Our great friends, Michael and Charline Lenagar of Neola Farms, let us know about a special dinner at their favorite restaurant, Marlo’s Down Under. Poor things. Before they knew what hit them, their romantic New Year’s Eve dinner for two turned into a wild party for six.
Marlo’s Down Under is in the basement of a building on the town square of Covington, Tennessee. Looking from the town square, the ground floor of the building is a dress shop. The top floor is apartments occupied by the very elite of Covington society. Walking down the hill away from the square brings you to the back of the building where you can walk directly into the basement.
Marlo’s Down Under is one of the best restaurant spaces we have been to in quite a while. The older building means that the walls are gorgeous exposed brick. A dark ceiling makes the space cozy without being claustrophobic. Columns manage to make separate spaces without taking away the open feeling of the room. I love it. You need to drive up and see it. And eat there while you’re at it.
This is the first time we have eaten at Marlo’s Down Under. Our New Year’s Eve meal was excellent as was the glass of champagne we had at, well, at 10 p.m. I’m old, and I was ready for bed. I’m looking forward to returning to try the regular menu.
New Year’s Eve Dinner
Appetizer
New England blue crab cake spring rolls with homemade remoulade
Soup
Shrimp and corn bisque
Salad
Baby greens with strawberries, walnuts, and applewood bacon tossed in a white balsamic vinaigrette
Entree
Pan seared filet bernaise with a Riesling poached cold water lobster tail over sweet potato risotto and haricots verts
Dessert
Dark chocolate dipped, ruby port poached bosc pears
Marlo’s Down Under
102 D.U. East Court
Covington, Tennessee 38019
(901) 475-1124
Available March 2012
