Today’s Special: Arctic char with fennel risotto, The Marc
I was very disappointed when I heard that Il Portico was closing… for a parking lot. I have many fond memories of many meals and parties there over the years — for instance, my last meal in Edmonton before moving to Toronto; a Christmas party where I ate too much; a Christmas party where I drank too much; a dessert date with Sugar. When news came to me here in Vancouver that its former manager, Patrick Saurette, would be opening up a new restaurant nearby, The Marc, I was excited to try it out on a recent trip home. Elegant and modern but not stuffy, I think The Marc is sure to make its mark (sorry!) on the Edmonton dining scene with its French bistro-inspired menu. The skin on the char was perfectly crisp and seasoned, and the fennel risotto had a flavour that was assertive enough to stand up to the fish. If only it was a short drive away, I’d be back to sit on the large patio with one of their cocktails and an order of pommes frites.

The Marc, Edmonton