Del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Furl
Google
Reddit
Stumbleupon
Y! MyWebRestaurant Review
Mary Ann's Southern Kitchen and Catering
Meatloaf, greens, catfish top the menu items at newest location
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
DAYTON — Downtown Dayton has taken some hits lately, employment-wise, but from a diner's perspective, things aren't so gloomy.
In recent weeks, two new eateries have opened their doors within about a block of one another on North Ludlow Street, and the owners of both say things have started well. It's easy to see — and taste — why.
Extras
Photos
Owner of Mary Ann's Southern Kitchen and Catering Ann Person in front of her restaurant on 33 N Ludlow Street in downtown Dayton. 
Whiting fish dinner with sides of fries and cole slaw.
Mary Ann's Southern Kitchen and Catering
- WHERE: 33 N. Ludlow St., Dayton [Map]
- HOURS: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (buffet); closed Saturday
- DISHES TO TRY: Meatloaf ($5.99 lunch, $7.49 dinner); catfish ($5.99/$7.99); red beans and rice ($3)
- MORE INFO: (937) 222-3663
- MORE: Reader ratings, complete profile
More information
Mary Ann's Southern Kitchen and Catering: The restaurant's slogan is "Food for the SOUL of the City," and even though the restaurant moved into a spot vacated by a fast-food restaurant (Arby's), the folks at Mary Ann's make it clear they're not a fast-food joint. Signs greet customers saying, "We cook to order — you can't rush good food."
It's worth the short wait. The meatloaf ($5.99 lunch, $7.49 dinner) is a hearty portion, moist and flavorful, topped with ketchup-based tomato sauce that co-owner Ann Person makes herself. A side of greens is pleasantly salty and smoky.
A catfish filet ($5.99/$7.99 at dinner) arrives dusted in cornmeal, salt and pepper, fried but not a bit greasy. Order the generous portion of soupy and utterly addictive red beans and rice ($3). You'll have enough to share — though you may not want to.
Person owns the restaurant with her son, Ed Seals, and daughter, Erica Peterson. The family operated a restaurant on Hoover Avenue in the late 1990s, later moving into the Salem Mall. They were the last to leave when the mall shut down, Person said. Now, they're back up and operating. They're still tinkering with hours — they've decided to close on Saturdays — but offer a buffet on Sundays.
