Columbia ~ A Perinnial Florida Favorite

It’s one of 7 Columbia Restaurants in the state of Florida, but it’s heretical to call The Columbia a chain!  As the state’s oldest restaurant, it’s a family-owned gem!  The decor and menu reflect The Columbia’s 100+ years of history, and endear visitors, by including photos and stories.

Many start their dinner with the signature 1905 salad or Columbia’s sangria pitcher.  Last Saturday, Lynda and I departed from the usual and tried the black bean cakes ($5.95).  The texture and flavor were both right on.  The guacamole served on the side was fresh and tasty- they were delish without the sour cream.  We ate after our Villa Zorayda tour, so we were pretty hungry.  We’d already eaten 2 when I stopped for the photo.

I love Columbia’s soft, sweet platanos {the plantain is a starchier cousin of the banana} so much I often order a side of these with a bowl of black beans for dinner.  Yum.  But when I saw eggplant breaded with plantain crumbs, I was intrigued!  Eggplant Riojana ($18.95) was essentially a hispanic eggplant parmesan- move over Olive Garden!  (ha! no contest!)  Fortunately for me, Lynda doesn’t like eggplant, so I enjoyed every.last.bite.  The next morning I still smelled like garlic, a sign of authentic cuban dining!

Lynda ordered “Palomilla” ($17.95), a thin cut of top sirloin grilled and topped with mojo crudo (chopped onions, lime and parsley).  The menu said topped… but really it was smothered.  After brushing most of the onions aside, she enjoyed both the steak and the spanish rice that accompanied it.