This is not a delicatessen in the true sense. There is no massive glass counter with multiple meats and cheeses ready for your on-demand slicing. No huge jars of pickled eggs, salumi hanging from the ceiling, dozens of salads waiting to be spooned into containers, knish or motzah ball soup, et al. But what it does have is a pretty neat guy that is a one man band, and he's originally from the Northeast so that counts for something in the deli business, huh...?
This place does have character. It's small, but far from intimate. It's a working kitchen, with every implement the owner needs to create his meals hanging about him, and a front area with metal utility shelves baring many of the goods that he is using to create his goodness. I was happy the minute I walked in here, not for nostalgic reasons, but because I love to cook and he has every traditional kitchen toy that I would love to play with in a small, professional kitchen setting. And all this is around you after you order. This owner doesn't stop motion for a second when he is preparing food, and every move is purposeful for your lunch enjoyment...
Do not--repeat--do not be in a hurry if you visit this place to have a sit-down meal. This guy is making your food like he would make for his family in his own home. And get ready for conversation. How to cook things; food styles around the country; other of his friends' restaurants in the local area; his past, your past, and myriad other topics that just....came up. There were nice ladies in there eating, along with a real good dude that I could tell loved food--all strangers meeting--when we went, and as we waited (patiently) we all had a good time chatting with him and each other. It was pretty darned cool...
His food was amazing. But let me say it's 'his' interpretation of traditional menu items. Any preconceived notion you may have of a specific dish may come out looking completely different than you are used to. That was no matter. I'm not going to expound on the minutia of every culinary detail, but trust me, I am very excited with the prospect of trying more of his creations on his impressive menu...
Chicken Alfredo Po-Boy, on flat bread...
Marina's Reuben...
If you want to visit, don't wing it and try to find the joint. We drove passed it more than once. It's in one of many North Division small strip malls, and fergoodnessakes you would never know it was a restaurant just casually turning your head it's way as you drive. But it's worth finding. And it's also worth looking at the menu I have posted on Urbanspoon and calling at least a half an hour before you plan to arrive. Let him know you're coming. He's cool with it. And you will probably still get to enjoy friendly banter with others who are enjoying this amazing little hole in the wall. Viva Marina's...!
BUSINESS NOTES: They are open 11AM-6:30PM, Mon-Sat. Closed Sunday. I have not found any social media links, because he probably couldn't care less about them. It's also an herbal remedy store, so if you are the homeopathic type that might interest you. No alcohol sold...
