Marty's Blue Room in Nanticoke Pennsylvania Offers Cajun Cooking & Great Atmosphere

So you've heard of Mardi Gras. But, have you experience "Marty Gras?" Homemade Cajun cooking can be found in NEPA by way of Marty's Blue Room on Old Newport Road in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania.

I caught up with owner Jim Schonfeld (that's right- not Marty) while he was splitting wood for his cooker. He took a quick break to talk about his family business.

"We run a restaurant like a restaurant should be run-- traditionally," he shared.

Schonfeld and his family have owned Marty's Blue Room for 25 years. And since 1984, he's been the chef while his wife, son (who also shares chef duty) and daughter focus on the front of the house. While he is in the kitchen creating seafood or Cajun steak dishes, he'll sometimes overhear a patron whisper, "I think that's Marty back there."

That leads to a little bit of Marty's Blue Room trivia - Marty is actually the nickname for Martha Jones, the woman who owned the restaurant prior to the Schonfelds taking it over in 1984.

Marty's is known far and wide for its Cajun dishes like Jambalaya, steaks and seafood, and everything is made from scratch, from dinners to desserts. With quality like that, its no wonder reservations are suggested.

"We deal with all fresh fish," he said. "Nothing is out of a bag here, nothing is out of a box. We start each day with fresh ingredients."

The farm-raised Catfish is a big seller at Marty's- its available 12 different ways. Many Haddock dishes are also always on the menu, but there are also featured fishes as well. Prime Rib is served Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

There is one item available at Marty's that not many would tackle- it's more like a challenge than a meal. The Surf & Turfaroni, also called "The Ultimate Sandwich, is piled high with a whole lobster tail, two 5 oz. filet mignons and topped with macaroni and cheese served on toasted Ciabatta garlic bread.

Many families have made a tradition out of the Schonfeld's tradition of family cooking.

"We have one family that comes every week. Their reservations are in for the whole year," he said. "There's a lot of good people here."

Marty's Blue Room also hits the road for special events and private parties with its Colossal Cajun Catering Rig, which has a self-contained smoker and all. There is a large catering menu filled with smoked favorites and sides to choose from. But that's only smoker you'll see at Marty's as the restaurant recently went smoke-free.

"We felt that was important," he said, commenting on the more health-conscience the area is getting.

Marty's Blue Room is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and are closed on Sunday and Monday.