Sunday Lunch at The Blue Marlin

Restaurant Review

Today’s adventuring took us to Columbia, SC for the afternoon. We explored the state capitol grounds and walked a few blocks over for lunch at the Blue Marlin. At least by appearances, the Blue Marlin looks like it is housed in an old train station. Talk about exceptional southern hospitality and low country inspired fare!

Due to COVID and since we’re still in warm weather, we opt for outdoor dining whenever possible. It’s been really nice! At the Blue Marlin, the outdoor dining area was a lovely covered area that I’m 99% sure used to be the platform for the train station. With twinkly lights strung throughout, it is very charming!!

Darrell ordered two appetizers for his meal, the Petite Shrimp & Grits and the Fried Green Tomatoes. He also indulged in a few glasses of sweet tea ;) Sweet tea verdict: amazing. The fried green tomatoes were drizzled with a chipotle sauce and Darrell’s review is, “They were great! I would order them again!” As for the Petite Shrimp & Grits, maybe it’s because we’re such cheese people but he says it was “Different. Maybe unique is the word. There were a lot of things going on in the bowl with the gravy, andouille sausage, shrimp and grits. It was a good value for the price, a large portion. I’d probably get it without the gravy next time.”

I ordered the Blackened Salmon Charleston but instead of the collard greens and grits, I choose a side Iceberg Lettuce Wedge Salad. I’m still not sure where I stand with grits… It’s just so different for me haha! The Blackened Salmon Charleston is topped with tiny shrimp and a creamy crab sauce. It was very tasty but too hot in flavor for me. I’m also a wimp when it comes to hot flavored foods though so yeah… The Iceberg Lettuce Wedge Salad was devine! I didn’t realize I liked wedge salads until recently and I’m wondering what took me so long?? The pecans and blue cheese dressing… so good! I ordered my salad without tomatoes.

For gluten free readers - you’ll be pleased to know their menu clearly indicates gluten free options (although not on their website menu). The server was very knowledgeable about food allergens and she was thorough in confirming some of the trickier things we have to ask about (what broth is used in certain dishes because of Darrell’s poultry allergy). Since it’s very rare for someone to be allergic to poultry, that’s not usually information a server knows right off hand and she knew and then came back to confirm! That’s so appreciated in a restaurant experience!

Learn more about The Blue Marlin.

And how cute is my hubby?? I’m starting to take more blog photos with a “real camera” and having so much fun!

Disclaimer: I am not a dietitian or medical professional and while I share what ingredients work for me or what I choose to eat (at my own risk) while dining out, I advise you do your homework when choosing ingredients and places to eat. I highly encourage everyone to do their own research when it comes to the products they cook with or restaurant’s procedures. I do not have celiac disease but rather a gluten-intolerance and I’m not an expert on gluten or other food intolerances, autoimmune diseases, or food allergies. I simply share the ingredients I have found work for me, the places where I’ve dined and my personal experiences.