MARCEL ATLANTA!

So it's been awhile since we've tried a NEW restaurant in Atlanta.  But, my birthday is Monday, and my choice was Marcel, Ford Fry's latest installment to his empire of restaurant gems.  Anyone who knows me knows what a devoted Ford Fry fan I am, and happily his latest creation did not disappoint.

Marcel is located in the space formerly occupied by Abattoir, in the Westside Provisions District (around the corner from Bacchanalia).

MARCEL

1170 Howell Mill Road

Atlanta, GA  

404-665-4555

Here's what we experienced:

When you walk in the door, the atmosphere is very different from Ford Fry's other establishments in that it's more intimate and dark.  Having just returned from a trip to Paris this past summer, I definitely felt the French brasserie influence.

The menu of the evening.

Go to their website for a better view - Marcel.

We started with one of their signature cocktails -

CASA BLANCA
King Charles Vodka, Dolin Blanc, Fee Brothers Grapefruit Bitters

Birthday girl pose with my guy:

THAT drink!

Then the real fun began - the food!  They brought out griddled focaccia bread (TO DIE FOR) slathered in olive oil, along with warm ricotta cheese, olives and charcuterie.  Seriously, the bread course was just amazing and decadent.

Our server was fabulous and recommended a Malbec to go with our dinner, that we thoroughly enjoyed.

But first!!! - we went with "Oysters of the Moment" that were served with homemade crackers (naturally) and a cocktail sauce sprinkled with fresh horseradish as well as a great mignonette.  There was also a hot sauce that was delicious! AND - my crackers were presented with a candle since it was after all my birthday dinner! Nice touch.

 Oysters "of the moment"

 Salad Marcel (TO DIE FOR!).
Chopped with creamy maple and bacon vinaigrette and bleu. Seriously - this salad has been touted as the best salad in Atlanta, and I can now vouch for it.  I couldn't begin to tell you everything that was in it, but it was really fabulous.  We split the salad and were glad we did - there's a lot there.  So so good!

I had a hankering for veal, so that's what I went with.  I know, I know - it's a steakhouse, and it's a French brasserie, but this Italian dish is what spoke to me! It was really really great.  Tender, not chewy and the tomato sauce and cheese were perfect.
VEAL PARMESAN

My husband chose a bone-in filet that was one of the tastiest steaks we have ever tried.  There wasn't a smidgen of it left (other than the bone!).

Great asparagus as a side - just what the doctor ordered.

And finally we went with our server's recommendation again for dessert.  It was a pear/toffee delight. I just absolutely loved it and it wasn't too heavy after the heavier entrees.
PEAR TARTE TATIN: caramel, toasted milk ice cream, walnut crumble, salted caramel anglaise

And these little gems were presented with our check - a little gingery nosh to send us on our way.

All in all it was a truly memorable evening at Marcel.  The food did not disappoint.  And in typical Ford Fry style, there wasn't a detail missed.  The service was absolutely outstanding - very very attentive without being a burden.  The restaurant does get loud however.  We arrived fairly early (6:45PM), and by the time we left 2 hours later, I could barely hear my husband without straining.  Lots and lots of large parties were there, and it was December, so that may have played a part

But Marcel is a great choice for a special evening out.  Be aware that it is a higher end restaurant however, so the bill will be pricier than a typical Ford Fry restaurant.  But, the high quality food is sublime; the service is excellent, and God willing, we'll be back!