Blue Marlin is Top Notch!

Restaurant: Blue Marlin
Chef: Chef Maegan Horton
Phone: ((803) 799-3838
Address: 1200 Lincoln St, Columbia, SC 29201
Website: http://bluemarlincolumbia.com
Style: A blend of traditional SC Lowcountry flavors with a touch of Creole and Cajun spice
Established: 1994

In the heart of downtown Columbia, sits the Seaboard Air Line Railroad Passenger Depot, a landmark known for its historic role in transportation. The route ran from the 1900’s until 1967 and branded itself “The Route of Courteous Service.” The branding lends itself to its current use as home to the Blue Marlin Restaurant.

From the traditional flavors of SC Lowcountry cuisine to its stellar reputation for top notch service and ambiance, Blue Marlin is serving up the BEST of the all-time southern classics. From starters like the Southern Caviar (aka Pimento Cheese) and She Crab Soup to the finish with a tempting house made dessert, every bite is a burst of savory goodness that transports you to gastronomic heaven!

Among the favorites for lunch or dinner, is the Shrimp and Grits. This savory dish starts with local Adluh™ stone ground grits- a true southern staple, a heap of creek shrimp and pile of spicey andouille sausage topped with tasso gravy. According to Executive Chef Maegan Horton, a Johnson & Wales grad who’s been leading the Blue Marlin team for the past 8 years, “the Shrimp and Grits have been made the same way, every day since Blue Marlin opened in 1994.”

The core menu features a variety of Southern favorites- Salmon Pontchartrain, a salmon filet topped with blackened shrimp and scallops and finished with a mornay sauce; Oyster & Shrimp Skillet Bienville- an original recipe, featuring Apalachicola oysters in a shrimp and Tasso ham cream sauce; or the Black & Blue New York Strip, perfectly grilled and topped with melted blue cheese. An all-time favorite side, is their version of Collards- perfectly seasoned and stewed. There’s always plenty of fresh off the hook choices and dinner specials.

On the lunch menu, there’s plenty of lighter fare and fried seafood specialty’s- like the Gulf Oysters, Crab Cakes or the Salt & Pepper Catfish! Abundant plates that will leave you craving for more. That’s probably why, locals and visitors alike rated Blue Marlin the #1 Choice for Seafood according to Trip Advisor.

While the restaurant holds an upscale reputation, Horton and the staff welcome guests indoors or along the covered sidewalk with a casual air of friendliness- as if they’ve known you for years and have been waiting your arrival. Be sure to clean your plate and try a taste of Ms. JoAnn Dukes Black Out Cake, the refreshing Key Lime Pie or the decadent richness of the Cream Brulee Cheesecake– all made from scratch.
Need to feed a crowd? The Vista Room offers the same quality food, excellent service and ambiance you’ll find in the main dining room for any private party, corporate event or special occasion. For offsite party planning consider Signature Catering.

Plan your visit downtown for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch. Blue Marlin is open daily, Monday – Friday 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Saturday 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

CHEF QUESTION:
What do you do to relax?
“Downtime allows me the opportunity to travel with my husband. We often make time to visit with family, it’s great especially when they don’t make me cook!”

By: Julie Colson