The recent multi-million-dollar renovation at Hilton Ocala touched every aspect of the establishment. You’ll see—and taste—the difference at its new gastropub, Market Kitchen & Bar.
Settle into your table in the sunken lobby dining and bar area, which has an upscale, cosmopolitan atmosphere but decidedly down-home, friendly service. Then browse the menu, which features Chef Randal White’s unique culinary approach.
Chef White has been perfecting his craft for more than three decades, and 15 of those years have been with Hilton Ocala.
“Our aim is to promote locally sourced food and healthy, fresh farm-to-table dining options,” says Chef White, a fifth-generation Floridian.
Chef White likes to use ingredients that travel the shortest distance to his kitchen, including Florida-raised meats obtained through local purveyor Florida Fresh Meat Company and farmers who use humane practices, including free-range chickens and cage-free eggs.
Whether you’re craving a steak, such as the fire-roasted New York strip with balsamic black onion house-made demiglace, or a meatless option, the menu offers a wide variety.
Many restaurants feature a grilled cheese sandwich, but none like Chef’s White’s “Say Cheese Crunch.” Fresh gouda (from local Cypress Point Creamery) and fontina cheeses nestle between slices of Texas toast, which is dipped in beaten egg and then rolled in crushed spicy Cheetos.
Live music starts at 6pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at MK&B where hand-crafted cocktails are a signature specialty, featuring fresh-squeezed juices, homemade simple syrups and herbs plucked right from the Chef’s Garden. Best sellers include the Unbridled Spirit, a vodka cocktail prepared with strawberry purée and garden-fresh basil.
Let the staff know if you’re celebrating a special occasion.
“Life has few enough of these moments, so if we know about it, we always try to personalize a special occasion to make it as memorable as possible,” notes Jennifer Dahler, director of marketing for Hilton Ocala.
Opens 11am, 7 days a week:
Lunch: 11am-4pm
Dinner: 4-10pm
Drinks: 11am-midnight
Sunday Brunch Arthur’s Bistro: 11:30am-2pm
Market Kitchen & Bar Hilton Ocala › 3600 SW 36th Avenue, Ocala › (352) 854-1400 › hiltonocala.com
