Restaurant of the Week: Maria's Italian Deli
Maria's Italian Deli, 202 W. Holt Blvd. (at Laurel), Ontario.
Maria's opened this spring in a newly remodeled two-story building at Holt and Laurel, a couple of blocks west of Euclid, and it's become popular in the neighborhood as an alternative to the Mexican restaurants and hamburger stands in the immediate area.
I've eaten there a couple of times. The interior is long, narrow and a little bare, with a Van Gogh poster the only decoration, but the place is neat as a pin. My first visit I had a ham and mortadella with provolone ($6.50) and ate outside; the second time I had a Classic Italian Salame (salami, pepperoni and turkey) with provolone (also $6.50) and ate inside.
Outside is fun. There's a patio with six shaded tables, surrounded by a wrought iron fence, and from there you can enjoy the outdoors in relative comfort and watch the Holt Boulevard scene, such as it is. For instance, a guy walked by in a Brooklyn Dodgers jersey that read, on the back, "Cash 4 God" with a phone number. Inside is cool on a hot day, if sedate; I was the only customer for a late lunch.
The sandwiches weren't bad. In fact, they were better than expected, given the rather shaky help at the counter. If you're thinking an Italian deli should be boisterous and full of life, staffed by crusty, colorful experts at the art of sandwich-making, this isn't that.
The staff is pleasant, though. My second visit, the owner (who doesn't know me) said as I left: "Have a great day, okay? We really appreciate your business." And you know, she sounded as though she meant it.
3 Comments
Leave a comment
About this blog
About this blogger
A journalist for more than two decades, David Allen has been writing a column for the Daily Bulletin since 1997 and blogging since 2007.He lives in Claremont.
E-mail David here or read columns here.
MNG Corporate Site Map | Newspaper Media Kit
| For more local Southern California News: | Copyright ©2010 |
| Los Angeles Newspaper group |
David,
This is one of my favorite newer places to go to for a great meal at a reasonable price.
Making its grand opening earlier this year, around late April, early May, I have yet to have a bad experience while dining at Maria's Italian Deli.
The wait staff has an excellent knowledge base about the food they serve, but also are very attentive and courteous as well. It's one of the many reasons why I keep returning, well besides the pretty waitresses :)
[One should never underestimate the appeal of a pretty waitress. -- DA]
Very cool! I think I'll try it. Have you tried Old World Deli in Upland? If not, get their pizza. It's Sicilian -- very thick, very hot! It takes 5 minutes just to get it cool enough to take a bite!
Have a great week! :)
KT
[Have never tried their pizza but it sounds like I should. -- DA]
As a local business owner, I am glad to see something new in the area that is not burgers or tacos. It's nice to go to an Italian deli that is not run by a "Soup Nazi" but instead a wonderful young lady that truly cares about her patrons' experience each and every time!! I hope that this helps her get plenty more customers, because in this difficult time the country is in, we can all use the help. And I would hate to see this one go!!!! If you are looking for a pleasant lunch experience, this is it!!!