Marcus Clark and Max Basaker. Photos: Chris Emeott
Marcus Clark and Max Basaker discuss the making of Marma.
Finding your dream career rarely happens as a teenager, but for Stillwater residents and chefs Marcus Clark and Max Basaker, what started as a high school job became a way of life.
The pair first crossed paths at the now-closed Marx Fusion Bistro and Wine Bar in downtown Stillwater, where they bussed tables and washed dishes as teens. At the time aged 15 (Basaker) and 19 (Clark), they were eager to learn the ropes and absorbed as much as they could from mastermind chef Mark Hanson, owner of Marx. Diligent and attentive to the inner workings of the industry, they quickly moved up in the restaurant ranks to expo, pantry and bartending, and as their skills developed, so did their friendship.
Through those years, Basaker and Clark playfully discussed opening and running a place of their own. “Max is one of the hardest working dudes I’ve ever met,” Clark says. “We share the passion to take the extra step.”
Basaker shares a similar sentiment. “We work really well together because we think the same. [Clark] has an amazing work ethic,” he says. Simmering in the background was the idea of a future partnership. So, when the Lake Elmo location of No Neck Tony’s was listed for sale in 2023, they made their shared vision a reality.
With keys in hand, the transformation of the space began earlier this year. Marma officially opened to the public on April 10. “[No Neck Tony’s] put a lot into that place, so we only had to retrofit for what we wanted it to look and feel like,” Clark says.
Clark describes Marma’s vibe as “swanky with modern elements and timeless motifs.” The floor is now adorned with elegant, black herringbone tile, and the high ceilings make the space seem larger. Oversized leather bar stools offer elevated comfort while unique lighting, adjusted from gold to blue as the evening progresses, adds to the ambiance. And on warm summer evenings, a garage door opens to a spacious patio.
With a swanky, modern interior, Marma is an upscale restaurant and bar that fills a need in the rapidly growing community of Lake Elmo.
When deciding on a name, the duo wanted something simple, modern and unique. Although Marma was born as a blend of the duo’s first names, it also means “essence” in Sanskrit, which resonates as well.
Marma prides itself on a globally influenced cuisine, with the restaurant still embodying the essence of the East Metro eateries Basaker and Clark grew up in.
The menu features both classics and comfort foods. From Latin and Asian to Mediterranean fare, guests can graze on delicacies like swordfish with a red curry sauce and cabbage slaw or comfort dishes like Thai chili noodles and a classic all-American burger (Marma’s take includes Gouda, bacon, dijon aioli, pickled onion and tomato dill relish). While certainly not the only option, seafood takes center stage on Marma’s menu, with starters like ceviche, tuna tartare and shrimp fritters, and entrees that include scallops served with pea purée, crispy pork belly, balsamic reduction, chives and roasted beets.
Scallops
Basaker says the ribeye is his favorite menu item; it’s made with a tangy, herbaceous chimmichurri sauce with beurre blanc, served with potatoes and topped with a fresh watermelon salsa.
Ribeye
“We wanted composed entrees and layered flavors,” Clark says. “It can be a date night spot, but if you’re rolling through, we have something for you too.”
Clark’s experience with mixology and pairings ensures a wide scope of drink options. The bar boasts nuanced flavor profiles, seasonal offerings and locally sourced ingredients, as well as a rotating wine list. Brightly colored cocktails grab guests’ attention, but the unique flavors will keep them coming back for more. “We make our own syrups,” Clark says. “We are very strategic about colors, bright ingredients that are really engaging and pop, but they all have intention and a place on the menu.”
Marma Burger
Clark and Basaker both expressed their excitement for this fresh start in an up-and-coming community. “ I didn’t realize how strong the potential was in Lake Elmo,” Clark says. “It was exploding with growth, and it needed more options, so it kind of just came together for all the right reasons.”
Marma
11127 Stillwater Blvd., Lake Elmo; 651.370.1342
Facebook: MARMA
Instagram: @marma.mn
