Marben [Mediterranean] / Zomato

Since Chef Rob Bragagnolo (@RobBragagnolo) took over the kitchen of Marben Restaurant (@MarbenResto) a bit more than a year ago, I have only been for brunch (post here) and have been wanting to drop by for dinner since then.  

I was invited to a foodie gathering by the folks of Zomato (@zomato) , a new foodie guide app similar to Yelp and Urbanspoon. You ask what make them different?! They focuses on updating all the restaurant in the city with a very user friendly navigation.  Search can be done by area, recommendation, activity of people you follow, where popular foodies including bloggers, food writer and magazines go to eat. You also get to interact with followers and other foodies plus a wishlist/to-eat list.

Toronto Zomato will be available sometimes in October and I am so glad to be part of the Community. Make sure to follow me!

Will definitely be talking more about it when it launches (^_^)

I got there a bit late, so I didn't get pictures of some of the first dishes but did get to taste a bit of everything.

Artisanal Cheese Board $16

~ walnuts, toast, seasonal chutney

Daily Baked Breads $5

~ rye sourdough, carta de musica, focaccia, smoked butter, beet humus, red wine salt

You know how much I love bread and love everything here from the yummy bread to the smoked butter plus what's not to like about the pretty red beet humus. I really wish I have a picture of the whole thing to show.

Patatas Bravas $7

~ crispy potato, spicy tomato, smoked paprika, aioli

This was so good, the sauce was to die for and I am glad that how it's "over sauced"

Pan Cristal con Tomate $9

~ Spanish crystal bread rubbed with tomato 

 
 Serrano Ham

Crispy Zucchini Flowers $14

~ stuffed w/ scallop, morcilla & truffle mousse

(100 km zucchini flowers + Digby Bay, N.S scallops)

Have always love the delicate fried zucchini flowers and this was stuffed to the brim, love the super thin crispy batter filled with yummy flavorful stuffing.

Tequila Ceviche Cones $12

~ filled with avocado, cilantro, tobiko & jalapeno

Such a cute presentation and it tasted just as good, especially love the heat from the jalapeno.
 

B.C Dungeness Crab & Roasted Tomato Tartare $18

~ avocado, tomato consommé, corn crisps

(Fresh B.C Ocean Wise Dungeness Crab)

 

Grilled Octopus Salad $18

~ chorizo, potato, roasted red pepper, cherry

Smoked Risotto w/ Seared Scallops $23

~ hazelnut, sea buckthorn, chorizo

Perfectly cooked scallop, just look at the brown surface. But although the scallops was fresh and delicious, the star was the smoked risotto which was not only perfectly cooked but extra delicious with the hint of smokiness, the saltiness from the chorizo and a pop of juicy sour flavor from the sea buckthorn berries.

Ontario Peach & Manchego Salad $12

~ field greens, pumpkin seed & lemon dressing

Crunchy Cucumber & Spiced Lentil Salad $14

~ buffalo yogurt, field greens, fresh herbs

Ravioli Raffaella $24
~ slow roasted rabbit, marrow, basil, shallot puree 

Slow Roasted Pork Ribs $15

~ pineapple, hazelnut, cilantro, plantain

So tender that it's served with a spoon

Manchego Cheesecake $8

~ Vanilla balsamic glazed berries, macadamia crumble, basil

This was my favorite dessert of the night, love the basil & balsamic glazed with the smooth light cheesecake.

Nutella Crème Brulee $9

~ red fruits, mint

Was expecting something heavier but this was surprisingly light with a perfectly torched crush which was just the perfect thickness to crack into.

White Chocolate Panna Cotta $9

~ strawberry rhubarb gazpacho

 

Verdict :
So glad to be able to taste so many dishes, love dining in big group.
Everything was delicious and couldn't have asked for more
 And did I menion how amazing the service was, so friendly and attentive
As amazing as