marketplace at theater square

Had a wonderful dinner last night at the Marketplace! We had never been, and going before the Trock's proved to be a great choice.

First, the design of the venue draws you into the mood of the setting, from the fire places on "ice" to the waterfalls surrounding them made a former theater into a warm cozy room . . . the lighting and decor made a large room in stark dramatic blacks seem comfortable and almost "homey".

The food was equally spectacular.

We started with the eggplant roll-ups (originally made for Volare?), which were as good as ever, along with an interesting soup and smoked salmon flatbread. The flatbread was especially worthwhile, both for its presentation (two round breads on a wooden plank) and for its freshness and flavor (if one overcooks smoked salmon the smallest amount, it turns into a tough, dry, fishy mess, and this was absolutely perfect). The dinners included the fish of the day (cod loin topped with gingered carrots and over stir-fried zucchini and other veges with Asian noodles) and a Mediterranean eggplant (with tzaziki, feta, couscous, and tomatoes). Both were tasty, unusual (without being "weird"), and made us with for more!

We did get more, having a hot brownie a la mode and an apple cheesecake - maybe not as spectacular as the main dishes, but certainly holding their own.

There have been other posts and threads about the relative importance of food versus ambiance, and this is one of the few restaurants in the city which IMHO offer the peaks of both! It's definitely moved up into our top five, and warrants a trip downtown (even if there were no show that night).

Andrew I was there last night too and absolutely agree with everything you say. I love the set up and atmosphere- so much thought put into the dining experience.
Dallas' food was wonderful. I had the Crawfish Arancini and the Duck Confit and my friend had the Pork Loin.
I wish we had arrived earlier so I could have tried dessert but The Trocks wouldn't wait.

Oh my gosh, IMHO, Dallas's Crawfish Arancini is the best arancini in the world. Is it on the menu or was it an evening special? When I get mobile again, eating it will be one of the first things I do.

It was on the menu Gayle. Be warned: they are on the small bites/appetizer side of the menu but you get three BIG arancini. I had to let one go to the trash so I could eat my entree. Broke my heart a little.

Thanks Andrew and Gary! I really have "found a home" so to speak. I am going to continue to work on the menu, concept, and service/atmosphere at Marketplace. I hope to go toward more of an "Italian" style of food without being pigeon-holed into being an Italian restaurant. I am working with some local farmers as well as getting some unusual ingredients and making them approachable. And Andrew, I am certainly working on the developing the dessert menu into something unique and different. I certainly hope everyone can come in and experience the Marketplace sometime soon and Gayle, I look forward to seeing you!


Dallas McGarity
Executive Chef @ Marketplace Restaurant

I just sent my husband down there to grab lunch as a test run. (We made Valentine's Day Reservations last night).

He was able to choke out "Amazing" and "I ate every bite". The location is just a block away from our office so it's a great location for us. He said the vibe inside was perfect for him. Very much a upscale, big city feel. Can't wait for Monday now!

I had a few meals over the weekend with Gayle. She reported on the Friday dinner and it's my job to report on Saturday. Theater Square marketplace has a couple of new lovers.

We started with the Crawfish Arancini - served with a tomato cream, crispy onions, and truffle oil. Gayle has been cooing about this dish since since she tried it at one of Dallas' former places, and there was a bit of a to-do about it when she walked in and saw him behind the line. Not just a special - it's on the menu! Eric Haney (one of the owners) came to our table to say hi and started with, "I smell truffle, mmm"... We all cooed.

For the next course we shared the beet salad with a white truffle-honey-balsamic drizzle. Mmm, more truffle. And Kenny's white cheddar cheese, nice.

For our main we maintained the "share-sy mood" and split the Kobia fish special. It was very special. I'd never had Kobia but will be looking for it for it from now on. Served with Weisenberger grits, wilted greens and chunks of smoky bacon - and I think there was again... a truffle presence. I love truffle.

Our service was great even though they were coming out of a very busy night and had a large group coming in for a late night party. They were clearly in shape and pitching a perfect game. Our waiter noticed Gayle struggling with her knife and fork (she had surgery on her shoulder recently) and he swooped right over to pick up where I was slacking by cutting her bites up for her. And before we left, he pulled her jacket over her shoulders. He was very attentive in the most gentle way (and easy on the eyes for a couple of old ladies ). AND I got to meet to Dallas!

Score: 10 out of 10.

Thank you Theater Square.

Brava, Jackie. Your review is right on. 10 out of 10!