First let me start by saying, thank you to everyone who called, posted a greeting, kind words or special songs on my social media platforms!
As I responded last night, “every day is a new day and each day that you wake up looking up is a blessing! I thank God for giving me another day and I thank God for you all!”
Around 5 pm, hubby asked if I wanted to go out to dinner but I really didn’t feel like getting dressed, however, I forgot that I did want to get out and get a few pictures, so I said, “yes”, but wasn’t sure where to go.
Earlier I was reading the Middletown Transcript and Marlena’s Mediterranean Deli was featured, so I said, “let’s get take out from Marlena’s”. I quickly dressed and we drove in town to order dinner for ourselves and Tayair who was expected home from work at 6:30 pm.
Oh by the way, Malik called at 3:00 am to wish me a HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I am not sure if he was just getting back to his dorm room or had fallen asleep and forgot to wake up and call at midnight, any who, he called, and that was what mattered the most.
Before heading to Marlena’s we stopped at the “Pocket Park” to get a few pictures, hubby didn’t feel much like doing so, but I convinced him otherwise and got these few pics.
So after the mini photo shoot, we crossed Main Street to Marlena’s Mediterranean Deli and was warmly greeted by co-owner, Sam Alachouch. This location used to house Fromage Cheese, which I had covered in a previous “Shop Small Saturday” post several years ago.
I asked for his recommendations although we have eaten plenty of Mediterranean meals throughout the years, but based upon Sam’s suggestions, we ordered three Kabsi Rice Platters, two with chicken one with Kafta Kabob (beef)
Each platter contained a generous portion of rice with carrots and peas, a side of Tzatziki sauce and Tubbuli Salad which is fresh chopped parsley, tomatoes, and cracked wheat all mixed with lemon juice and olive oil.
It definitely was more than enough but hubby had ordered Stuffed Grape Leaves which once we got home realized they never made it into the bag or had not been added to the order – oh well, next time.
The deli contained a shelf of packaged foods and cold beverages for sale, hubby purchased a package of Cafe Najjar Coffee and I got a bottle of uludag Frutti Pomegranate juice which we have yet to try.
Once home, hubby wanted to try the Kafta Kabob and he loved it, as did I, this was the most tenderest beef I have ever eaten! There is a great article in the Middletown Transcript where you can read more about Sam, his sister Reham Chaar and the names of his nieces, Marliela and Salena who are the inspiration for the deli’s name.
Their family is from Syria, moved to Philadelphia about 10 years ago and now live in Middletown, within walking distance to the shop. We had birthday cake after dinner, but to be honest with you, I would have preferred that side order of Stuffed Grape Leaves!
If you are in the Middletown area, head over to 10 W. Main Street and try any of the other great menu items from Marlena’s Mediterranean Deli, you won’t be disappointed!
Let’s Chat > Do you like Mediterranean food? If so, what is your favorite?
