Food review: Mary's Place

Roast beef sub and chicken cheesesteak sandwich from Mary's. (Credit: Jessica Bratton)

Let it be known that any and all dining tips and recommendations we receive here at Spark are taken very seriously. We're always in the mood for something new in the way of eateries, so we welcome your advice at all times.

Case in point: A few months ago, a loyal reader informed us of a quaint little corner cafe in the Forty Acres section of Wilmington, where she'd gotten a good takeout sandwich. After a look through the neighborhood, however, we couldn't find the spot she mentioned.

Disappointed, we figured we'd just keep our eyes peeled anytime we found ourselves in the neighborhood. Lo and behold, last week while on assignment in Wilmington, a couple of staffers came across a red-awninged corner spot called Mary's Place.

Figuring the shop at the corner of Lincoln Street and Shallcross Avenue was it, they stopped in for what turned out to be a pretty solid lunch of sandwiches. So this past week we decided to get a staff meal from Mary's and chow down at the office.

To begin, Mary's is a tiny little space, with just about 12 chairs scattered across four or five tables, which is why we decided to phone in our order. But when I went to pick up lunch, that wonderfully distinct fryer-and-onion scent permeated the walls inside.

Upon returning with a busting plastic bag filled with paper-wrapped sandwiches, we dug in. First up was the roast beef sub ($7.75 for a 10-inch medium, $12 for an 18-inch large), which came packed with fresh-sliced roast beef free of any strange texture or chewiness.

The toppings included fresh iceberg lettuce, tomato, onion and cheese, all wrapped up in a soft sub roll. For the record, the do put mayo on their sandwiches, which they consider as part of the "everything" request. If you're not a fan, make sure you ask for no mayo.

Second in line was the Greek salad ($5.75), with olives, feta and onion, although on this particular day, Mary was fresh out of olives. No worries though; the salad was fresh and crispy, topped with a tangy herb vinaigrette.

Once I spotted the patty melt ($7), my decision was made. I've seen my share of patty melts in my time, mostly at diners all throughout Jersey, so I feel I've become a bit of an afficionado when it comes to the sandwich.

This one came with melted swiss and onion, and was pretty solid with its buttery golden brown rye, but it didn't make it into my Top 10 of all-time. That's probably because mushrooms were not included, but if you want, just ask and they can add them on.

The winning sandwich for this particular lunch order was the chicken cheesesteak ($6.75 for a medium, $11.25 for a large). Rather than serving a "chicken steak-umm" style sandwich, as my co-worker put it, real chicken breast was used.

Conveniently cut up into pieces small enough that she wasn't left with hanging pieces of meat still inside the bun, the bite-sized chunks, she said, were easy enough to bite through and seasoned well.

The last sandwich in the bag was the fresh cooked turkey on rye ($7.25 for a medium, $11.50 for a large). Shredded real turkey (no phony slices) stacked the rye pretty high. Again, fresh veggies were added along with a thick slice of yummy provolone cheese.

In all, a solid lunch full of tasty sandwich options with fresh deli meats. And we're looking forward to getting back in for the steak, egg and cheese hoagie ($6.25) for breakfast. Sounds like a great way to start the day.

Insider tips

Will that be cash or cash?

They only take cash or check (if you still use those) at Mary's, so leave the debit and credit cards in your wallet.

Mary's cookies

They sell homemade and fresh cookies at Mary's Place, and the chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin are enormous. Buy two for $1.75.

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