marven’s: large portions & loose clothing

there are a few things to remember when deciding to eat at marven’s. first, try not to eat a lot on the day of the meal. second, wear loose-fitting clothing. third, if you are going for supper on the weekend, be ready to wait in line – a line that will go out the door, even in the dead of winter.

if you are wondering why i suggest a little bit of fasting and the wearing of loose clothing, here is your answer: huge portions! many have trouble finishing their meals and leave with their leftovers in takeout containers. i have to mention that the large portions are not to compensate for mediocre food. truth is that the food is delicious – that is if, like me, you enjoy beastly-sized homestyle cooking.  if you are looking for something a little more refined, you’re better off finding another greek restaurant.

if you only go to this restaurant once in your life, here is my list of essentials:

• fried calamari – coated in light batter and deep-fried to firm perfection, without falling to the rubbery curse, they taste amazing with just a little squeeze of lemon. the 1/2 plate appetizer order is enough to share among 3-4 people.
• grilled lamb chops – cooked to medium with char marks, these chops are juicy and tender. the greek spices impart layers of flavour that make you wish that lamb chops came in a larger size. you get 4 chops with the platter or you can order an appetizer order of 10.
• souvlaki (pork) – the pork is juicy and nicely seasoned and you can oder them as brochettes or as pitas. both ways are good, but the pita is more filling. the thick pita is warm and pliable and the tzatiki is abundant, making this a delicious mess to eat. the best part is that the wrap is the length of my forearm, so i can easily get full on the cheap by eating just that.

the platters come with a greek salad and a side of thick fries. i like their greek salad because the slab of feta cheese is not too salty and the oil they use is nice and light, not to mention that the vegetables are fresh and crisp.  their fries were some of the first ones i tasted when i was a little girl and i loved them from the get-go. they are thick-cut steak fries that i find are best eaten drenched in the secret marven’s sauce.  okay, so i’m not sure that the marven’s sauce is really a secret.  for all i know, i could be store-bought tangy salad dressing.  what i do know is that i like not knowing and i like it on my fries.

i’ve heard good things about the grilled octopus, but i’ve never tried it.  maybe next time.

there is always someone eating in the restaurant during business hours, although only a couple of tables are occupied in the late afternoon. all day long, there is a steady stream of customers coming in to order takeout. i am tempted to say that this place is the takeout king since half of the time you get your food faster than if you were at mcdonald’s. you will also get your food quickly if you are eating in. the waiters are generally efficient and friendly, but once the dinner rush starts and the lineup is out the door, some of them can become a little rude, forgetful, and absent. but rest assured that the speedy arrival of your order is still in full effect.

marven’s
880, av ball
montréal, québec
H3N 1J7
T: 514.277.3625

payment: cash only

hours:
sun to thurs 11am – 12am
fri to sat 11am – 1am