The new Mosaic Shopping Center in Merrifield, VA is super cool. There’s a Target, an indie movie theater, a gym, boutiques, and cafes. Sea Pearl is one of the larger, less casual restaurants in the center. The website describes it as “Asian inspired modern American cuisine.” The main focus is seafood – they have both cooked dishes and sushi – but they also have some meat dishes and a pretty good brunch (on Saturday, too, which I love). It’s quite large and the decor is really lovely. It’s a little on the feminine side, which would make it perfect for ladies’ brunch or girls’ night out (the drinks are good, but with DC prices). I’ve never seen it packed, so large groups could be seated easily.
Let’s start with Brunch, because that is what I go for most often.
Cinnamon churros with warm chocolate dipping sauce: these are super awesome – hot, fresh, crunchy on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside. Love it.
Ricotta fritters with honey and seasonal fruit (this time it was apple): these are good too, fluffy and rich. If you had to choose only one pastry though, I’d go with the churros.
Lobster bisque with saffron, cognac, and creme fraiche: this was a little disappointing – not bad, but I prefer the bisque at Ruth’s Chris (or Red Hook Lobster Pound, of course).
Both times we’ve been, Jasper has ordered the roasted Chilean sea bass with miso, jalapeno, bok choi, and coconut jasmine rice – that’s how much he loves it.
On our first brunch trip, I ordered the eggs Benedict with foie gras – cuz, hello, how could I not? Very good – just what you would expect it to be.
On our next trip, I ordered the beef short rib hash. I love hash, especially with poached eggs on top, and hollandaise. Add in some short ribs and yeah, this is super good brunch food.
Other menu items include stuffed french toast; lobster crepe with shiitakes, coconut milk, and chiles; a panzanella with spiced chicken, medjool dates, almonds, tomatoes, and kalamata olives; and a burger with caramelized onions and foie gras.
I’ve also managed to stop by for a sushi lunch. I wasn’t expecting much, but this sushi lunch (with 5 pieces and choice of roll) was pretty good. Nowhere near Taro or Kushi, but pretty good for your average VA sushi place.
I haven’t made it for dinner yet, but I would like to try their raw bar and fusion seafood dishes.