Marcel 945 Madison is the most buzzed about restaurant in NYC right now. Located in the Breuer Building, currently the home to Sotheby’s but previously The Whitney, Marcel is aiming for perfection and in my mind it has gotten pretty close.
I am constantly chasing classic “old NY” experiences and while Marcel is brand new it gives major classic old New York vibes. It used to be the norm that people dressed up for a special night out but people are way too casual these days. Not so at Marcel! The atmosphere is celebratory, fancy, chic and classic- just the way I like it. The food and service too are classic French, though it is not intimidating in any way.
The main entrance is a bit imposing and is usually manned by a couple of security guards (keeping in mind that the restaurant is part of Sotheby’s the amount of art on display is crazy). Aside from the security guards at the door, there are several more sprinkled throughout the restaurant.
Although Marcel is located in the lower level (basement) of the Breuer Building there is a tremendous amount of natural light due to the plethora of windows. Reservations are not easy to come by, but not nearly as hard to score as The Polo Bar, my other favorite NY spot that is located below ground.
Our strategy was booking our dinner on a Monday mid-August at 6 pm (I recently read that 6 pm is the new 8pm reservation?). When we arrived it was quiet but by 6:30 the restaurant was full. We were celebrating our youngest son’s 25th birthday (which we included on our reservation notes) so we were given a fabulous circular booth with a view of the entire restaurant.
Every detail at Marcel is beautiful from the glassware to the cutlery setting the stage for what you know will be a special experience. The service is attentive and professional, and ubiquitous- there are waitstaff of all types everywhere you look and they all seem to interact harmoniously. Our main server had a good sense of humor and found lots to joke about with the birthday boy.
Initially our intention was to order a French wine to compliment our meal but our Sommelier was very knowledgable (and friendly) and after noting our affinity for Italian wine suggested this large format celebratory bottle. As a nice surprise we were also treated to some complimentary champagne for those of us who hadn’t ordered cocktails so we could make a pre- dinner toast. Little touches that were well appreciated!
The cuisine at Marcel is very quintessential French, and for a gluten-free pescatarian there aren’t a ton of choices but I managed. If you are a lover of French cuisine I think you will find the dishes are perfectly executed, and very good. Is it the best French food I have ever had? No, but in a way the food is actually secondary to the entire experience.
The one snafu of the evening came with the endive salad my husband ordered. He asked that they not include the walnuts as he is allergic but when it was initially brought to him they included the walnuts but left off the bacon. Then they took it back and there was no dressing. He sent it back a second time and they finally brought it out correctly (and took it off the bill). Somehow I forgot to photograph my grapefruit, prawn and avocado salad (it was pretty but somewhat tasteless) though I did capture everyone else’s starters. The escargot in particular were excellent.
As the dinner went on it was clear to see we were relishing our meal.
The lighting (at our table) was gorgeous as the sun was setting and made our meal appear as though it was in a photo shoot. We over-ordered, as per usual, but everyone was happy. I think my dish was the most unexciting (Gratin de Cabillaud- cod without the brown butter bread crumbs) but that is my fault, not theirs. The roast chicken and the duck confit were big hits as were the addictive french fries.
We had heard that the desserts were especially delicious at Marcel so we were sure to save room. Le Dome was a highlight that required breaking a meringue shell with a hammer and then dousing it in strawberry sauce. Filled with coconut sorbet and strawberry ice cream it was perfect on a summer night.
We also ordered Glacier Flottant (Floating Island) which came complete with a birthday candle and singing waiters. Marcel added in freshly baked Madeleines as well as a yummy blackberry confection to round out the dessert selection.
Long story short? Marcel was a total win, I loved it!!! I would happily return whether for another celebration or lunch with friends. There is a chocolate soufflé that is served only on weekends so I may need to coordinate my next visit around that. If your idea of fun is dressing up and dining in an exquisite setting with impeccable service than Marcel is for you. Let me know whether you have been and if you enjoyed it as much as I did.
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