Marcel’s Marvelous Sunday Brunch

Sundays in Washington just got even more fabulous thanks to Marcel’s by Robert Wiedmaier. For 17 years, this West-End staple has enthralled diners with the finest food and service. In 2016, however, the award-winning restaurant is now serving what is arguably the district’s favorite meal – brunch.

For just $65 from 11:30 – 2:30 p.m. each Sunday, diners can indulge in a decadent three-course menu. It’s a brilliant blend of Chef Wiedmaier’s refined haute-French cuisine with brunchtime favorites, complete with Washington’s most extensive collection of Champagnes. From the time patrons sit at the perfectly set table to their last sip of bubbly, a Sunday afternoon dining at Marcel’s is an afternoon well spent.

Start your meal with a crispy cashew crab cake garnished with greens, or enjoy the smoked salmon carpaccio with red onion, Dijon crème fraiche and watercress.

A host of options await diners for the main course, such as poached farm egg and duck prosciutto served with toasted brioche and essence of Madeira. As a Kentuckian with a proud Southern pallet, I simply had to order the farmhouse chicken. The crispy breast was served alongside a Gruyere cheese potato cake and topped with a medley of asparagus and cooked carrots. A coating of tarragon jus completed each perfect bite.

For patrons craving a sweeter entrée, opt for Aunt Leila’s extraordinary pancakes topped with fresh berries and powdered sugar. The dish is derived from the sister of Chef Wiedmaier’s mother, who served it him as a young boy. The pancakes use the special technique of whisking egg whites separately with sugar to create extra-fluffiness before it’s folded into the egg yolks and vanilla.

Diners are sure to make room for a sweet finish, because Marcel’s desserts are as gorgeous as they are scrumptious. Chocoholics will swoon over the flourless Valrhona chocolate cake with caramel ganache, chocolate raspberry mousse bombe and Baileys Irish ice cream.

For fans of fruity dessert like myself, order the almond financiers topped with sunflower-butter ice cream and served with cranberry coulis, apricot gel and ginger crumble.

If parents want to indulge in Marcel’s, but don’t want to leave the kids behind, have no fear! Chef Wiedmaier is bringing the festive fun of fine dining to ages 12 and under with a $28 three-course menu, complete with a crystal carafe of Shirley Temples for bottomless sipping and a bowl of extra cherries on the side to pile high on additional sweet surprises.

Whether it’s a family heading to the Kennedy Center, a group of girlfriends, a bromantic outing or a fine-dining aficionado, Marcel’s is a superb choice for a treat yourself Sunday brunch. Make your reservation today and prepare for an artistic and absolutely delectable meal.

To learn more about Marcel’s by Robert Wiedmaier, visit their website and check out their full brunch menu. Also, be sure to like Marcel’s on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram.