Last Wednesday I met with a few ladies from the Atlanta Food Blogger’s Society for a Winter Menu Tasting at Marlow’s Tavern located in Midtown. We tried a variety of appetizers and desserts from a menu that seems to surprisingly yet delightfully fall outside of the traditional “tavern food” category.
For example, pictured above is their Wild Mushroom Toast. It’s Grilled Ciabatta topped with Seared Oyster, Shiitake & Button Mushrooms and Shallot in a Roast Thyme Brandy Cream accented with Parslied Olive Oil. This dish is wonderful. I visited another location last night with Steeler Fan and tried it a second time. He was equally surprised that it was on the menu but he truly enjoyed it as well.
During our blogger tasting we also sampled the Shrimp & Crab “Nacho” Plate, made with Rock Shrimp, Crab, Pepper Jack Cheese and Fresh Jalapeño. When you think of nachos, you certainly don’t have individual portions like these in mind but they are tasty and quite filling. The fresh slices of jalapeño are good if you can take the heat. I didn’t detect the shrimp component much but it certainly isn’t a deal breaker on the dish overall.
In addition, we tried a few other apps including:
J.T’s Kettle Chips (Crispy Potato Chips Crowned with Gorgonzola Cheese, Bacon, Roma Tomato and Scallions),
Asparagus Fries (Crispy Thin Asparagus with Tarragon, Citrus Aioli),
Marlow’s Famous Hummus (Grilled, Toasty Pita Points, Crisp, Fresh Veggies, Olive Oil and Crispy Chickpeas) and
Truffled Parmesan Fries (“Hand-Cut” Tavern Fries, Truffle Oil and Fresh Parmesan).
Again, the offerings aren’t what you would ordinarily expect but the variety is inviting and the bites go well with a refreshing drink and Marlow’s lively dining atmosphere.
This drink is my first skinny anything. It’s a Skinny Ginger Margarita mixed with Herradura Reposado, Lime Ginger Syrup, Agave Nectar and Fresh Lime with a Gingered Salt Rim. I enjoyed it so much that it’s at the top of my list for my next visit. They also have a nice Riesling for those who prefer white grapes. The Dr. L Riesling (Germany) is a good one to try if you don’t care for those overly sweetened ones.
Dessert is one of my favorite dinner courses, breakfast diversions and excuse why I might not be eating lunch. Just kidding. Or am I? Here we have a Classic Crème Brûlée. It’s house-made with Madagascar Vanilla Bean and a Crispy Sweet Crust. I make this at home from time to time. You know that moment when you tap the crisp, caramelized surface with the back of your spoon and it returns the favor with that magical cracking sound and the uncovering of its creamy custard interior? It’s special and I love that Marlow’s Tavern has this on their menu for us to indulge our sensibilities in.
Finally, this Milk Chocolate Soaked Chocolate Cake with Warm Pecan & “Jack” Syrup with Hand Scooped Vanilla Ice Cream is not to be missed. Indulge in it with a cup of coffee and a friend. The serving is certainly generous enough to do so.
If you’re not really the pub/bar/tavern type don’t let that dissuade you from trying Marlow’s Tavern. Both the menu and atmosphere have plenty to offer. There are 13 locations in GA for you to choose from. The Midtown location seems to attract business professionals, Midtown residents and folks like me who live outside the perimeter but crave an intown dining experience. We found the Northlake location a popular neighborhood destination as well as an ideal onsite option for folks staying at the adjoining Doubletree Hotel.
Visit the Marlow’s Tavern website to learn more and to view their menu.
Disclosure: I joined members of the Atlanta Food Bloggers’ Society for the menu tasting at Marlow’s Tavern – Midtown. While the meal and beverages were complimentary, I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way. You can view my full Disclosure Policy here.
