An occasional column by Rodger on dining in Raglan
I’ve always enjoyed dining at the Marlin, mainly because of its location just across the road from the harbour and bustle of people going to and from the wharf. The food and service have varied a lot in quality over the years. The Marlin now has new owners and from 25 January a new menu. The menu is still settling down and the old favourite of pan-fried Raglan flounder has been added back as a special.
We saw the Marlin advertising a Valentine’s Day special. Bread and dips, a main and dessert sampler for $50 per couple ($25 per meal), so we decided it was time to try the new Marlin. On arrival we were greeted by a friendly and well organised server. She brought water and a menu to the table and explained that they didn’t have a drinks list. Virginia ordered a glass of Pinot Gris and I ordered a glass of Shiraz. They didn’t have Shiraz so I asked for a Cab/ Merlot. That wasn’t available either so I settled for a Merlot. When it came it was more like a Shiraz than a Merlot. Anyway it was a nice enough wine. Perhaps it would be better to just say they have a house red and a house white.
The meal started with bread and dips. Lightly toasted pieces of cut bread with three dips. Olive oil with balsamic vinegar, sun-dried tomato humus and a tapenade. All very yummy.
For the main I ordered moules-frites and Virginia had a pulled pork wrap with salad and fries. Both meals came quickly and were very tasty. The moules-frites would be better described as mussels with shoe string fries. It would be good to have a bowl to put the shells in and a finger bowl plus more paper serviettes to tidy up with.
The Valentine’s Day deal came with a dessert sampler of three items off the menu. the plate had brandy snaps, chocolate eclairs and a mini pavolva. The service throughout the meal was prompt and courteous with the owner Suze serving the desserts.
The Marlin was quite busy and they had a good number of people enjoying the Valentine’s day special. Apart from an improved menu and better service, another change at the Marlin is that the old bar area with long rimu leaner has gone and is now used as a small room with cafe tables.
Chef Jimmie Boswell was hovering round in the background saying that he was advising the owners to move to a southern Mediterranean menu. To me the current menu seems right for Raglan. It is evolving and the new owners are working to improve it progressively. We enjoyed our dinner at the Marlin.
Overall on Value for Money I gave Marlin’s Valentine’s Day special an Eight out of Ten for a good meal and excellent service.
The Marlin is open six days from till late and also for lunch at weekends from 11am.
The cafe is along Wallis St near the wharf located on the corner of Wallis St and Rose St in Raglan. Phone 07 825 0010.