After entering college, I will admit my expectations for food have plummeted considerably. Aside from the occasional treat, I have been brown bagging it, living out of vending machines, eating the filling, but rarely satisfying diner food and all together going through a junk food slump. So, last Saturday when I was afforded the opportunity to stop by Marie’s Cafe and Catering on 3660 w 111th in Mt. Greenwood, I immediately jumped at the chance.
If you are particularly indecisive and are visiting for the first time, I recommend the unfailing burger and fries combo. It is an American staple, however not everyone does it well. What depresses me is that I have been eating mystery McDouble for so long I can hardly contain myself when a restaurant does get it right. You know what I’m talking about, that sidewalk flattened ground up fist on a bun that you pass off more than once in a blue moon because it is convenient and cheap and you are on a budget—stop it. Burgers at Marie’s range from $6.25 to $8.75; they are a bit pricier, but worth it. I ordered the Angus beef with lettuce, tomatoes, no onion– given the option of mozzarella cheese.
The presentation was simple—parker house egg bun, cradling a well-seasoned burger with a side of shoe string cut fries. If you are not a burger person try the cheddar and broccoli soup that comes with a sour dough French baguette. They offer a slew of other lunch choices including wraps, specialty sandwiches and salads. If you are looking to remedy a nagging sweet tooth, stop in and try their homemade display of treats that include double fudge brownies, Danishes, pound cake and the rich and light cream cheese frosted pumpkin spice muffins.
The café is mainly family based with a laid back, casual atmosphere. Compromised of patio and group seating, booths, and stools, it also offers a variety of ways for customers to dine. Overall, the exterior of the café does not do the interior justice. If a family was just passing by, they would easily pass it up because of the particularly bleak window front. The inside, however is composed of warm tones, cozy lighting and is as well-intentioned and inviting as its owners Dean and Allison Kochert.
As history goes, Marie’s received its name as sort of a blanket for an interesting family legacy. While most families allow for the first-born taking on a relative’s name a la Richard II or III, every daughter of the Marie clan is ritually branded with their grandmother’s moniker. That makes five Maries. At least no one ever forgets anyone’s middle name. The manifesto states that it was created as “a place where family and friends could always meet. A place where family and community are one in the same.”
Marie’s officially opened May 7th, 2013, in the space formerly sub-leased to Ben and Jerry’s/ Scarlett and Grey—where they had a fair amount of consistent business. In an area that seems to lend itself to dives and pizza places, Dean commented that you “can’t compete with pizza places” and that his restaurant was mainly focused doing its own thing for the moment. This is good on their part because where it might seem like a lucrative venture to branch out and expand the variety of a menu; it may be difficult to maintain an individual charisma and identity for your establishment.
Small, simple, tasteful, Marie’s—from what I could tell— is on par. Service was immediate and courteous. As far as accommodations, they supply street parking as well as handicap parking in the back lot which is convenient for senior citizens. They also offer free delivery for catering services and are big on gluten free items for customers who are abject to it. To sum the place up in one big word, I would just shout, “more please!” at the top of my lungs. Well, then, that is actually two words but you get the point. On the shorthand, it is difficult to size up the restaurant on the whole from one visit, but most assuredly I will be coming back again for a second helping if in the area.
Marie’s Cafe and Catering is open Monday-Saturday from 7 to 8 PM and Sundays at 9 AM to 8 PM.
Zhana Johnson
Features Correspondent
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