16, what a number. Sixteen years my wife has had the privilege of being married and waking up to the same annoying person. I don't know how on earth she has done it, but she deserves a freakin' award.
THE SCENE
Two more different people we could not be. Aside from the obvious differences in our skin color, she grew up deep in the hood, I grew up in an upper-middle class neighborhood. I'm from the North, she's from the South. I'm a reborn T-REX, she can't stand the thought of chewing meat (however, ironically loves Krystal's burgers). She was raised Jewish, I was raised Jehovah's Witness. She loves night lights while sleeping, I prefer it pitch black. She hates to throw away anything, I can't stand clutter. She loves the beach, I love the mountains. If you ask, she'll give you the shirt off her back while I need bank statements to prove you are in need and not trying to schist me! If that weren't enough, it's nearly a miracle to find a place we both enjoy dinning. Enter Marlow's Tavern.
THE DETAILS
Date & Time: Tuesday February 25th, 2014 @ 11:25 am
Dining Companions: My wonderful wife
What to expect: Dim lighting, gastropub type atmosphere
Music: can't remember any but wall mounted TV's were playing
Conversation: Average noise level, easy for conversation
Decor: Modern pub feel, exposed brick walls
Service: Scott B was excellent. It's what tipped the scale from 3 stars to 4.
Liquid: Coke ($2.95) & water
Ordered:
Shrimp & Chicken Gumbo (complimentary) 3 Stars
J.T's Kettle Chips (complimentary) 4 Stars
Bayou Burger ($13) 3.5 Stars
Side order of White Cheddar Grit Cakes ($3) 4.5 Stars
Parmesan Truffle Fries ($1.50 upcharge) 3 Stars
Small Tavern Salad ($3) 5 Stars
Dislikes: Gumbo was under-seasoned. Truffle fries just average.
Must Try: The white cheddar grits are awesome. Kettle Chips are good too.
Total: $24.86
THE FOOD
I would probably rate the food 3.5 stars overall. Nothing was terrible but nothing was extremely good either (except the grit cakes). Our food included:
*J.T's Kettle Chips - SPOILER ALERT! This is given as a complimentary surprise for those visiting for the first time. We were excited when the manager brought them to our table and announced they were on the house. Bonus, they were delicious.
*Bayou Burger - This was on the special menu for the month, so I figured why not. After all, a burger topped with andouille sausage and fried crawfish with a spicy Cajun sauce sounded amazing. I definitely enjoyed it, but it would likely not be something I ordered again, even if it was a mainstay menu item. Just didn't have that wow factor.
*Parmesan truffle fries - After giving them a try here and several other restaurants, I have come to the conclusion there is no significant flavor enhancement by adding this oil. I am a true potato connoisseur. Potatoes are something I can't live without and is generally a part of every meal I've had for the past 4 decades. Fries are my number one favorite form of potatoes and I'm telling you, truffle oil just doesn't do it for me.
*Shrimp & Chicken Gumbo - My first bowl I sent back. I was very disappointed in the flavor. The manager decided to send me a second smaller bowl and it was a little better, but that just may be because I added more salt. Overall it wasn't gumbo-wy enough for me. I love gumbo that lingers on your taste buds long after you've swallowed. This gumbo was just okay. Tasted more commercial than home style.
*Tavern Salad - Is described as field greens, toasted sunflower & pumpkin seeds, granny smith apple, asparagus tips and sweet gorgonzola dressing. My wife raved over her salad. I didn't try it, but she rarely raves over anything, so that is saying something.
*White Cheddar Grits - I was impressed. These grits are delicious all by themselves. I don't typically like grits and like grit cakes even less, but these are worthy of ordering by the bucket! I absolutely loved them. Can't wait to order the Shrimp & Grit Cakes on our next visit.
THE VERDICT
Excellent selection of mouth watering menu items in a cozy upscale tavern with above average service. It seems to be very popular. When we were seated, there was almost no one in the restaurant. By noon the place was packed from the bar all the way through the outdoor patio and still there was about a dozen people waiting to be seated. Overall we enjoyed our first visit as we celebrated another milestone in our life together as husband and wife. Looking forward to a return visit, hopefully before our next anniversary. read more