The first thing you notice about Marmalade Kitchen and Bar is its picture-perfect location overlooking False Creek. We discovered this place quite by accident on a bike ride along the seawall back in spring. We were pulled in by the expansive patio, which is ideally positioned for maximum sun exposure and offers a prime view of Vancouver's most ridiculously attractive as they jog, bike and rollerblade to and from English Bay. Since that first serendipitous visit, I've returned to Marmalade's patio whenever the sun beckons. But a man cannot fill his belly on sea breeze, so it's fortunate that Marmalade's menu acquits itself well.
The surest way for a brunch spot to endear itself to me is with a quality eggs Benedict. On that score, Marmalade has won a place in my heart (and arteries). The generous slathering of hollandaise is thick and lemony, the eggs nicely poached (by hand by the looks of it) and the slabs of ham are crisp and flavourful. The light English Muffins play a supporting role, providing a solid base but never upstaging the hammy-eggy-hollandaisey stars of the show. The hash browns are golden with a crunchy exterior that gives way to a smooth and soft inside.
Other notes:
- The banana French toast comes in a bit on the dry side (in jarring contrast to the molten hot bananas on top), but is tasty nonetheless.
- Lunch-wise, the cheeseburger featured a juicy and flavorful patty, but was awfully light on actual cheese. The accompanying frites, on the other hand, are bistro-perfect: thin and crisp and begging for a mayo bath.
- On the service front, the floor staff can be a bit on the slow side, but when they do get to you, they are as friendly and attentive as one can hope for. Price-wise, Marmalade is good value (you'd pay the same at Milestones or some such chain chowhouse). Though the patio is the main feature, the interior is clean and modern, all dark wood, white walls and geometric shapes.
- A final word: do not under any circumstances order the drip coffee. It's the kind of weak, watery stuff I'd expect from Denny's. Stick with something espresso-based or better yet, order a big, crisp Stella Artois and let your cares drift a way on a tide of suds and sun.
