It’s been just over five months since Modern Maki served up their first rolls at Zócalo Food Park, 636 S. 6th St.
Since that time, sushi chef Marco Garcia and his partner Marilupe Moreno have developed a loyal following for their menu of affordable maki (rolls), sushi burritos and sashimi, which is available for take-out or consumption right at Zócalo.
And, starting this weekend, fans new and old can enjoy a number of new offerings from the truck, thanks to a new spring and summer menu.
Loyal guests will still be able to enjoy staples from the truck’s inaugural menu including classic maki like California rolls, spicy tuna and eel avocado ($5 each); signature creations like the Crunchy Munchy with spicy crab, avocado and cucumber, topped with shrimp, eel sauce, spicy mayo and tempura flakes ($10); and creative sushi burritos like the Hot Flamin’ Burrito with spicy salmon, spicy crab, eel, avocado, cucumber and spicy hot flamin’ crunch ($11).
And yes, you’ll still be able to indulge in their most popular maki: the Dragon Roll filled with tempura shrimp and cucumber and topped with eel, avocado, eel sauce and sesame seeds ($10).
But there will also be a cadre of new items, including the addition of refreshing boba tea, which will be available in flavors like strawberry, watermelon, horchata and watermelon ($4.50 for medium; $5.50 for large).
New signature rolls will include the Zócalo, a deep fried panko roll filled with spicy crab and avocado and served with spicy mayo and fresh mango salsa ($12).
The Tempo Maki is a deep fried tempura roll filled with salmon, cream cheese, crab mix and jalapeno topped with eel sauce, wasabi mayo and masago ($12).
A new burrito will also make its debut: the Brewers Burrito, a homerun featuring spicy crab, shrimp tempura, jalapenos, cream cheese, asparagus and cucumber wrapped in name nori (soy paper and drizzled with eel sauce ($12).
Guests can also order new creations including the Mr. Crab Roll filled with lobster salad, green onion, avocado and asparagus and topped with Ahi tuna, eel sauce, wasabi mayo and masago ($13); the Fuego Roll with spicy tuna, cucumber, Yellowtail, serrano peppers and Sriracha ($12); and the Caterpillar Roll featuring savory and crisp cucumber, topped with avocado and eel sauce ($12).
When you go, you can reserve a greenhouse to take off the chill, or bask in the beautiful sunset at one of Zócalo's socially distanced picnic tables. Either way, don't forget to grab one of the fabulous drink offerings from the Tavern.
Can’t make it to Zocalo?
You’ll also find Modern Maki popping up in various locations including Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing Company, 216 W. Clayton St. in Waukegan, Illinois, where they serve up sushi rolls every Sunday from 4 to 10 p.m. Watch their Facebook and Instagram feeds for details.
Modern Maki is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m.; Friday from noon to 10:15 p.m., Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 7p.m. Place your order through CashDrop and you’ll be notified when your order is ready for pick-up. Modern Maki also offers catering for private events.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
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