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Friday, January 18, 2013

Food Friday: Dinner at Marche

If you like brunch, chances are you have been to Marche. It is one of those hot spots that the brunch crowds can't seem to get enough of. People (including me) have waited in absurdly long lines just to get a bite of their fantastic croissant french toast. To me, it elicited flashbacks to the epic Portlanda Brunch Special. If waiting in line isn't your thing, and you love French bistro fare, Marche at nighttime is a pure delight.
The night before my parents came to town for the holidays Steve and I shared a cozy romantic meal at Marche. I've been on a Paleo-friendly diet for a while now (don't worry people- I'll still splurge for a Food Friday) and Marche's menu offered a few things that I could eat and not stress over. Also, their menu changes monthly so you are sure to get the best of what the season has to offer.
Here is something that should come with no shock: We ordered bone marrow for an appitizer. I feel like I should write A Cavewoman's Guide To Nashville: EVERY RESTAURANT THAT SERVES BONES. Marche's bone marrow was served more traditionally, cut horizontally with the bones in chunks. I passed on the bread and just used my fork and tongue to get the fat out. This marrow was served with a lovely smoked sea salt. The salt was pretty amazing, something I never thought I would say about salt. 
Steve ordered the potato and leek ravioli with gulf shrimp in a tarragon cream sauce. I think he picked it because of the tarragon. The shrimp were cooked beautifully and the ravioli were tender and definitely home made. The cream sauce was lovely and surprisingly perfect for a cold winter night. My only issue was with the size of the portion. It was pretty tiny, even by fancy restaurant standards. They could stand to throw in a few more ravioli.
And for another non-shocking event: I ordered duck. This was a duck leg confit with butternut squash and Brussels sprouts in a fig jam. I'm not sure if I have made this clear on the blog, but I'm in love with everything fig related. Figs and ducks happen to be a perfect pairing. Also, the sweetness of the fig jam over the Brussels and squash was heavenly. The duck itself was cooked just the way I like it, pink in the center with lots of crispy fat and skin. And as a bonus, I don't think there was anything in this dish that wasn't paelo-friendly!
I have a soft spot for Marche. It is located on one of the most recognizable corners in East Nashville and vaguely reminds me of a pastry shop where I had breakfast while visiting Paris. Our waitress was very friendly and helpful. Steve even picked up a few cookies on our way out to bring home to his parents. If you have only been for brunch, I recommend going for dinner.


Marché Artisan Foods on Urbanspoon

13 comments:

  1. I JUST saw something about bone marrow being served in Nashville on one of those "daily buzz" type email lists I somehow get myself entwined in... that is so unusual. I want to try that place for dinner some time, based on the pretty plate presentation and your recommendation!

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    1. Oh Lisa you really should. The few times I have gone for dinner I have been very impressed.

      Marrow is really easy to make at home. Go to Porter Road Butcher and have them slice one for you. Just put it under your broiler on high for 10-12 minutes.

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  2. I *just* suggested Marché for lunch to a friend, despite only ever having eaten there for brunch. I made a mental note to remember to try one of our local favorites for lunch or dinner one of these days. Love this timely blog post. AND - the bone marrow! Still wanting to return to Lockeland to try theirs as well.

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    1. I have only been to Lockeland once, and I wasn't blown away. I think I may need to give them another shot since I went right when they opened.

      But Marche is a great dinner place!

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  3. I have never had marrow. I'm intrigued

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  4. I have also never eaten marrow, my face is doing a quizzical eyebrow at the idea. What does it taste like?

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    1. It tastes like really soft animal fat. Like the best part of fatty bacon without the pork taste!

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  5. I've never had marrow! How weird. The duck leg in fig jam sounds HEAVENLY. I share your love of figs. I once ate so many figs off of a tree that my tongue was burned from the acidic juices. Embarrassing haha.

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    1. I have never had figs that fresh! Most of the time I've had them dried and baked in stuff. Gosh, now I'll be on a quest for fresh off the tree figs!

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  6. I've never had bone marrow but have seen it on top cheif and hear it's tasty... don't know if I would have the guts to try it. New follower.
    xo
    http://www.nothingbutapigeon.blogspot.com/

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    1. Welcome Taylor! You should try every food at least once. And you won't be disappointed. It's delicious!

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  7. mm this looks SO good! Their menu is really great - I would love to go. THe atmosphere seems really pretty too

    <3 katherine
    of corgis and cocktails// fawn pendant giveaway

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