A Southern Culinary Delight: Marti’s At Midday

Photo Credit: Jill Wright

by Jill Wright
05/03/2008

After living in Athens for almost four years, I now can say I know the faces behind those infamous Marti’s at Midday commercials. We all know and love them. This home-made style commercial with good old-fashioned charm is an honest advertisement for the little gourmet eatery.

Marti’s at Midday is a locally owned and operated café located down Prince Avenue. It’s hard to miss the small white cottage with green trim when you are driving down the road.

When you enter the restaurant, you are greeted by the smiling faces of the employees. The quaint décor and the southern charm of the ladies that work at Marti’s are but two reasons the café is always filled with customers. What brings the daily crowds is the unique menu offering a wider variety of delicious selections.

As I waited my turn to order, I perused the menu and began investigating my choices. I could eat a fresh Greek salad, try some of the soup de jour, or stick with my personal favorite sandwich: the Amy. This unique take on the traditional chicken salad sandwich adds curry and fresh mango into the mix, which is a true culinary delight.

As the song goes, “once in love with Amy, always in love with Amy,” so it’s going to be hard to try something different. I know if I am going to accurately review this restaurant; I must branch out.

I settle on a sandwich I have never tried before, the Rinne. This Southern favorite is spiced up pimento cheese made with extra sharp Cabot cheese. It’s a town favorite; in fact, they supposedly can't make enough to please their daily clients. I give it a go. I’ve got to admit, Rinne gave Amy a run for her money. It was excellent!

Along with the sandwich, Marti suggests I try her famous mint sweet tea. It's brewed on the stovetop daily, “Just the way Grammy Schimmel made it with southern tea leaves, fresh mint and a little bit of sugar.” Two glasses later, I almost had enough.

I decided to try a chocolate chip cookie to finish up my appetizing meal. This homemade treat tasted just like my mother’s famous recipe and was a great way to end my experience at Marti’s at Midday.

Prices are very reasonable for the quality and amount of food. Order a half of one of their gourmet sandwiches for only $4.95 or try a whole for $7.95. The salads also come with options from a half costing $6.95 and a whole for $8.95. Marti’s is open for morning muffins at 8 a.m. to 10:30 and 11:30 to 3:30 Monday through Friday.

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