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Ever wonder how one of Burien’s favorite restaurants got its name? It’s not an owner or even a longtime employee. The truth is, the inspiration is a notable Burien resident whose impact is still visible in downtown, likely for decades to come.
When owner Musa Firat discovered Burien in 2013, he was struck by the walkability and small town charm of our appealing small city. “Ah-Ha!” he said. “This place has a lot of potential.” He found an available space to capitalize on his years of successful restaurant ownership on the east coast, and quickly developed a following.
It wasn’t long before he met Marlaina Lieberg, who moved to Burien Town Square with her husband Gary Lieberg in 2012. The close proximity of Marlaina’s restaurant to the Town Square condos made it a natural spot to which she could gravitate. A manageable stroll just a few blocks west of her home allowed her to exercise her fierce independence; plus, she loved the food! To say she was one of Musa’s biggest fans is perhaps an understatement. In the early days of the eatery, it was her unflagging support for the restaurant that helped keep business steadily growing according to the affable owner. “She was very active in the community, says Musa, “so she would bring in groups and the really helped me to establish a reputation.”
Marlaina’s circle of influence was wide. As a prominent disability rights advocate who helped shape the Americans with Disabilities Act, she dedicated her adult life to national and local accessibility campaigns before becoming a well-known figure in the South King County community. Born premature and blind in 1949 in Boston, Marlaina’s natural drive was apparent from early on. At age 14, Lieberg became the youngest person at the time to receive a guide dog, assisted by future Vice President Hubert Humphrey, who helped provide her training attire and maintained a lifelong friendship with her until his death in 1978.
Upon moving to Burien, Lieberg successfully petitioned the city to install accessible crosswalks and wheelchair-friendly sidewalks. According to family and community records, these local infrastructure improvements allowed Lieberg the personal independence to navigate her neighborhood freely alongside her guide dog.
Her close relationship with Musa developed easily because of her bold personality and desire to be helpful whenever possible. She was quick to point out anything that could improve accessibility or general business practices, including when it came to the restaurant’s name and branding. In the early days, Firat left the previous name place (one that seemed more appropriate for a Fish & Chip shop than a cosy family bistro), and this became the source of many a gentle scolding from Marlaina. Never a shrinking violet, Marlaina could be quite insistent (or “spicy,” may we say?) when she believed something needed fixing, as her long history of successful advocacy can attest. Finally, after another persistent questioning, Musa responded, “How about Marlaina’s?” Thus, Marlaina’s Mediterranean Kitchen, received its signature moniker memorializing a steadfast supporter not only of the popular establishment, but of the broader Burien community, especially those with disabilities.
A photograph of Marlaina, who passed away in 2018, remains on display inside the restaurant, which has operated in the Burien community for more than 10 years.
A photo of the namesake of Marlaina’s Mediterranean Kitchen adorns the wall in the restaurant.
Come visit soon, to get a glimpse of the tribute portraits and to savor the flavors that inspired her devoted patronage.
You can learn more about this remarkable woman here.
Give them a call or stop by soon:
Marlaina’s Mediterranean Kitchen
643 SW 152nd Street
Burien, WA 98166
(206) 535-6420
Hours:
- Tuesday – Sunday: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Closed Mondays
- RESERVATIONS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! 206-535-6420 or via email at: Marlainasrestaurant@gmail.com.
Website:
www.marlainasrestaurant.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/marlainas2
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/marlainasrestaurant/
Marlaina’s Mediterranean Kitchen is located at 643 SW 152nd Street:
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