The Marc Restaurant – Edmonton

The Marc Restaurant in Edmonton – a solid choice for French food in Edmonton

Moules frites with crispy fries and truffle aioli at the Marc Edmonton

Moules Frites with crispy fries and a truffle aioli

Anytime anyone asks me what my favourite restaurants are in Edmonton, the Marc definitely makes my top 3. We have been going here steadily since it opened back in 2011, but I have never written about this fantastic place. My mom still talks about the amazing Artic Char that she had when we brought her there four or five years ago.

We recently went to The Marc on a Friday evening double date with some friends. We were happy that we made reservations in advance because the place quickly became packed with lots of other people enjoying a Valentine’s Day evening dinner. We were tempted by the three course special, but opted to share some of our mainstays from the menu. This meant we started off with the Moules et frites (mussels and fries). Based on the recommendation of a friend, we asked for the fries to be cooked extra crispy and, as usual, The Marc did not disappoint.

Crispy fries, moules frites, truffle aioli at the Marc Edmonton

Moules et Frites – 1/2 pound of mussles, pernod-tomato broth ($14)

The extra hot fries and mussels paired perfectly with the the Pernod tomato broth. This dish could be a main course in itself but was great as an appetizer when shared among the four of us.

Steak Tartare at the Marc Edmonton served with cornichons, house made pickles and croutons

Steak Tartare – mixed with cornichons, house made pickles ($16)

We ordered the steak tartare to accompany the mussels and fries. In Edmonton, we generally go to two restaurants that have different style of tartares: a Czech style and French style. The Marc’s version include pickles (as per french style) and has a bright tomato note to it. We had to ask for some more croutons just to finish the tartare.

Duck Breast - pan roasted, with hasselback potatoes, kale, roasted beets, brown butter vinaigrette, topped with a pumpkin seed crumble at the Marc Edmonton

Duck Breast – pan roasted, with hasselback potatoes, kale, roasted beets, brown butter vinaigrette, topped with a pumpkin seed crumble ($36).

The duck breast at The Marc was one of the first dishes we raved to our friends about when they first opened eight years ago. The dish disappeared from the menu a few years ago and we longed for it’s returned. I don’t know if it’s because I kept telling the owners (Patrick and Doris) how much I missed it or maybe it was a chorus of other fans but we were really happy to see duck back on the menu again. Another friend told us that he only likes duck cooked two ways: Chinese Barbecue-Style and Duck at the Marc! The duck meat (we ordered it medium-rare) itself is tender and juicy while not being overly fatty with the skin. As you can see in the picture above, the accoutrements are generous and sauced well so you’re not just eating great duck, you have great leafy green (kale), potatoes, and corn in a good peppercorn sauce.

Braised Short Rib Bourguignon - with roasted carrots, mushrooms, lardons, potato puree & wilted greens at the Marc Edmonton

Braised Short Rib Bourguignon – with roasted carrots, mushrooms, lardons, potato puree & wilted greens ($34)

For our other main, we ordered the hearty Braised Short Rib Bourguignon. The meat was fork-tender and the smooth pureed potatoes were great. We barely could finish this dish because we knew had to save room for the dessert!

To say that I’m a fan of desserts at the Marc doesn’t cut it. Dan and I will head over to the Marc just for the dessert sometimes after having dinner at another restaurant. Sometimes we make a special trip from home late into the evening just because we feel in the mood for a special treat. Over the years we have tried all their desserts, but for particular night out we went for our go-tos.

the Marc's Edmonton decadent chocolate cake ($10) - candied walnuts

the Marc’s decadent chocolate cake ($10)

The Chocolate Cake with its caramel filling is decadent, chocolate and almost fudgy. The candied walnuts and the salt hit in the form of the fleur de sel is great for chocolate fans (i.e. Me). It’s unapologetically rich and would be a star dessert in any Edmonton restaurant. That is, until you try the other favourite, the Marc’s Beignets!

Flufy Beignets - french style doughnuts with creme anglaise and caramel sauce at the Marc Restaurant - in Edmonton

Beignets – french style doughnuts with creme anglaise and caramel sauce ($10)

The beignets are a must-try (must order!) at The Marc. It’s not the rectangular Creole style of beignets. Rather, the light and airy fried sugar dusted dough comes with two sauces; a creme anglaise and a caramel. This is the dessert that Dan and I will drive out for after 8pm just to eat. This is the dessert that we certainly save room in our stomachs for when dining at the Marc. It isn’t served with any special plating because it simply doesn’t need to be fancy, it’s just good.

Over the years, some of the dishes may have changed but you are always guaranteed great French fare, in a relaxing restaurant environment and friendly service. The Marc is a great restaurant not just for special events but lunch, dinner or a night out. Patrick & Doris have done a fantastic job at consistently bringing high quality French dishes to Edmonton.

The Marc
100 Sterling Place
9940 106 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
(780)4292828http://www.themarc.ca/