We recently dined with some friends at Wemmy’s Kitchen & Lounge in Marlborough. The group chose Wemmy’s after considering some other options, and we all were glad we did. After parking in the adjacent parking lot (which was pretty full), we arrived bang on time for our Friday 7 p.m. reservation. We were whisked through the spacious restaurant to a circular booth in the back. While we were making our way to the table, I noticed the place was brimming with energy. It seemed that every table was filled, with some of the larger parties looking like family celebrations of one sort or another. The place had a slight steakhouse look and vibe, minus any stuffiness.
We settled into the large booth and started to check out the menu. The cocktail menu offered some great combinations—it was hard to choose. Oddly, all three ladies went for the blood orange spritz, a take on the classic Aperol Spritz, this time amped up with a splash of limoncello and blood orange liqueur. The guys went for martinis (served with three huge, juicy-looking olives) or gin and tonics. The drinks came quickly, and as we were “cheering,” the hostess came over to check on us, explaining that she chose the round booth especially for us so we could talk easily and also because it was not booked for a later seating. A really nice touch.
One of the reasons we had chosen Wemmy’s was the variety of menu choices and flavor combinations it offers. Scanning the wide variety of soups, salads, flatbreads, raw bar items, and other appetizers, we finally settled on the Sicilian calamari, whipped feta with pita, and kimchi mussels. Portions were huge, but the six of us managed to polish everything off. The calamari was crispy with a light batter and a good mix of rings and small tentacles. It was not served in a tomato sauce (my understanding of “Sicilian” for calamari), but it did have some halved grape tomatoes. The calamari was served on a schmear of delicious yogurt sauce, along with salted cucumbers and jalapeños. Very tasty, and I will admit to taking an extra share of it. The whipped feta was the favorite of several at the table—a generous bowl of silky feta dusted with crushed pistachios, served with ample pita triangles for dipping. The kimchi was very apparent in the mussels, creating a unique flavor. They were my husband’s favorite dish of the meal.
For the main course, Wemmy’s offers several steak and fish dishes, along with a few pasta choices, and chicken, pork chop, and vegetarian options. The server also noted a few specials. Once again, the ladies all (unintentionally) copied one another, going for the chimichurri steak—thin slices of skirt steak covered in chimichurri sauce. It was served with Parmesan truffle fries and an arugula salad topped with pickled red onions. We all enjoyed the dish immensely. The steak was perfectly cooked; the fries were decadent, which the arugula offset nicely. A small ramekin of dipping sauce for the steak was included. I personally found the steak flavorful and juicy enough, not needing the dipping sauce.
The guys were more diverse in their choices, going for New York strip steak, blackened swordfish, and sesame-crusted ahi tuna. All three looked great (especially the swordfish). All the guys said they enjoyed their meals, though the friend who ordered the tuna noted that while the flavor was very good, it seemed that the tuna itself was not a prime piece.
I should note that across the menu from starters to sides, several of the options were marked gluten-free or vegan, meaning they could be modified as such upon request.
Wemmy’s will hit its one-year anniversary in August. They self-describe as offering an upscale dining experience where exceptional food, fine beverages, and a welcoming ambiance come together. Our group wholeheartedly agreed it was a great place with delicious food, wonderful service, and a fun atmosphere. Wemmy’s also serves lunch and a Sunday brunch, and it offers function rooms for larger or more personalized events.
If you are wondering about the name (as I was), the restaurant is run by Wemerson Vieira and Wellington de Pinho, Brazilian entrepreneurs, who also run a place called Welly’s (locations in Hudson and Marlborough). So, Wemmy’s is for Wemerson, and Welly’s is for Wellington. Makes perfect sense.
Alice Bartram leaves much of the cooking to her husband, though has many Instagram-saved recipes that she’ll get to one day as, really, she finds eating out more fun than cooking.
