Mariahs has broad menu, good service

Thursday, July 08, 2004

Eating at Mariahs restaurant is a long-standing tradition in Bowling Green, with its State Street location dating back to the 19th century.

It has a varied menu ranging from the Hawaiian Ribeye to the Beef Fajita Wrap. Typically, when ordering at restaurants, I have a tendency to develop a liking for one item and go with what I know every time thereafter.

With Mariahs, I have developed quite an affinity for the chicken salad, which has grapes, nuts and the perfect combination of seasonings for a delicious taste that is quite refreshing, whether on a croissant or a bed of lettuce.

For review purposes, I decided to venture into unknown territory and try the chicken stir-fry, and I was somewhat disappointed. It wasnt bad, but Ive had better. The vegetables were a bit too crisp. Stir-fried broccoli should be more tender, and the dish could have used more flavor. The rice had good flavor, which compensated for the bland chicken and veggies.

On the bright side, every other part of the meal was delectable. The salad was served with the best greens and roasted black-eyed peas topped with Italian dressing.

The pre-dinner rolls were fresh and hot, with cinnamon butter on the side. The cinnamon flavor in the butter was not overwhelming.

The lettuce wraps served as an appetizer, in keeping with the meals Oriental theme. This appetizer consists of spicy chicken with mushrooms and water chestnuts, served over Chinese noodles with a wedge of lettuce cups. You have to work a little to create your own wraps, and the process can be a bit messy, but this tasty, do-it-yourself dish is fun to eat.

The Galaxy Ice Cream Pie melted away all my worries over the tepid chicken stir fry it melted away all my other worries, for that matter.

This not-so-little slice of heaven has an Oreo cookie crust with Baskin-Robbins ice cream and Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. Its topped with caramel sauce and pecans.

The service was excellent, as it has been every other time Ive entered the restaurant. The staff is friendly, courteous, helpful and they work well as a team.

The food is served fairly quickly, depending on the time of day. This popular downtown restaurant is packed during the lunch hour on weekdays, so I recommend sitting in the bar if you are pressed for time.

On that note, it is rare that Mariahs parking lot is not full during business hours.

The restaurant has half-price appetizers, burgers and pizzas during happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the bar only. The staff will deliver food within a restricted area at a $2 charge gratuity not included with a minimum order of $10.

Though I enjoyed this Mariahs experience, next time I shall return to the old, reliable standThe anonymous food reviewer, whose final scores are not subject to recount, recourse or reparation, can be reached through the desk of managing editor Mike Alexieff at 783-3235.

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