I love Mariemont. I also love Get In Mah Belly‘s post about Mariemont. It’s very true: it’s so white bread, Wonder is inspired by this little burg. It’s also quaint and cute, and as much of a city girl as I am, I often miss living there merely for the beautiful surroundings and inherent walkability. That Mary Emory sure could design a great town; we’ll just ignore its racist and anti-Catholic, anti-Semitic background.
One of my very favorite spots anywhere in Mariemont is the Dilly Deli. They have some of the best outside dining in the city: lots of tables and chairs, a fire in the fall, and big umbrellas in the spring and summer. Their menu is eclectic but simple: they do simple meals that are simply delicious. I usually end up with one of their sandwiches, served with their killer sweet potato fries and apple butter, or sometimes just do wine (they have an incredibly extensive wine selection, and a wine and gourmet store attached) and an appetizer: my favorite is their beer cheese and bread.
So Saturday, as I notice Terry responding to a blog that isn’t mine (you must understand, my darling boyfriend isn’t very Web 2.0, so this is a big deal), I also notice that it’s one of my favorite local blogs and that she’s reviewing one of my favorite restaurants. Sheepishly, Terry turned to me and said, “I wanted to go there today anyway…” so, we did!
The downfall of the Dilly Deli? Their service isn’t organized. It was “sit where you want” inside, while it was “there’s a waiting list” outside, which wasn’t terribly clear, causing confusion. We ended up inside, where one harried waitress was serving the whole inside seating area. She did a good job, but boy, it seemed like she needed a break– or at least some help. The waitresses also run the gourmet shop’s register, so I think they were just short-staffed on one of the prettiest Saturdays we’ve had in a while. However, I’ve had similar experiences the numerous other times I’ve eaten there. Still, the food is good so I keep coming back.
I got my usual: the Mariemont Gobbler. French bread, turkey, gouda and cherry-cranberry compote. Yum, yum. The only thing it could use might be an herbed mayonnaise– turkey itself can be dry, and the compote is not particularly moist, so a little added moisture might do some good. It comes with sweet potato fries, which, for not being in sweet potato season, are great.
So some spring or fall evening, get a glass of wine (or beer; they also have an excellent selection on tap) and a sandwich and hang out among the who’s who of Mariemont. It’s actually quite romantic and a really fun time. Then, walk around the square and catch a movie at the Mariemont Theater, or drive up Wooster Pike a bit and take in a show at Mariemont Players. It’s a great start (or end) to a fantastic evening.
