Date Nite | Marigold

A couple years ago, via Date Nite, we discovered Marigold, an amazing Indian restaurant in Chi’s Uptown neighborhood.  Instantly, it was a favorite and we became regulars – especially during the winter months when the warmth of Indian cuisine soothes and comforts.  The food was fantastic, with a menu that got the average Anglo diner past the standard curries, chutneys, and tandooris.  The atmosphere was upscale, trendy & chic with dark wood finishes and deep red walls and ruby lighting fixtures.  Tables were donned with white table cloths.  The bar was liberal and had a good wine list.  Service was friendly, personable, and attentive without being overbearing.  The owner/host knew us by name even when we hadn’t shown up in months. 

My cell cam sucks. Still, this Old Fashioned was as anemic as it looks

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After a particularly challenging few days at work, I decided The Partner (and I) needed a dose of Indian comfort this Date Nite and we headed up to Marigold once again.  Now, if you’ve picked up on a wistful tone in this entry, you’re not mistaken.  Things at Marigold have changed.  The food is still very good.  However, all the electric Date Nite ambiance is gone.  Little things are big, right?  The card stock menus have been replaced by plastic bifolds.  Gone are the table cloths.  And at 8pm on a Friday night, there were still tables – plenty of tables – to be had.  Contrast that with a couple years ago when, if you didn’t make a reservation in advance you weren’t likely to get a seat much before 9:30.  **sigh**  The service is still good, but nowhere near as personable.

Aiming for the cocktail menu, I had to try an Old Fashioned Indian (pictured) with tamarind puree & date palm sugar for muddling and rimming.  But it was disappointingly weak with nary a hint of Indian flavor  given the name, right?

It always makes me sad when places we like flame out so quickly.  We'll probably be back again as the food is still very good and on the whole it has not gotten as bad as Sola in it's drop. Marigold was such a unique place, too, with it’s combination of a trendy, hip vibe and rockin’ Indian fare that was both contemporary cuisine and comfort food all at the same time.  Truly unique.  Truly past what made it awesome.