Bar Marilou Is A Red Respite

10:26 May 20, 2019
By: Emily Hingle

Bar Marilou is a sumptuous feast for all of the senses. Enter through the gate on Carondelet Street lined with ferns and greenery, then enter into a decadent red room lined with books, fine art, and fancy, inviting furniture before noshing on delicious fare and drinks.

I started off my Marilou adventure with two specialty cocktails: Dangerous Liasons and the Brave Margot. The Dangerous Liasons was a refreshing blend of bubbly, cachaca, Kina amer, and a dash of bitters. It was light, yet with a slight smoky undertaste to it not unlike a lightly-blended tiki drink. The Brave Margot was a sweet blend of rum, Campari, pineapple juice, falernum, lime juice, and a dash of absinthe. The bright pinkish red hue mimicked the colors of the walls and ceiling as it took over my tastebuds with sweet and slightly savory flavor.

My beverages were well complimented with two dishes: Camille's Burrata and Saint Jacques. The burrata was gorgeously dusted with fennel pollen and lemon zest and sat upon a bed of seasoned olive oil. The creamy inside oozed out when the mozzarella was punctured, yet it held its shape enough to be easily placed upon the crispy toast. The dish was light, yet surprisingly refreshing with playful flavors of oil, lemon, and herb pollen.

Saint Jacques is the name of the scallop dish that is sure to be a big hit at Bar Marilou. I've never had such perfectly-seared scallops! They were still plump and juicy with just a light sear and season on the outside. They were served atop charred broccoli rabe and fresh blackberries which provided an interesting combination of savory and sweet. The white miso dressing around the plate was the only addition to the scallops that made them even more delicious, but they were quite perfect on their own.

Bar Marilou is a destination which will surely be packed on most nights. Those looking for something after work may want to check out the Apertif Hour from 4 PM to 6 PM daily. And just so you know, there is a secret room in this beautiful bar, but you'll just have to

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