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The menu at local restaurant Marie Catrib's includes a wide variety of ethnic dishes sure to please any discerning palate.

Have you ever wanted to walk into a restaurant and feel like you are family? There is one such place that makes you feel at home while dining out. That place is Marie Catrib's of Next Door, located at 1001 Lake Drive. Having such a friendly environment only makes the food taste better, which is quite good to begin with.

Marie Catrib's has been open since November 2004, and last week was the first I had ever been there. As if I were making up for lost time, I came back three more times in order to try out breakfast, lunch and dinner there.

With such a large and eclectic menu, I was able to try completely different flavors each time. There was the Reuben Fatayer, a Lebanese baked sandwich with a German kick. Then there was the Cranberry Chicken sandwich, an American-style sandwich with bold flavors in every bite. I came during breakfast and enjoyed Turkish coffee with a delicate American cinnamon roll and very filling French croissant. Finally, during one stop at the restaurant, I couldn't resist getting an egg-and-bacon quiche for take out.

Located in the East Hills Center (of the Universe), the restaurant is powered by wind energy because the EHC is a green building. In addition to a healthy environment, Marie Catrib's is concerned with healthy food too.

"Everything is homemade, and it is made fresh every day. Nothing is fried. So, it's healthy," Marie told me.

This is evident in the good choice of vegetarian and some vegan items on the menu, like the vegetarian kibbe and the portabella sandwich.

Inside, there is seating available at several tables and at a counter. The kitchen is wide open for everyone to see. Another pleasing feature to the eye is the deli-style display cases where you might see side dishes or cakes in the boulangerie side of the restaurant. If you can take your eyes of the food for a second, you will notice local artwork decorating the walls.

So what does everything cost? Sandwiches cost between $6.45 and $7.39. Marie's fare of Lebanese specialties runs at $6.59. Salads range in price from $5.65 to $7.95. The breakfast menu items, featuring omelettes, eggs and such cost between $4.25 and $6.75. The most expensive item on the menu is on the kid's menu. I think I'll let you discover what it is.

Marie Catrib's is part of the Local First organization that supports local businesses. Marie expressed that she is very appreciative of the local community support she has received, and that is one of the reasons why she makes everyone feel important here.

Marie Catrib's is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Sunday, which the doors say is for "Sunday Sleep, Church, and Laundry." The phone number there is 454-4020 for take-out orders. They take cash, check, and credit card.

Don't make the same mistake I did and wait to eat at one of my new favorite restaurants. So go, make yourself at home and eat at Marie Catrib's of Next Door. After all, that is what neighbors are for.