Restaurant Review: Marlow’s Tavern

I had the opportunity to sample the latest Spring/Summer Seasonal Menu at Marlow’s Tavern in Winter Park, Florida. I and other bloggers were seated in the courtyard extension at the bar. It is a lovely area with long hightop tables for large groups, regular tables, and comfy couches and chairs for lounging with your cocktails.

Marlow’s Tavern has a nice mix of wines and a number of signature cocktails. Some favorites of the evening included the Paso Serantellos Albariño, Rias Biaxas of 2013 (a lovely white wine), the Pineapple Chill Margarita, and the refreshing Tommy’s Favorite White Sangria.

Along with our cocktails were a trio of tummy satisfying appetizers to appeal to a wide range of tastes. I tried the JT’s Kettle Chips which were thinly sliced potato chips topped with mounds of gorgonzola, bacon, tomato, and scallions. They were delicious and didn’t become soggy from the toppings at all. Crisp till the end…Nice! There was Marlow’s Famous Hummus, which I wanted to rename World Famous. It came with triangle slices of pita and fresh veggies for dipping and was topped with a swirl of olive oil and seasoned seeds. Hummus is a simple dish, but easy to get wrong. Marlow’s got it very right. If only the portion had been larger. Lastly came the miniature pot of Warm Brie Fondue with Pretzel Sticks. The fondue is a combination of brie, swiss, and mascarpone cheeses and Chardonnay. The soft pretzel sticks gave the gooey cheese just enough salt and the combination was very good. If you love cheese, try it, it won’t disappoint. 
After appetizers, I had no idea how I was going to actually eat more food, it might not sound filling, but I had to stop dipping chips in my left over fondue in order to ensure there would be room for more food! There were four entrees to try along with dessert. I was not passing on dessert, so this took strategic tasting. Only a few bites to ensure I got the flavor and had room to try it all. 
There was Banh Mi Chicken Wraps that have a firecracker sauce that tends to sink to the bottom of the crunchy, tasty dish. The sauce takes the flavor up but isn’t so heated you need to drink a gallon of milk.  
 The Chicken Chopped Salad was a blend of flavors with some ingredients I wouldn’t normally eat. Yet, together in this dish even the garbanzo beans and chopped egg were consumed along with romaine lettuce, summer squash, California olives, shiitake mushrooms, applewood bacon and an avocado basil vinaigrette. It was light and pleasing to the palate.  

 The Crispy Chicken Milanese was a surprising mix of hot and cold that worked well. The chicken is panko crusted then topped with chilled baby arugula lettuce, Italian parsley, shaved asiago cheese, slices of Roma tomatoes, lemonette, pine nuts and fresh lemon on the side. It was a great mix in my mouth and was like having salad and entree at once, in a great way. Try it as something different than your norm, you will be pleased.

 Finally, I got a chance to try the Pan seared barramundi, which is fish. I love fish, almost any seafood really, but did not enjoy this dish, it was not flavorful and could have used some spices to enliven and enmesh its parts. The fish is scallion crusted and served over quinoa ‘fried rice’, edamame, baby carrots, Napa cabbage, ginger and scallions in a sesame soy glaze. 

Finally was the best part of any meal, DESSERT. This night it happened to be one of my favorites, cheesecake. This slice of NY style cheesecake has peanut butter, milk chocolate and a pretzel crust that is drizzled with salted caramel. It was seriously good. A friend ordered the creme brûlée which was some of the freshest I have ever tasted.

Marlow’s had a great atmosphere and a menu filled with seasonal food, prepared in inspiring and tasty ways. They host several special events in addition to be a great place to eat.

Wednesday – Girls Night Out with drink and small plate specials

Thursday – 1/2 Price Bottle of Wine

Friday and Saturday – Live Music

Sunday – Brunch with Make Your Own Bloody Mary Bar

There are several Marlow’s Tavern locations, if there is one in your area, I feel it is well worth it to spend some time there.

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