The buffet offerings are as varied as the clientele at Big Marina Grill & Deli, 4755 Central Ave., Columbia Heights—mostly Middle Eastern, with lamb shanks, chicken kabobs, kofta kabobs, stuffed grape leaves, grilled eggplant, felafel, hummus, tabouli, soups, samosas, baklava, and Greek and Middle Eastern salads and pastries. But there are lots of other dishes to choose from as well—shrimp, fried chicken, fish, barbecued beef ribs, pasta, veggies, and more. The price is a very reasonable $11 for lunch, and $14 evenings and weekends. An a la carte menu is also available, with salads, burgers, sandwiches, dinner entrees and combination platters for two, four or six. 

Here’s a video segment about Big Marina and its owner, Shaker Hegazy, produced last year by Ahmed Tharwat for BelAhdan, the Arab/Muslim-American TV show that airs on TPT’s MN Channel: 

Author: Jeremy Iggers

Jeremy Iggers is a journalist, university instructor and social entrepreneur with interests that include food, philosophy and global-local connections. Previously, he was a staff writer for the Minneapolis Star Tribune and publisher of the Twin Cities Daily Planet. He lives in south Minneapolis with his wife Carol and two cats.