Chef Maria, of the former Chef Maria's Greek Deli in St. Matthews, has started a new chapter in her life. And it's going to bring great food to Old Louisville.
Chef Maria has decided to close her Greek deli (it closed its doors on February 14) in the heart of St. Matthews and open a bistro in Old Louisville in March. Chef Maria's Bistro will open at 107 W. Oak Street on or around March 9. The restaurant will offer lunch service for the time being, with the hope of offering dinner service once a liquor license requirement is met.
Chef Maria's story is an artfully constructed one for a chef, instructor, and business owner. She is Maria Bell, and has been serving up Greek fair for over 15 years between Hardin and Jefferson counties. She first opened a Greek deli in 2000 in Radcliff. A year or so later, she came to Louisville and opened a deli on Story Avenue, traveled to farmer's markets, and took park in many international festivals around Louisville through the years. Finally, after all these years, the success of her Greek deli in St. Matthews was good, but she always knew she wanted something more, something different. She says, "I am changing my “deli” concept; Leah Stuart with the dessert truck suggested for me. What attracted me (to Old Louisville) was the beauty of the old buildings, the wonderful neighborhood and the support I received from the owners Kim and Dave Mowder. I had decided a long time ago that a deli was a little too small for me to grow and I wanted to give you the best of me and much more. So, here we are. We are going to open for lunch and dinner, having full bar including ouzo that will set fire to our cheese and exclaim “OPA!!!” like the good old times. The menu is based on my mother’s and grandmother’s recipes and some of my own. See you in a couple of weeks. Thank you for being loyal!"— Chef Maria Bell
You can read more about my love for her Greek cooking classes that the community really enjoyed here. I got to know Chef Maria a little bit that evening when I went to review her cooking class, and was really struck with how down to earth, friendly, bubbly, and full of life she is. She has a passion for Greek food and cooking and really wants to extend that passion and zest to her customers, followers, and friends. I wish her all the best in opening her "dream come true" bistro in a couple of weeks. I look forward to seeing her again and once again tasting the delicacy of traditional Greek recipes that she has been using for decades. She brings authentic Mediterranean cuisine to Louisville, and you will want to dine here and support her!
Chef Maria's Bistro will open on either March 8, 9, or 10 (watch Facebook for updates) for lunch Monday-Saturday from 11am-4pm. The permanent hours are listed below. The dinner hours will begin when the liquor license has been approved.
Monday - Thursday
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
4:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Friday - Saturday
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
4:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Sunday
Closed
It's located at 107 W. Oak Street, Louisville, KY 40203. Folllow her on Facebook and Twitter; Phone: 502-895-7075; Email ChefMariaBell@gmail.com
Photos courtesy of www.chefmariasbistro.com and Chef Maria's Bistro, Facebook
