Buy a piece of Marben: the Wellington hot spot is closing for renos and auctioning off its furniture

Looks like the city’s restaurants are doing some major spring cleaning, with Brassaii, Centro and now Marben undergoing renovations. The dimly lit Wellington resto-lounge is closing for a month starting this Sunday, but it’s not going out without a bang. Tomorrow night, Marben will be hosting a farewell party with a $45 “greatest hits menu” from which diners can order the famous duck tacos one last time (chef Craig Alley will be retooling the menu for the reopening).

There will be a silent auction this Saturday, from noon to 4, at which bidders can pick up chandeliers, espresso machines, couches, art, tables and the famous glowing onyx bar. Compendium Daily reports that the new Marben will have a different layout, including a private dining room and wine cellar, with a focus on “neighbourhood dining” (whatever that is). Sarah Evans, formerly of Le Petit Castor, has been recruited to help with the project.

• Marben’s GoodBye Party Invite [Facebook]
• Opening Soon: Marben Restaurant [Compendium Daily]