Brunch inside a J.Crew catalogue, in a good way, at Marlin Café

By Natalie B. Compton

Dec 16, 2014 | 3:19pm Bangkok time

COCONUTS HOT SPOT — Marlin Café has 99 problems, according to its menu, but a fish ain’t one. It’s unclear just what those are, as the cafe, with its Japanese/Western mashup, is a pretty great place to find yourself, particularly for weekend brunch. While it’s been open in the Aree area since July, it recently launched a brunch menu for Bangkok’s breakfast-seekers.

If you lived in a J.Crew catalogue, you would feel right at home brunching at Marlin Café (wearing buffalo plaid in one way or another). Marlin gets the industrial chic thing right, with elegant dark wood, chestnut leather love seats and polished concrete floors. Grab a seat at one of the two tables nestled in the front bay window nooks. These tables let you bathe in flattering natural light while enjoying the view of passing tuk-tuks and stylish Ari dwellers. Weather permitting, the outdoor patio also makes for a relaxing brunch setting with a lush, vertical garden and potted succulents.

Compared to its massive dinner menu, Marlin’s brunch menu is pleasantly focused and concise. It also comes on an iPad. It consists of brunch staples with dishes such as Marlin’s classic pancakes (THB200), and a croque monsieur (THB280). Try the cracked, pepper-filled Marlin Café omelette with cheese topped with basil and served with cooked tomatoes, fluffy wheat toast and a typical Bangkok brunch side salad (read: mostly iceberg lettuce). The dish is complete with a side of herbaceous honey that is perfect match for the toast.

If you don’t feel like breakfast food, Marlin’s brunch menu offers savory options including a Tuna Melt (THB280) or the Marlin Beef Burger with Truffle Fries (THB320).

For dessert tuck into one of Marlin’s homemade ice creams (THB120 per scoop). True to its Japanese/Western roots, Marlin serves a red bean mochi green tea ice cream. It’s a matcha-forward delight complete with some surprise marshmallows.

Turn your morning meal into a boozy brunch with something from the well-stocked bar. In addition to the usual suspects – I’m looking at you, Johnny Walker – Marlin’s bar has an interesting line-up of spirits such as Amaro Nonino, La Feé absinthe and Luxardo sambuca. #Protip: Don’t mix all three.

The next time you’re craving weekend brunch served with a side of Vampire Weekend, stop into Marlin Café between 11am and 3pm on Saturday or Sunday.

Follow Natalie B. Compton on Twitter at @NatBCo.