Next Sunday's review
I've never eaten at Mari Luna Mexican Grill in Pikesville (the other reviewer wrote about it), so I didn't realized the full extent of its popularity.
Mari Luna Latin Grille, its new, more ambitious sister restaurant, is on its way to being just as big a success.
Why? In this economy particularly, people value decent food at good prices, friendly service and a fun place to be. What they don't seem to be caring as much about is whether a restaurant is "in," cutting-edge or so overpriced you must be important to be eating there.
So how was my experience at the new Mari Luna? Please look for my review next Sunday in the Arts & Entertainment section or online.
(Monica Lopossay/Sun photographer)
Comments
I've been wanting to try Maria Luna for a while.
They serve ceviche, which for reasons beyond my ability to understand is seldom offered by restaurants in this town.
Posted by: Robert of Cross Keys | November 16, 2008 4:24 PM
Hmm...only place I remember seeing ceviche here is Chicken Rico.
Posted by: Lissa | November 16, 2008 4:44 PM
Cerviche is served at Mari Luna. Had lunch there today. As I have stated in previous posts I consider Mari Luna to be on the same level as Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill in Chicago for a fraction of the cost. The lamb shank and chicken mole are good enough to bring tears to your eyes. Total for three at lunch today was $42.00 and it was more than we could eat. Remember it is BYOB again.
Posted by: Elite Elephant Lover | November 16, 2008 6:23 PM
Mari Luna Mexican is two blocks from my office and we eat there, or take away, at least once a week for lunch. Always excellent food and service. I haven't been to the Latin Grille but have heard the quality is the same. FWIW, about two weeks ago a "taco/pupusa truck" showed up in the lot of a garage a block from MLMexican and I just picked up a couple of excellent beef tacos from them today in a test. We'll be back there also.
Posted by: Capt. Billy Bob | November 17, 2008 1:54 PM
Whoa, EEL! Comparing it to Frontera Grill? I ate there once five years ago and have been looking for an excuse to get back to Chicago ever since. How have I not been to Mari Luna yet? Yum!
Posted by: KristinB | November 17, 2008 4:42 PM
It has been perhaps ten years since I ate at Frontera, meetings used to take me to Chicago, but I swear Mari Luna is just as good. And easier to get a table. And much cheaper.
Posted by: Elite Elephant Lover | November 17, 2008 4:55 PM
I've eaten at Mari Luna a couple of time and while the food is great it's not a Frontera Grill, but it's very good for Baltimore for sure and I'm anxious to read your review of the new venture.
Posted by: earl | November 17, 2008 7:25 PM