Global Spotlight: A Conversation with Kristian Niemi

Columbia World Affairs Council intern Lydia DeFelice, born and raised in Columbia, interviewed Kristian Niemi last week to learn more about how his world travels have influenced his career in food and beverage. 

Lydia currently studies International Relations at the University of Edinburgh. Her Southern, agricultural upbringing and interest in global relations sparked her curiosity toward local chef and restaurateur, Kristian Niemi.
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Kristian Niemi has opened some of Columbia’s most popular restaurants, including Mr. Friendly’s, Gervais & Vine, Rosso Trattoria Italia, Solstice Kitchen & Wine Bar, and Bourbon. Coming soon is his new restaurant, Black Rooster.

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Lydia:
Where was your first trip outside of the US?

Kristian:
My first trip outside the US was to Jordan by way of the Gulf of Aquaba on the Red Sea. I went there to work with the Jordanian Special Forces near the Syrian border when I was 20.

Lydia:
Have you studied a foreign language?

Kristian:
Yes, I studied Farsi at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA. Since then, I have made it a point to learn at least SOME of the language of wherever I’m traveling.

Lydia:
What has been your most transformative travel experience?

Kristian:
Every time I travel something, no matter how big or small, transforms me in one way or another.

Lydia:
How have your travels influenced your restaurant concepts?

Kristian:
Gervais & Vine would never have become a tapas bar without my trip to Spain. Sitting at Cal Pep in Barcelona, I just said to myself, “Why am I not doing this at G’nV?” As soon as I returned, I completely redesigned the back bar and installed a kitchen to crank out tapas.

Lydia:
What do you see as the connection between business and charity?

Kristian:
I don’t think you can do one without the other. I believe in the adage “the more you give, the more you receive”, so we give a lot. We don’t make a big deal about it. It’s mostly done very quietly, but those who are involved in the charities we support know, and the word gets out. We don’t do it for publicity. We do it because we believe in our community.

Lydia:
What do other countries do in terms of food/farm that you would like to see our state/country learn from?

Kristian:
Less emphasis on Big Ag, and more support of family farms. Period.

Lydia:
Some have espoused concern that large, corporate farms like Monsanto may have done more community harm than good due to introduction of genetically modified foods (GM) and other harmful practices. What are your thoughts on that topic?

Kristian:
I don’t believe they’ve done more harm than good. More people than ever before in the history of mankind have access to good, nutritious food because of their advances. However, just because they can produce LOTS of food, it doesn’t mean they produce good tasting food. That’s something only small scale farming seems to be able to accomplish. I’d like to see our country support the small farm more than they currently do.

Lydia:
What’s your perspective on how the Columbia food scene has changed since you moved here?

Kristian:
It has changed considerably. There are a LOT more restaurants than there were when I moved here, and many of them are really interesting and have great quality. We’ve also seen more restaurants using local farms for their produce, meat, and dairy.

Lydia:
In the future, what do you hope will develop in Columbia as we try to grow as a city?

Kristian:
We could still use some more quality restaurants and it would be nice if Columbians would actually participate in all of the good things we have happening. I tend to see the same people at every event, while at the same time hearing others say, “there’s nothing to do in Columbia” and it drives me crazy. I think Columbia is progressing really well and I look forward to seeing how the city continues to grow. It’s been fun being a part of its growth and I hope to continue!