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Walking along the streets of Mar Mikhael, enjoying the old traditional Lebanese heritage, I decided to stop for a lunch at Marinella checking on the updates of this talked much about trattoria.
Marinella has been the talk of the town for the last couple of months as the owner Sophie Schoucair provides high end service and quality to customers seeking a true and simple Italian experience. Marinella is the only Italian restaurant in town which doesn't offer Pizza to her customers. On my last visit, my wife and I were shocked by the tasteless food served especially the Al dente pasta that needed a lot of seasoning. But things have now changed, the Safran Risotto and Vitello Tonnato of this week were delicious. A lot of my friends visit Marinella on a weekly basis to enjoy the simple and light preparations this place has to offer, I know why now.
On today's menu:
- Tartare de saumon aux baies roses - Salade de fenouil et parmesan - Scaloppine al limone - Noix de St. Jacques avec risotto au safran - Salade endives et avocats - Salade verte - Caponata d'aubergines - Carpaccio de boeuf - Vitello Tonnato - Jambon San Daniel et figues - Spaghetti aglio olio - Linguine aux langoustines - Tagliatelle al pesto - Gnocchi au beurre de sauge - Ravioli aux cepes - Rigatoni alla vodka - Risotto aux crevettes
We Ordered:
- Rigatoni alla vodka - Noix de St. Jacques avec risotto au safran - Vitello Tonnato
The verdict:
The food was delicious: The Rigatoni is perfectly cooked in their tomato sauce with a light background taste of vodka, the Vitello Tonato is a success and the Risotto taste is just perfect. The risotto is one of the best I've had in town with a but... The horrible decoration! A high-end scallops and safran risotto dish with fine ingredients served on a plate with a black unappealing smudge all around. It literally blocks your appetite. Where did this creation come from? Balsamic vinegar with a safran risotto? Simplicity is why people visit Marinella, so keep it that way!
The things I would change:
- Install a sound absorber in the restaurant as the people's discussions are headache generators. - Using a menu is better that those large boards blocking easy circulation. - Train the waiters to smile more.
You will enjoy Marinella! Find some time at lunch and head down to Mar Mikhael.
Opening hours: Monday through Saturday, 12h30 till 15h45.
