Mint Julep is Columbia’s newest Southern-inspired bistro.
June 16, 2009COLUMBIA, SC – June 15, 2009 – Mint Julep is Columbia’s newest Southern-inspired bistro but with a contemporary twist. The eatery opened this week in Northeast Columbia at 120 Sparkleberry Crossing on Clemson Road. It fills the former space of Za’s Brick Oven Pizza.
The restaurant serves a variety of classy cocktails and Southern comfort foods, served in the Mediterranean-style of lighter dining with smaller portions.
The menu features about two dozen items that can be ordered individually or combined for a personalized platter. The core of this interesting concept keeps the dining experience exciting and fun. The management is ever mindful of the challenging economics we all face and said, “the idea is to put guests in control of the foods they eat, how they combine them and what they pay.” One menu item sells for $6.99; two for $12.99; three for $18.99.
It’s cool to be green! Nature’s favorite color is fresh, relaxing and cheerful. Mint Julep is washed in shades of green, from the mint leaf logo on the front door to the overhead LED lights on the patio and inside the lounge surrounding the granite-top bar. A soothing water feature is located just inside the front door. The décor also includes a rainbow of bright complimentary colors with splashes of colorful pop art.
In the stylish lounge, Italian Murano hand-blown glass pendants hang over the inviting bar-height tables and chairs. There is a 50-inch flat screen LCD TV to watch (another hangs in the dining room). The bar area is a great place for socializing and dining alike.
Choose from a global selection of beers, spirits for cocktails, signature martinis and quality wines – some an affordable $5.00 per glass. Don’t forget to try the legendary mint julep or a fruity watermelon version.
There are two stylish dining rooms where you can enjoy a leisurely dinner. As guests wait for their food, they receive a small plate of amuse-bouches, which resembles single, bite-size hors d’oeuvres. The Amuse Bouche is a pre-dinner nibble, chef’s choice, to serve as a tease for the meal to come. They partner well with a glass of wine. Mint Julep’s current offering is a small plate of creamy herb cheese with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and water crackers on the side. Jean-George Vongerichten, celebrity chef and restaurateur, is quoted in the cookbook, Amuse-Bouche, “The amuse-bouche is the best way for a great chef to express his big ideas in small bites.”
The small dish selection, listed as “Food for the Soul,” includes Pepper Jack Sirloin Steak, Derby Burger (with a slice of fried green tomato), Cornmeal Crusted Oysters, Red Beans & Rice, Flash Fried fresh fish, Shrimp & Grits, Lobster Mac n Cheese, Southern Fried Chicken, Bourbon Sirloin Steak, Pepper Jack Collards, Crab Cake Napoleon and Soul Rolls. The menu also includes homemade pizzas cooked in an authentic brick oven and a medley of fresh salads.
While the restaurant isn’t open for lunch, the staff will cater onsite to private parties and civic groups for breakfast and lunch. They will also cater off-premise events for homes, businesses and festivals.
You will find ample parking at Mint Julep – just steps away from the front door, and if necessary, valet parking. Traveling guests receive complimentary limousine service to and from the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, the Hampton Inn and even your home (if located 4 miles from the restaurant) with a party of six or more.
There is live music on Wednesday and on Saturdays. There are special entrees offered each night prepared with fresh meats, fish and vegetables. There is also “The Networking Hour from Monday through Thursday, 4 to 7 pm with Half Price Martinis and House Wines.