Written by Karen Pacifico

n February 2006 Marina McTernan opened up a cozy restaurant in our fair town that features breakfast specialties including fresh baked muffins right out of the oven, lunch selections and homemade desserts. And, as any true deli would, cold cuts and salads are available by the pound.

Often folks will ask me where they can go for breakfast. While Marina’s is closed on weekends, you should plan to stop in during the week, and if necessary, take out on your way to work. There are egg sandwich combinations, omelets, Texas french toast, pancakes, Belgian waffles and more. Prices range from $1.99 to $6.99 depending on additional toppings or side offerings.

Marina is originally from the territory of Ukraine, which is situated in the southeastern part of Central Europe, but she has been in the United States for quite some time. She and her husband Shaun, for whom some offerings are named, their beautiful five month old daughter Kaley Megan and extended family fit right into the lifestyle of the area and welcome participation in all events. Most recently they can be found working at the Thank Goodness It’s 3rd Friday (TGI3rdF) in Old Town Bluffton. For those who haven’t attended yet, this event is held on Calhoun Street with music, entertainment and food galore on the 3rd Friday of every month starting around 5:30. Marina’s is one of the many restaurants that participate in the fun.

Along with Marina’s husband being Irish and meeting their adorable daughter who came to visit with Mom while we lunched, Donna and I decided that we would highlight them in this March issue when for many, a little bit of Ireland becomes “us” around St. Patrick’s Day. We knew it was meant to be, when we noted that a specialty being offered for later in the week was Shepherd’s Pie.

Marina has shown her flexibility by offering a sidewalk café in warmer weather and specialty hot meal selections for those who want some comfort food on days when our temps have dropped. Lunch offerings include tasty specialty sandwiches and gourmet wraps that are served with pickle spear and your choice of chips, potato salad or coleslaw at no more than $7.99. In addition, there are melts, salad plates, green salads, and fried baskets served with fries or rings and coleslaw.

I joined Ted and Donna Huffman for lunch and our tasty selections included a choice of chips, potato salad or coleslaw with each of the following: Chipotle Beef Wrap that included roast beef, chipotle mayo, roasted red peppers, lettuce and tomatoes for $6.99; Grilled Reuben with corned beef, sauerkraut and thousand island, and grilled on rye for $6.49; and a Cuban Sandwich of pulled pork, ham, pickles and swiss, served on an Amoroso roll for $6.99.

Best sellers include the Grilled Reuben which can also be made with Turkey (freshly baked on premise) and the Steak and Cheese Bomb or Shaun’s Mega Bomb. The basic Bomb is shaved rib eye steak loaded with sautéed peppers and onions, mushrooms and provolone cheese and served on Amoroso roll. You’ll find the menu extensive and very reasonably priced. Marina’s assistant Lynda was most patient as we had a hard time deciding which of the many offerings we wanted. And, it should be noted that for your convenience, Marina’s is a WI-FI Hotspot.

In addition to eating on site or having take-out, please consider Marina’s for your catering needs as well. Be sure and ask for their catering menu.

Marina’s Delicatessen
& Catering
Hours: Open M-F 8am-3pm
1263D May River Rd
Closed weekends
(843) 757-8171
Fax (843) 757-8165
Catering:
Please Call (843) 290-5080