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Talking to Ben when he was here a few weeks back, I realized that while I theoretically prefer one-off restaurants to chains for…let’s call them Bohemian reasons, I rarely eat in them since my return stateside.  Seeking to correct this, and remembering the magic of Gourmet Shish Kebab (a hole-in-the-wall with amazing Middle Eastern food in Laurel, MD), I have tried a new hole-in-the-wall two weekends in a row.

Last weekend, I finally braved Marimba.  It’s gaudy orange storefront had put me off as often as its promise of ‘Caribbean and South American Cuisine’ had tempted me.  Had there been parking in front of the library, I may not have gone in, but as it happened there wasn’t and by circling the block I ended up right in front of the restaurant.  I parked.  I walked in.

Charming, once you brave the citrus exterior.  The simple interior consisted of several small tables with various brightly-hued tablecloths, funky Southern Hemisphere music, and a friendly waiter who gave me my choice of tables (I was initially the only customer there).  They had several vegetarian appetizers, a vegetarian sandwich selection, and a vegetarian main, my beloved chile relleno, which I quickly ordered.  As I ate, I had a fantastic view of the street.  I was joined by one of my friends from work, which gave me a chance to order an appetizer (mashed and fried plantain chips, the name of which escapes me) and the flan, along with a cup of incredibly strong drip coffee.  It was completely delicious.  I can’t believe I waited literally months to try it.  In fact, the waiter asked me if it was my first time there and when I responded in the affirmative, said, “Thank you for coming in, senorita.”  So polite.

Tonight, craving Indian food, I considered returning to the Indian restaurant to the south that I have ordered from on multiple occasions, but didn’t feel like hopping on the interstate for the purpose, so I Googled ‘Indian restaurant, Everett, WA’ and discovered that just down the street from Marimba is a restaurant by the name of Curry Bistro.  While reviews were somewhat split, I decided to take the chance and hopped in the car, initially intending to grab something to go.  When I got there, I found a tiny restaurant with a total capacity of 26 people and decided to stay, ordering a pot of chai, vegetable samosas, a vegetarian Kashmiri dish, and some whole-wheat roti.  It was spendy, but no more so than other Indian restaurants in the area, and the leftovers will make one or maybe even two more meals.  Again, I had great service and delicious food.

The only bad part about giving these two places a try was realizing that I am clearly not the only one shunning independent eateries for the more predictable chains.  Never at any point was there more than one other table of clients in either restaurant.  Meanwhile, I’m sure that the chain restaurants were full, perhaps even had waits (I visited Marimba on a Saturday afternoon around 2:00 PM and Curry Bistro on a Saturday evening around 6:45 PM).  It makes me worry that fantastic places like these two and Gourmet Shish Kebab won’t be around for very long, unless the word is spread.  So I’m spreading the word.  And encouraging everyone–if you want an adventure, try an independent restaurant!  Sure, sometimes you may strike out…but isn’t it worth it for the chance to strike gold?

Gourmet Shish Kebab:   3495 Ft. Meade Road, Laurel, MD

Marimba!: 1405 Hewitt Avenue, Everett, WA

Curry Bistro: 1907 Hewitt Avenue, Everett, WA