Cocktails before Marben - Friday.

[Matt H]

Hello all,

I have a 9:00 reservation at Marben next Friday and was wondering where we should get pre-dinner cocktails before? A classic craft cocktail program would be preferred and within walking distance if possible.

Thanks in advance!

[Matt H]

Thanks again for everyone's input. We ended up leaving too late to have pre-dinner cocktails and just barely made our reservation at Marben. We are very thankful we did though, excellent meal.

There were four of us dining, so we ordered 4 mains and 4 sides. For the mains there was the Pork Chop topped with a fried egg, 2 Dennis' Beef and 1 Burger.

All were excellent, but the standout would have to be the Porkchop. Perfectly cooked and such an excellent cut of meat with a great balance of lean and fat for flavor. Executed to perfection. The other dishes were excellent as well and the Burger is probably my third favorite Burger in Toronto now close behind Nota Bene and Beast.

For sides we had the Roasted Sunchokes, Candied Sweet Potatoes w/marshmallows, Gnocchi and Fries. The Fries were very good, well salted and crispy. Gnocchi was probably the most pedestrian dish of the night, but not bad by any means. I love Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows and this side did not disappoint either.

The best were the Sunchokes though. Roasted to taste crispy and similar to Potatoes and seasoned with Rosemary and Sage. Every bite had a good crunch and saltiness that I loved. Could have easily eaten another order by myself.

Cocktail wise I had the Old Fashioned, which was a bit sweet, but not bad at all. In conclusion Marben will be on our regular rotation when we are in Toronto.

Afterwards we ended up going to Goodnight for cocktails. I do not want to spend too much time on this place, but we all found it to be a bit pretentious without any substance. Very poor bartending on both rounds and this was consistent with everyone in our party. Basically only one person enjoyed one of their rounds.

As I said though, no need to harp on the negative, Marben was such a good experience that we forgot about the Goodnight experience almost immediately and spoke about our meal off and on the entire evening.

[justxpete]

Isn't the pork chop insane?

[Splendid Wine Snob]

I wanted to order it this past Saturday but it was not on the menu unfortunately.

[justxpete]

A tragedy! You'll have to return until its return. Worth it, I promise you. Also - Carl Heinrich is a contestant on Canada's next top Chef, it was announced yesterday. Will be interesting to watch him cook!

[Matt H]

Its Chuffin amazing.

[slants]

yeah .... sorry ... should have been specific when i mentioned goodnight ... its really only good before about 1030 ... when its still relatively quiet ... otherwise it turns into a bit of a zoo ... theyve really been slacking on their restrictive capavity policy ... it doesnt help either that they only have one real bartender for the whole place

[Matt H]

Not your fault at all, the reviews online are pretty positive for the most part, some people even comparing it to Milk and Honey and PDT in NYC.

[Splendid Wine Snob]

Where did you end up for cocktails Matt H? And how was your meal at Marben?

[Matt H]

Its actually this Friday we are eating at Marben and still trying to decide what to do about Cocktails. Deciding between the Ritz and Luma. Any opinion on either?

[Splendid Wine Snob]

I haven't been to either. I've seen the space at Luma, but have not had a drink there.

I was at Marben again last night with friends and we had a fantastic time. Great food and service. Looking forward to your report.

[Matt H]

Looking forward to eating there! Any particular standouts on the menu we should look for?

[Splendid Wine Snob]

It's really a meat-centric place, and the one thing very noticeable to me is just how pronounced the distinct flavour profile of each animal is. The proteins are clearly of high quality, not to mention the butchering. I recently had a fantastic venison Toulouse style sausage, duck (confit), squab (thought I wouldn't find a competent version since David Lee's and while it wasn't as good as David's, it was still great). The burger is pretty killer stoner food. Fries and sides are super tasty. The oysters are expertly shucked and fresh (they are from Rodney's).

They also have a pig roast the last Sunday of every month and for $25, it's a steal.

I may be headed to Boston again in the near future so I'll be sure to follow your recs.

[Matt H]

Sounds right up my alley, thanks for the recommendations and I will definitely report back after the weekend.

Let us know on the Boston board when you are back in town, from what I remember you did quite well last visit.

[justxpete]

My SO and I had dinner there the other night. She tried the pork chop which I believe is a recent addition to the menu. In any case, it was one of the best cooked, and delicious pieces of pork I've ever eaten. The burger is also great but a little pedestrian as compared to that pork. They also do fish fairly well.

[Matt H]

Thanks Justxpete, sounds like I may have trouble deciding once the meal rolls around. Good problem to have!

[ggom1]

The lobby bar at the Ritz might work too? I went once in September with some friends and we were pretty impressed - good bartenders, great bar snacks (candied bacon!). I'm not sure how prices compare but I don't remember it being too out of line with the other cocktail places around town.

[JennaBean]

Bar Chef would fit the bill. It woul be a 15 to 20 mins walk I think. It is on Queen right between Spadina and Bathrust.

[Matt H]

I was really underwhelmed by Bar Chef when I went. Could it have just been a bad bartender/night? or are there consistency issues with the mixing there. My Old Fashioned was disgustingly sweet there.

Any opinions on the bar at the Thompson Hotel?

[JennaBean]

I know one of the regular bar tenders at the Thompson and she's pretty good but I find it can be hit and miss as well.

What about the lounge at Luma in the Bell Ligthbox?

[Matt H]

Never been to Luma, but will give it a try. Thanks!

[slants]

the prices at the thompson are ridiculous ... try goodnight ... decent unique drinks ... a bit pricey but not anywhere near as bad as the thompson ($27 for 1 finger of balvenie anyone?)

[JennaBean]

Goodngith doesn't open early enough for the OP's request.