Marion Street Cheese Market Included on Coveted Dining List

Sometimes it's a challenge to get a table at the Marion Street Cheese Market.

But now that it's been included on a prestigious list of places to eat in the Chicago area, the wait just perhaps got a bit longer.

The restaurant, at 100 S. Marion St., is on the coveted list of 2013 Bib Gourmands. The rating list, put out by the prestigious Michelin Guide, means the restaurant is an inspector’s favorite for good value.

Sen Sushi Bar, at 814 S. Oak Park Ave., made the list for the second consecutive year.

Michelle Dirks, the restaurant's general manager, found out about the honor when a former vendor posted an item on the restaurant's Facebook page. She wondered what was going on, and the article by Tribune critic Phil Vettel  made it all real.

"The Michelin man didn't show up," she said. "But we all really did get excited."

Marion Street opened in July 2008. And Dirks noted this was the culmination of three years of hard work of executive chef Leonard Hollander and all of the staff members of the restaurant.

"Each department contributes to the overall success of the Marion Street Cheese Market This is wonderful company to be in," said Dirks, noting the honor accorded Sen Sushi.