Original dinner plans got changed last minute when a restaurant we reserved at didn’t open due to mechanical problems (the washroom facility was not operational, which legally, a business cannot open), we found ourselves at Marben, a restaurant that consistently finds itself on the list of Best Restaurants in Toronto and with a focus on local and seasonal menu. Marben had been on my list of restaurant to go to when Carl Heinrich (now of Richmond Station) manned the kitchen.
Green Zone Farms Venison Tartar ($15) with shallot, mustard seed, cornichon, quail egg, and potato crisps. Can’t go wrong with tartar.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts ($14) with speck, quail egg, preserved peppers, and horseradish.
Fried Cauliflower ($9) with lime aioli, cumin, chilis, and wild rice jahl muri.
John’s Burger ($20) with braised rib, Ontario aged cheddar, branston pickle, and house-cut fries. Sorry for such a horrible picture and it was the only picture I took of this. This burger has been on the list of best burger in Toronto. However, I found the meat to be very dry and didn’t quite live up to its expectations. Perhaps it was an off night for this burger.
I have mixed feelings about Marben; I wanted to like it; the ambiance and the service was great. It is pricey but with the hit and miss of the food, I’m not quite sure I would return.
Marben
488 Wellington St. W.
Toronto, ON
M5V 1E3
