Marks Steakhouse, High Street Arcade, Phone 791-151 B.Y.O.

Press, 10 March 1982, Page 17

Marks Steakhouse, High Street Arcade, Phone 791-151 B.Y.O.

(By

DEIDRE ORCHARD

We lunched at Marks Steakhouse on a Tuesday between 1 and 2 p.m., apart from one other diner who left as we arrived, in solitary state — or at least in a state of solitude. We were assured that this was not usual anti since the restaurant has been open for about two years, this was doubtless so.

There was a special luncheon menu of soup, Hawaiian steak, sirloin steak, or tried chicken, apple strudel and a complimentary glass of wtine ($7.50). However, we opted to try some of the dishes from the standard menu. I selected the marinade tarikihi ($2.60), a welcome change from the übiquitous shrimp cocktail ($2.10) which was also offered.

My friend opted for the egg roll ($2.30). This was vaunted as "a simple but superb example of the omelette maker’s art. Juicy and very savoury.” Unfortunately, it did not live up to these extravagant claims,

being decidedly overcooked witn not a trace of juice about it. On the other hand, k my tarikihi, which was served on a bed of lettuce and garnished with caviar, tomato and a wedge of lemon, was' light and refreshing. For the main course there was a selection of seven steaks, of various cuts and in various guises ranging from a steak sandwich ($4.50) to the Pepper Pounder (rump steak with brandy pepper sauce) ($7.40). Other choices were red salmon ($5.90), omelette ($4.50), Hawaiian steak ($5.90) and tender fried chicken ($5.90). My friend chose the red salmon which was served with lettuce, thinly sliced cucumber and tomato and garnished with a little caviar. She was pleased with her choice. I selected the Garlic Supreme. This was cooked just as I ordered it which is regrettably not always the case in Christchurch steakhouses.

All of the main courses were served with a baked potato and salad. There were ■seven salads to choose from, all of them rather bland and' unexciting. However, I do not mean to be too critical of this; it is a fault which Marks Steakhouse has in common with a number of similar establishments in the city. It is a pity that the small amount of extra effort it takes to give’a salad a bit of pizazz is not made more often.

; There was a selection of I five desserts: Fresh fruit • salad, gateau, ice-cream sun- , dae, pavlova, apple pie or I cheese and crackers, all at $2.90. > The service was courteous i and reasonably quick, the . surroundings pleasant enough i with flowers, albeit a trifle r wilted, on the tables and a number of plants in hanging baskets overhead. All in all, Marks Steakhouse can be summed up as an average steak house with

average prices. At $19.90 for two people it is reasonable value for money. The restaurant is open for lunch from Monday to Friday between 12 mid-day and 2 p.m.; and for dinner, from 5 to 9 p.m., Monday to Wednesday, and 5 to 10 p.m., Thursday to Saturday. '