Chomp!
January 10, 2014
By Ron Aiken
January 10, 2014
The official start of restaurant week in South Carolina
With yesterday (Jan. 9) being the official start of restaurant week in South Carolina (restaurantweeksouthcarolina.com), it got me to thinking about how appreciative I am of the restaurants I enjoy, the ones that make home home.
In that spirit, Chomp! feels strongly about celebrating the goodness of our local food culture by sharing with you his favorite restaurants – not necessarily the best restaurants; it’s not that kind of list – but a realistic list of where Chomp actually eats on a regular basis.
In no particular order of greatness, only the whim of my mind, they are:
Drip! Coffee. OK, I know I’m leading off with a place that’s less a restaurant than a coffee bar, but their food is undeniably great, their coffee is undeniably superb and their staff is undeniably the coolest. The atmosphere, the vibe, the warmth – you simply won’t find a better venue to spend the most hours of your life possible, and the best part is you’ll never regret a single one of them.
The Gourmet Shop. Just right across the street from Drip! in Five Points is this longtime favorite, one of my all-time top spots to eat outside. To me, their spinach salad with chicken is the best salad in town (mostly because of the HUGE slices of avocado), and whatever you get, you never seem to feel badly about it afterward. Always a good time.
LaBrascas Pizza. When you’ve been serving pizza since 1966 and are still in business, you must have good pizza. And LaBrasca’s does. With three kids in Chomp!’s life ranging from 18 to 8, pizza is a go-to and they all love LaBrasca’s, which means I love it even more. They’re quick, the staff is super-friendly if you sit down and eat and the takeout is always ready before I get there. Consistency is key, and their pizzas haven’t changed much over the years, which is why they’re here. Grab a couple of cheese salads with is and you, sir or ma’am, are GOOD TO GO.
Zorba’s. Thinking about pizza got me to thinking about my personal favorite pizza in Columbia, and that’s the Zorba’s Special. It’s loaded with cheese cooked to a perfect golden brown, loaded with great toppings and so big and satisfying you’re guaranteed at least two meals out of it. It’s the pizza Chomp! has loved since childhood, so it’s the pizza of my life, basically. Split one and a large Zorba’s Special salad, and live like the people of Irmo – in glory!
Cola’s. It’s a newcomer to the ranks of Columbia’s high-end restaurants, and a welcome one. Great location, great food and a staff that has been superb every time I’ve been, including when my lady and I came in a couple minutes before close having been turned away from another more-celebrated restaurant down the street and were happily, graciously accommodated.
Eric’s San Jose. We all eat here, we just don’t brag about it. How do I know we all do? Because Chomp! sees you there and Chomp! sees the 17 million locations in Columbia. It’s a recipe that’s as simple as it is welcome…bring me chips and salsa quickly, feed me fully at a reasonable price. And again, with children, it’s a winner every time. Thank you, Eric’s San Jose! Don’t ever go changin’!
El Burrito. Another truly wonderful salad option here, and another wonderful vibe, wonderful staff, wonderful quality ingredients and food. Always fun, always fresh, always a choice you’re happy with, one that makes you feel like the kind of person you want to be in life. Yay, El Burrito!
Camon. There are great places to get sushi in Columbia, but Chomp! will be danged if he’ll ever know about it because if Chomp!’s choosing, it’s Camon every time. The care, attention to detail and overall sushi skillery on offer by the kind and considerate Kobayashi clan is second to none anywhere at any restaurant, and that counts for a heck of a lot in my book. You will never have a bad time there, I guarantee it.
Mr. Friendly’s. It’s just a go-to for so many reasons, all of which have to do with deliciousness. I love the filet with pimento cheese, I love the fried catfish, I love the soups. Their grits are superb, their burgers are terrific, the atmosphere is and has always been creative and fun and the food, from the top of the menu to the bottom, is as good as you’ll get. I simply love this place and always will. It’s upscale but with fun and flavor.
Motor Supply Co. I have great respect for chef Tim Peters, and like only a handful of chefs in town – Terra’s Mike Davis and Rosso’s Kristian Niemi come immediately to mind – they’re the kind of people you put yourselves in their capable hands and enjoy whatever is on order. Why Motor is so special is because of the changing menu that takes great advantage of the best of the produce and proteins available seasonally. It’s a place that takes food seriously and exhibits a creativity informed by refined taste, techniques and presentation. Great location, great, warm atmosphere, great drink specials and a cool bar.
Miyo’s. It’s been a go-to for so long, it’s easy sometimes to forget why it’s so satisfying – fresh, healthy dishes, excellent tempura and soups and an overall standard of quality that has been in place going on 20 years. The new versions I’ve found to be excellent – M Fresh, M Vista and the newest, M Grille. I especially recommend the Honey-Brined Southern Chicken…it’s served with a red curry sauce, but I have a hankering it’s terrific by itself…in fact, I think there may be a chicken and waffles version on the menu, so I think maybe that’s the ticket to get what I crave. Guess I need to head to M Grille! Catch you next week, and be sure to visit the restaurant of your choice between now and Jan. 19. Cheers!
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