On the busy corner of King George Street and Ben Zion Boulevard, where an avenue of tall ficus trees is planted - old, crowded and gives wonderful shade. There opened Marlene in Tel Aviv, sister to the beloved Maoz of Givatayim.
Yochai Tal and Dotan Cohen's Marlene wants to bring herself to the city exactly as she is. Neighborhood, pleasant, tasty and at eye level - and by eye level, what do we mean? Well, the hospitality culture in Tel Aviv has become extremely professional and meticulous, sometimes these papers create a less accessible experience and some would say a little condescending. Sometimes she is even an "educator" and merciful to a clown, "indifferent." Sometimes the feeling is given that the gaze does not meet the eyes at all, but hovers above the head and from there.
At eye level, photo: Noam Frisman
Tal and Cohen bring their warm and open childhood home to the restaurant business. In their homes, the eyes are windows to the soul as well as to the heart. "When they come to my parents' home, to Tiberias, my mother opens the kitchen. All the cupboards, the pantry. Let it be for everyone, all the time," Cohen says. "Daddy too!" explains Tal.
The two are childhood friends from the Lower Galilee and, more precisely, from Tiberias. "We met at camp and have been friends ever since, later partnered." They started out in the hospitality and restaurant industry in their districts. Together they ran a branch of Japanika at the bustling Tzemach junction. Even then they understood that we had found their place professionally.
They built themselves as restaurateurs in large, well-established chains. Subsequently, they reduced and refined the activity to the city of Givatayim. Together they brought her insights and extensive experience. It was in the form of the iconic bar "Bitter Drop", a slightly dimly lit bar that corresponds with the entertainment scene of the nineties. The place opened seven years ago. Since then, it has become a stronghold and a household name in a city where entertainment culture does not flow through its veins – and has breathed life into it.
Yochai Tal and Dotan Cohen, Photo: Noam Frisman
The alcohol flowed and so did the neighborhood essence. They received another stage when the two opened "Marlene" in Givatayim a year later. Marlene did not look for a definition or identity, but wanted to open her door to those who wanted to drink alcohol at a reasonable price, to enjoy modest and delicious food dishes, to the sounds of happy music and an open and warm atmosphere.
Also in Marlene the neighborhood is the essence.
Even when COVID-19 broke out and changed the rules of the game, Tal and Cohen sought to preserve the vibe. Out of nothingness, they managed to create an abundance in the form of a line of dishes that went on errands all over Marlene's kitchen and were successful, headed by Marlene's burger. The dishes became a hit at Walt and left a memory in the mind as desirable dishes. Thanks to the constraint, a very specific mix remains, which has a real right to exist even post-COVID-19. With this proven foundation, Marlene arrived in Tel Aviv, just as she is. Out of the big warm embrace of her people, Marlene came to have fun.
Simple and tasty menu, photo: Noam Frisman
Marlene is relaxed and friendly. It is here to delight the human heart. The dishes in it give a nice and proper nod to French cuisine and are simple and tasty. They have everything great to open a fun table with at thoughtful prices.
For example, a good bread dish with dried tomato butter, roasted hot pepper and confit garlic (NIS 26), a classic liver pate made in its own right, served with chili jam, onion jam and soft brioche (NIS 45), beef tartare with neatly seasoned aioli on two crispy toasted toasts (NIS 63) or Croque Madame "between Paris and Tel Aviv" (NIS 52).
On the menu you will also find some proper dishes around trendy vegetables, such as beets with dates, ripe cheese and caramelized almonds (NIS 48) or a dish of crunchy and delicious vegetables with green beans, Thai beans, zucchini, okra, broccoli, asparagus, crème fraiche and lots of olive oil next to it (NIS 54) or fries with feta cheese, parsley and lemon zest (NIS 39).
The coveted burger,
The main ones at Marlene put a focus on the world of meat, and that's a good thing. Here the stars are, of course, Marlene's burgers, which made a name for themselves, as mentioned, in the delivery sector and here they are served in Tel Aviv.
The wine list at Marlene was created for people to enjoy and includes mainly wine from different regions of Europe. Wine glasses range around 46 shekels. The cocktails will rattle between classics and craft unique cocktails. For example, you will find Jazmin (NIS 52) and Penicillin - Scotch whiskey, ginger, honey and lemon (NIS 52), "Spicy Love" - spicy vodka, pineapple, passion fruit and lemon and more.
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