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!

THE EL FELIX EXPERIENCE

Last night we had the pleasure of meeting friends at the newest Ford Fry creation, The El Felix.  The El Felix is located in Alpharetta, in the new premier shopping and dining mecca, Avalon.  It's a Mexican themed restaurant that has the feel of Texas.  The name comes from Ford Fry's favorite Tex-Mex restaurant that he remembers as a child.  

Below is their menu - and unfortunately I had to take a photograph off of my laptop, as I failed to snap a pic at the restaurant.  But what you see is what's on the menu right now.

A view of the exterior

Photo Credit: Atlanta Eater

The restaurant has been open less than 2 weeks, and already it's creating quite the stir.  We met our friends after work on a Friday night, and at a little before 6PM there was already a 30 minute wait.  They do not take reservations at this point.  No problem - we headed to the hopping bar to test drive the specialty drinks.

My husband (and our friends) went with their margarita.  It was perfect.

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

I went with a vodka concoction of theirs called RED HEADED STRANGER - Deep Eddy Ruby Red vodka, Campari, grapefruit juice with lime.  Delish!

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

Here's how their chips and salsas (one red and one green) are served:

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

We were seated after a while and promptly greeted by our server.  

We tried 2 different appetizers.  Our server, Monica, highly recommended the Chile Con Queso - Bob Armstrong which was a delicious queso topped with seasoned beef, guacamole and sour cream.  It was fabulous!

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

We also ordered an order of their guacamole, which Monica said we HAD to squeeze a generous squeeze of lime over.  It was great too!

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

Now for the serious eats!  I was so so so excited to order their Capechana.  I had this dish in Houston, TX years ago and have been creating it at home myself since then.  It easily can be served as an appetizer for the table to share, but I ordered it as my main course. It was really good, however it was too salty on this night.  I'm a salt lover, but someone was a bit heavy handed.  Still wonderful though.  Capechana de Marisco (with spicy gulf shrimp, octopus, lump crab and avocado).

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

One of our friends ordered the catfish dish. She raved about it and ate every bite! Pescado al Carbon (blackened NC catfish fillet, frothy serrano and garlic butter).

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

And perhaps the decadent meal of the night goes to our friend Jason who ordered the skirt steak topped with a cheese enchilada and then a fried egg.  It looked amazing and he loved it! Tampiquena (marinated wood grilled skirt steak covered with a cheese enchilada and a fried egg).   

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

My husband went with the shrimp tacos.  There were 3 tacos in double small corn tortillas. They were spicy and tasty and not too heavy.  The crunchy cabbage added nice texture to the dish. Tacos de Camarones (Spicy shrimp, smoked jalapeno, queso fresca, cilantro and cabbage).

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

And the flan!  We all 4 split the flan, and it was devine.  I grew up in Florida enjoying much Cuban cuisine, and I absolutely love flan.  It was spot on. My spoon slid easily through the custard concoction, and the taste was exactly what flan should be - sweet with a strong caramel flavor. Loved!

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

And with our bill we were given this cute post card that looks and feels like you've been transported to south of the border and are sending a note back home to the States.  Nice touch.

We are already looking forward to our next visit to The El Felix.  As is typical when we dine at a Ford Fry establishment, the negative is that you can't order every delicious thing on the menu at once!  And a word about the place - I told my husband that it felt like it had been open for 10 years, not 2 weeks.  The food, the service, the atmosphere was that good.  That's the Ford Fry machine - well trained and well staffed restaurants with a focus on service and really really good food.  You must GO to The El Felix - you'll be glad you did!

And...the BEST part of the evening?  I got to meet the man himself, Ford Fry.  A gracious host indeed. Best of luck to you in your latest venture, and I look forward to Superica (at the new Krog Street Market) opening soon....

At last - - - we visit King + Duke

So looking forward to stepping out to try Ford Fry's newest restaurant, King + Duke!

KING + DUKE 

3060 PEACHTREE RD NW 

ATLANTA, GA 30305

404/477-3500

From their website:

"King + Duke, the latest chef-owned restaurant from Atlanta’s Ford Fry, offers a seasonal dining experience in the heart of Buckhead. A 24-foot open hearth is the restaurant’s centerpiece, and executive chef Joe Schafer’s passion for cooking over wood comes through in every dish. Named after characters in Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, King + Duke nods to classic literature and American traditions. The locally sourced dishes harken back to the way food used to be prepared—cooking over fire is a primitive technique that lets the ingredients speak for themselves. Guests can watch their food being prepared over the fire in the main restaurant space, dine al fresco on the large patio, or host an event behind a hidden door in the private dining room.

Start with a cocktail and the warm Yorkshire pudding that’s served at every table, and move on to a coal-roasted onion soup or charred octopus salad. Then enjoy “The King,” a dry-aged, bone-in ribeye, or share a whole-roasted chicken for two. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the roasted bone marrow, or a Mississippi rabbit with liver toast. There are plenty of options for vegetable lovers, too:
wood-roasted artichokes, farm carrots and beets, grilled eggplant, and more.
The menu changes often, based on seasonal ingredients and the chef’s inspiration, so don’t be a stranger."

Menu changes daily but here's a sample, again from their website:

Bites.
crispy, sticky, smoky WINGS … 7
DEVILED EGGS, virginia ham, pickled celery … 5
CRUDITÉ, whipped house ricotta, lemon … 5
BAYLEY HAZEN BLUE, pickled plums… 8
CHOPPED CHICKEN LIVER TOAST, bacon, egg … 6
GRILLED HOUSE BACON & PEACH MARMALADE … 8
Starters.
CANDIED LAMB BELLY, sheep’s milk feta, marinated cucumbers, warm flat breads … 11
COAL ROASTED ONION SOUP, pale ale, mahon, croutons, smoked marrow bone … 12
MAINE CRAB TOAST, thai basil, chile, mint … 16
LOCAL TOMATOES & MELON, burrata, tomato gelee … 13
LITTLE GEM SALAD, buttery croutons, blue cheese dressing … 10
CHARRED OCTOPUS SALAD, sugar snap peas, green olive, chorizo & lemon … 12
WOOD ROASTED FARM CARROTS & BEETS, sheep’s milk feta, harissa … 9
ROASTED BONE MARROW, smoked mushroom salad, short rib marmalade, toast … 15
SIMPLE SALAD, organic lettuces, shaved vegetables, vinaigrette … 8
Fish, Fowl,
and Farm.
“THE DUKE,” burger of house ground chuck & dry aged cuts, coal roasted onion, fries … 16
NORTH GEORGIA BROOK TROUT, “boy scout style,” spring vegetable salad, country ham, almonds … 24
HEARTH ROASTED FISH OF THE MOMENT, roasted sweet peppers, corn relish … A.Q.
ROAST PEKIN DUCK, crispy leg, spit roasted breast, red mustard greens, plums … 29
GUM CREEK PORK ROAST, braised spring vidalia, charred kale, local figs … 26
LAMB SADDLE CHOPS, crispy torn potato & herb salad, roasted olive, minted salsa verde … 28
HEARTH ROAST RATATOUILLE, farm egg, house mozzarella, toast … 18
BAR STEAK, coal grilled, fries … 22
MISSISSIPPI RABBIT, farro salad, rabbit liver toast … 26
BONE-IN NY STRIP, in-house dry aged, local sungolds … 49
MAINE LOBSTER WOOD ROAST, baby bok choy, garlic, chile … A.Q.
ROASTED SCALLOPS, caramelized endives, grapefruit … 27
For Two.
WHOLE ROAST GRASS ROOTS FARMS CHICKEN
crusty bread salad, chicken drippings vinaigrette
55
“THE KING”
(1 kilo) bone-in ribeye roasted marrow bones, sucrine lettuce salad
80
SMOKE BOX CORNBREAD
country ham, jalapeno butter
12
Share.
POT OF SOFT POLENTA, hearth roasted, mushrooms, duck jus … 6
ROASTED SWEET PEPPERS, preserved tomato, fried garlic … 6
GRILLED EGGPLANT, preserved tomato, pine nuts, mint …6
SNAP PEAS, house pancetta … 6
CRISPY TORN POTATO SALAD, smoky scallions, crème fraiche, egg …6
MUSHROOM “WOOD ROAST,” robiola … 12
GRILLED GEORGIA PEACHES, cow’s milk blue … 7
SMOKY OKRA STEW, carolina gold rice …6
STEWED LADY PEAS, pepper relish, creme fraiche … 7

The front of King + Duke

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

We were seated immediately upon entering the restaurant.  It was bustling on a Wednesday night.  Both the restaurant as well as the outside patio bar and inside bar areas were busy and loud.

We were greeted quickly by our waiter and their version of yorkshire pudding (YUM!) arrived with fresh butter:

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

After thinking it over we ordered a few cocktails.

THE YEARLING, Bulleit Bourbon, Art in the Age Rhubarb Tea, Florida strawberries, lemon … 12

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

CAPTAIN JACK’S ROSE, Captain Applejack, Bar Keep Baked Apple Bitters, lemon, housemade seasonal grenadine … 8

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

BLACK AND BROWN, Blackwell Rum, Watership Brown Ale, lime, velvet falernum … 10

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

I'll admit we didn't LOVE the drinks.  None of us are gin drinkers, so mixologists sometimes are narrow having only gin and whiskey offerings.  These were OK, but I wouldn't order any of these again.
We decided we HAD to try the deviled eggs.  And they might have been the best thing on the menu (and that's saying a lot!):

DEVILED EGGS, virginia ham, pickled celery … 5

Photo Credit: Cate Bogue

Then onto the crab.  As you can see, we devoured it, and I forgot to snap a pic in time.  Get this appetizer!
MAINE CRAB TOAST, thai basil, chile, mint … 16

This burger is one of the best I've had in Atlanta (3rd only to the Pimento Cheese stuffed one at Antebellum and the unreal burger stack at Bocado).
“THE DUKE,” burger of house ground chuck & dry aged cuts, coal roasted onion, fries … 16

Delish!
ROASTED SCALLOPS, caramelized endives, grapefruit … 27

This veggie dish was what sounded good to my daughter.  It was very hearty and actually visually appealing - unfortunately my photo does not do this dish justice.
HEARTH ROAST RATATOUILLE, farm egg, house mozzarella, toast … 18

They do a nice version of trout.

NORTH GEORGIA BROOK TROUT, “boy scout style,” spring vegetable salad, country ham, almonds … 24

The only sad note of the evening was that we didn't care for our bottle of Sancerre (my favorite choice). We probably should have sent it back, but that's our fault.

And, we couldn't resist the toffee bread pudding - but we ate it before we could take a picture.  Really really good....

It was a fabulous meal with outstanding service - we'll be back....Ford Fry did his magic yet again!