Get A Sneak Peek At Marion’s ‘Bistro 3-Nineteen’ [GALLERY]

The moment you start talking with Chef Brittany Hannah, you can tell her passion is food. She lights up as she describes some of her new dishes at the soon to be open Bistro 3-Nineteen in Uptown Marion. She talks about how 99% of everything is made from scratch. From deserts to dressings. She talks about how she loves contrasting flavors in dishes. She agreed with me that mushrooms are gross. That last one might be a bit of a stretch, but there is no doubt about it. Chef Hannah is happy to be home in Marion.

The road to opening day has been a bit of a journey. Bistro 3-Nineteen is located at 796 11th Street in Marion. But initially, the restaurant was supposed to take the place of the now-closed Marion Maid-Rite. Numerous issues caused that plan to be canceled. After an extensive search, the current space was decided on. It couldn't be more beautiful!

The large, floor to ceiling windows in the front of the restaurant let in tons of natural light. And the amazing thing about them is that they open too! It turns tables indoors near the windows into seats outside on a patio!

Hannah describes the menu at Bistro 3-Nineteen as 'New American'. There is a wide selection of items from burgers and salads, to entrees and even breakfast items. Prices range from $7 up to around $30. Yes, there is even a kids menu for younger tastes. The restaurant has plenty of seating at traditional tables and booths. It also features a party room that seats up to 25.

I asked Hannah what some of her personal favorite menu items were. I imagine it's like choosing a favorite child. She did single out a few you'll need to try. For breakfast, go with the Sriracha Quesadilla and the Scrambled Egg Grilled Cheese. Also highly recommended are The Montoya sandwich, yes that's a 'Princess Bride' reference and the Cranberry Turkey Melt. And for dinner, try the Pineapple BBQ Fried Chicken.

Bistro 3-Nineteen opens on Thursday, August 23rd. Their hours are as follows.

• Monday 5-9 p.m.
• Tuesday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Friday 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. 
• Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. 
• Sunday CLOSED

The setting is simple and elegant. Chef Hannah's passion for great food is clear. Marion is lucky to have Bistro 3-Nineteen. It's been a long time coming, but the journey is about to be complete. I'll be in for some Pineapple BBQ Chicken soon!