Marjorie

Still closed.
Sigh…

* I’m so sad to hear Marjorie is closing down. But I hope they will reopen soon with the same delicious food and fun atmosphere.
The (old) location is quaint with a small dining area and even smaller bar. The colorful drapes and red/​blue/​yellow paint keep your eyes busy. I’d say it feels like a cross between cirque du soleil and a moroccan style restaurant. The menu is just as confused as the décor, but don’t let that deter you.
We ordered the popular bourbon glazed pork rib and the fish of the day. The pork rib was cooked perfectly — medium. It was accompanied by collard greens and cornbread that was just as moist and delicious as the pork. The fish of the day was pan seared halibut which was seated on top a bed of vegetable ragout. The fish was delicate on the inside and had a nice crisp on the outside. It was a little underseasoned, but the strong flavors of the chanterelle mushrooms livened it up. And for dessert…
*drum roll*
Brioche bread pudding with bourbon caramel sauce!
It was heavenly~ By far the best bread pudding I’ve ever had. Not too soggy, or dry, or heavy, or flat… it was perfect. I can close my eyes and still remember its sweet, dense yet spongy, warm baked goodness in my mouth…
oh yeah, where was I?
Our waiter was good, but the busboys were a little slow. We got our bread right before our food came out so that was kind of pointless. Nonetheless the ambiance was ideal, not too loud for conversation and not so quiet to be too serious.

I am seriously pissed off. Why can’t Gawd smite Sarah Palin and leave Marjorie alone?
Now where am I going to get my plantain chip fix? Old San Juan? That’s a bit further than Belltown.
Wherever Donna lands her next Marjorie, it better include the following: bacon corn cakes, plantain chips (of course!) and the hottie bartender who makes a French 75 that is a revelation.

We were staying at the Ace Hotel, a block away. It was late. We were too tired to want to be held hostage by a restaurant.
But the patio was adorable. Precious. And then all this smoke came out of the kitchen. Weird, white smoke. After about 20 minutes, we’re told that «There is a problem and we’re not sure we can make your food. We will let you know.»
I respond, «But we only ordered sliced lunch meat? Can’t someone just slice lunch meat?» We start to wonder what said «problem» is. Has someone lost a limb and the kitchen is pooling in coagulated blood, precluding cutting board use?
And suddenly, a tall, elegant, chocolate bunny of a woman swoops down and there’s the best charcuterie plate we’ve ever had (and we’ve had a few, my friend). And we get cold, and we go inside, and it’s even more adorable than the patio, with bright silk panels everywhere and a pillow panel ceiling.
I’m serious, things go wrong, but at the good places, they turn out right and this is a really good place.

I love miniature food. I like little bites. I love tiny gherkins, and toaster oven pizza, and random samples at Trader Joe’s (having enjoyed wee cups of greek salad today at that very place), and back when I ate cute animals — twee lamb chops dressed in ruffled footies. But the gates of heaven swung open last night when Majorie’s happy hour served up an entire MINIATURE GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH. Cut in two! With a teeny cup of delicious carrot soup! And… a handful of frites. *squee*
Folks, I just about fell off my chair in happiness.
Couple this with a sweet bartender, a nice dry white at HH prices, a lovely setting that takes you out of Belltown entirely, and a record player in the bathroom. I’m not sure what it was playing, but who cares? It’s inspired. :)

I had wanted to try this place for awhile and talked some friends into coming along. We all looked at the menu beforehand and thought we could all be happy.
It was the winter time and it was too cold to sit in the courtyard but that’s where I wanted to land. Anyways, the girls talked some sense into me and we snuggled up inside.
The chips we had as appetizers were quickly devoured. I was surprised how good they were. As usual, I went after the roast chicken which was pretty good. The girls made a meal out of salads and starters, with some nibbles off of me.
Service was a little slow to begin with, but I think that is because we walked in so early. Overall, it was a pleasant experience and we all talked about making it back here.

I visited Marjorie for the first time a couple weeks ago and it impressed me enough to make me return to Unilocal after a multi-​month reviewing dry spell.
The happy hour at this little Belltown Bistro is fantastic! Running Tuesday through Friday from 5 – 7, Marjorie’s happy hour offerings include $ 2 Red Stripes, $ 3 Drafts and $ 6 fancy cocktails. There is also a selection of delicious foods for $ 3!
I highly recommend the plantain chips. They come thin, crispy and served with a side of spicy aeoli. On the day I visited, the bar was also offering a grilled cheese, fries and cup of soup for $ 6. All the food was top notch, but the happy hour portions for the $ 6 special were tiny! The soup was literally served in a wee espresso shot cup, which made it better for dipping the sandwich in than for feeding a hungry football player. So, if you’re hoping for a Campbell’s thick’n’chunky meal, this place may not be for you, but if you want a delicious, well-​priced nosh with your happy hour cocktail, give Marjorie a look.