By Molly Ingram

So the Lunch Bunch got together last week to celebrate that I’m still around after an interesting first three months on the job and that Memorial Day is imminent. So where was the best place to go for a kick-off summer lunch? Marsh Tacky, where else?

[caption id="attachment_22982" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/grilled-donut-with-accessories.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-22982" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/grilled-donut-with-accessories-300x225.jpg" alt="Grilled donut with whipped cream, strawberries and chocolate sauce. " width="300" height="225" /></a> Grilled donut with whipped cream, strawberries and chocolate sauce.[/caption]

If you have never been here, it is absolutely a must. Head out Sea Island Parkway (Rt. 21) right past the entrance to Harbor Island on your way to Hunting Island and that’s where you’ll find it. This isn’t a white table cloth kind of place but more of a sit-back-with friends-and-chill beach-y kind of place... Way past eclectic in décor and retail offerings (I really wanted the “no” button that talked to you I found by the cash register) but it was the general merchandise that really caught my eye. Take for example some crab-flavored chips by Utz we just had to try and the famous No Natz natural bug spray that is a requirement for living down here came home with me in quantity.

[caption id="attachment_22983" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/abby-robert-and-owner-Bobby-Marshall.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-22983" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/abby-robert-and-owner-Bobby-Marshall-300x142.jpg" alt="Abby, Robert, and owner Bobby Marshall." width="300" height="142" /></a> Abby, Robert, and owner Bobby Marshall.[/caption]

Marsh Tacky is open from 7 a.m. to whenever the last people leave for the night, sometimes as late as 10 p.m. or so. They serve a somewhat basic lunch and breakfast menu that is anything but basic when you get in to it.

Take for example the Bulldog Panini – roast beef, provolone, lettuce, tomato, banana peppers, salt, pepper, oregano, topped off with oil and vinegar. This was seriously yummy. Then came the Salty Michelangelo Panini which had fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, pesto, salt and pepper. Remember these are panini’s so they arrive with grilled bread and melting cheese oozing everywhere. Double Yum! Hungry yet? The Limehouse Panini is a combination of ham, turkey, provolone, lettuce, tomato, avocado, banana peppers, and mayo. See that “avocado” in there. We are talking some serious good eats. It’s like you went to the refrigerator and took all the good stuff, put it together, grilled it, and didn’t have to clean up after yourself!

I love breakfast so I ordered an omelette which came with cheese, tomatoes, onions and bacon. Could not get any better. Plus, it was huge! Didn’t stop me from cleaning my plate though.

And although the four of us were totally full, we had yet to enjoy the true pièce de résistance of Marsh Tacky. The Grilled Donut. It deserves a gastronomically wonderful medal of honor or inclusion in the Food Hall of Fame or something equally important all to itself.

Imagine, a hot, right off the grill, donut with whipped cream, local fresh strawberries, and a little chocolate sauce drizzled all over it…Seriously, whether you are there for breakfast, lunch, a snack or whatever, you need to have one of these. All four of the Lunch Bunch got one and all four of the Lunch Bunch ate every last drop of sinful goodness.

Bobby Marshall owns Marsh Tacky and makes it all run with the aid of summer helpers. Abby and Robert (who just graduated from the Citadel) took great care of us even though we had to threaten Abby with dire deeds to be in a picture. Need a fishing charter? Ask Bobby. A cold front comes through and you need a sweatshirt? Ask Bobby. Low on champagne? Ask Bobby. Want to go on a trail ride? Ask Bobby. Marsh Tacky has something for everybody in every situation. All delivered with a smile and a “how can I help you?”

So, you aren’t going to come away a lot thinner for the experience unless you get the Greek Yogurt and fruit, but you are absolutely going to come away thinking about when is the next time you can go back. Marsh Tacky, and Bobby Marshall, combine to give you a wonderful experience for the whole person - your mind, body, and definitely spirit. If you are comfortable in a laid back atmosphere, this is the place for you. A little Key West, a little Island Time, a little Jimmy Buffet – Marsh Tacky is all that and more. See you there!