Marmalade is more than just a restaurant, it's an experience. Located in Old San Juan, surrounded by the Caribbean music and culture native to Puerto Rico, this little hidden gem has been in the same spot inviting locals and tourists through its doors for thirteen years. Novio brought me to this fine establishment a couple of year ago on my birthday so I have him to thank for this one, credits to you Novio. I have returned twice since, which is a lot considering the high price tag that comes along with a four course meal, extravagant drinks, excellent service, sexy classy ambiance, and amazing music.
This time we went for La Suegras' (Mother-in-laws) birthday. We dressed up real nice (not too nice though I would never where heels in Old San Juan unless I want a trip to the hospital for a broken ankle) Novio made reservations one or two days in advance, its not too hard to make them but make sure you do. We arrived at six for a table of six and they promptly took us to our table which was decorated with rose petals which means that its a special occasion.
Once seated, our server and sommelier Moises (a wonderfully jovial man who treated us ever so well) took our drink orders: One red Oregon Wine( Moises recommended, Calle8, Urban Hipster, GLOBAL WARMING (amaaaaazing drink) and Bob Marley (recommended by Moises himself). I can say with 100% certainty that every single drink was absolutely delicious ( I had a great night). Afterwards it was time to order our meals. Abuela has a dietary restriction, she cannot eat nuts, seeds, or spicy foods and our amazing server Moises spoke to the kitchen in order to modify certain dishes to fit her diet. Abuela, Suegra and Novio ordered the popcorn shrimp I ordered the ceviche (with basil tostones), Suegro ordered poke which came with some cloud like rice crackers. Again, amazing.
For the second course, Abuela, Suegra and I ordered the Tiny White Bean Soup, I could drink a gallon full of that soup no joke. Novio ordered gnocchi and Suegro ordered the rabbit. This time, it was not amazing, it was MAGNIFICENT!
For the third course Novio and I ordered Pork cheeks on black bean mash, Suegro ordered the Beef Fillet, and Suegra and Abuela ordered the Red Snapper. I don't know what word is better than Magnificent, but this food was. By that time we were stuffed but then came dessert. I ordered CHOCOL8 eight textures of chocolate on one dish. Abuela and Suegra were stuffed but they paid for dessert so abuela ordered creme brule and Suegra, Suegro and Novio each ordered a Cordial, Nocturno. It was a coffe type cordial with a lot of alcohol. We ate everything.
Peter, the chef came out to talk to us and he said a small tear would run down my face as I experienced Chocol8. He had a small but interesting conversation with the table before moving on to the next guests. We lost an arm and a leg once the check came, but thats I we only go once a year.
I love this place, and I highly recommend it to anyone who visits Puerto Rico. It's a must visit restaurant, park at Doña Felas garage its the closest to the location and its relatively cheap and safe. read more