Monday, Aug. 14, and they’re already taking reservations at the restaurant website. To find out more about the opening events and stay on top of The Mockingbird news, follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
