Marlow’s Tavern, a new American pub establishment based out of Georgia, recently opened in Pointe Orlando.
Locally in Orlando, restaurateur industry veteran Alan Palmieri will be responsible for the day-to-day operations and future development of the Orlando market. After retiring from Darden Restaurants, Inc., where he was executive vice president of operations in the Specialty Restaurant Group, found what he thinks is “the perfect neighborhood restaurant to serve his family, friends and the Orlando community” in Marlow’s Tavern.
I got the chance to ask Executive Chef and co-founder John C. Metz a few questions about what to expect below.
Executive Chef John C. Metz
“Marlow’s Tavern was created to offer a food and bar experience that represents a casual comfortable, yet with warm rich elements that would surprise its guests and the neighborhood it serves. We promise to deliver ‘affordable luxury’ with ‘chef-driven’ food and hand-crafted cocktails with Marlow’s ‘world class hospitality’ to the neighborhood at Pointe Orlando.
As one our founding values and attributes, we will ensure excellent and consistent execution of food and beverages. We serve ‘familiar favorites’ in an innovative way – house-made, fresh daily, unique with our Marlow’s twist.
It started with an “I would rather eat at your bar, than drink in your dining room” philosophy. We look to the industry for trends and standards, yet remain true to our original concept of an American tavern created for the 21st century offering a great spot to gather with friends and family for a delicious meal or hand-crafted cocktail made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.”
TastyChomps: What are some signature dishes at Marlow’s Tavern and what were the inspirations for them?
Marlow’s is known for offering creative American tavern fare in a comfortable neighborhood environment. The savory menu is filled with items that change seasonally depending on the availability of fresh and local ingredients. Signature offerings include:
Shrimp & Crab “Nacho” Plate (Rock Shrimp, Crab, Pepper Jack Cheese and Fresh Jalapeño)
We created a unique twist where the star ingredients are featured in every bite of the individually crafted nacho with flavor evenly distributed from start to finish. Shrimp and crab is an unexpected variation to more traditional chicken or beef toppings.
Black & Blue Steak Salad (Grilled Beef Tenderloin, Crisp Field Greens, Roma Tomato, Scallion, Slivered Red Onion with Creamy Gorgonzola Dressing
It’s the homemade Gorgonzola dressing that enhances this Tavern classic. The milder flavor of the Italian Blue Cheese rather than traditional blue cheese paired with fresh chives balances the citrus marinated tenderloin for a tender and delicious entrée salad.
The Tavern Burger (Our Classic, Simple and Seasoned Perfectly Served with “House-Made” Tomato Bacon Jam)
We carefully created this classic with fresh, never frozen beef seasoned perfectly with a salt and pepper blend paired with fresh baked Brioche sesame seed bun seared then topped with hand-cut roman tomatoes and hand-shredded romaine lettuce, and signature tomato, bacon, and onion jam. We use an 80 / 20 meet to fat ratio to ensure signature flavor of a classic Tavern burger. The Tavern “Double Cheese” Cheeseburger offers your choice of any cheese in the kitchen.
TC: Do you use local ingredients in your food at Marlow’s Tavern in Orlando?
Marlow’s Tavern embraces the Farm to Table approach to food and beverage offerings through Fresh Point Central Florida, North America’s leading and most respected fresh produce distributor.
The bar and menu selection is filled with items that change seasonally depending on the availability of fresh and local ingredients. For example, all Juices and mixers including oranges, limes, and lemons are hand-squeezed for all beverages and garnishes.
The inventive hand-crafted cocktail list consists of concoctions made with the freshest fruit juices, herbs, simple syrups and small batch liquors. The Blueberry Buck is one of Marlow’s signature “Soon to be Classic” cocktails with garnishes and flavor profiles updated seasonally.
The tavern also offers a wide variety of bottled beers craft, imports and including local favorites from Orlando Brewing and Florida Beer Company.
TC: What are some signature cocktails at Marlow’s Tavern?
Marlow’s Tavern created one of the first Pomegranate Martinis found in the city (Atlanta), a house classic served with Smirnoff Vodka Since 2004 and still popular today. New to the scene is the Marlow’s “BLT” Bloody Mary with house made bacon vodka with caraway and thyme infused spiced tomato juice.
