Eating my way through the Vista (Columbia, SC)

As mentioned in previous posts, I traveled to Columbia, South Carolina for work last week. I stayed at the Hilton Columbia Center, located in a part of the city called "The Vista." I did not rent a car, but there were plenty of places to visit on foot so it was a great location.

I arrived on Monday night. I didn't feel like venturing out of the hotel, so I went to Ruth's Chris for dinner. They were offering a Summer Specials menu that had a three course meal for $39.99. I started with a mixed greens and asparagus salad. It was very good (and big!). I selected the Petite Filet and Shrimp for my entree with Sautéed Mushrooms for my side. It was very nicely prepared. The steak was by far the strong point. The mushrooms were fine, just button mushrooms. I had the Fresh Seasonal Berries with Sweet Cream Sauce for dessert to round out the meal. If you are interested, yes, I ate everything (remind me of that when I next complain about weight gain).

By Tuesday night I was ready to explore the area. I saw the Motor Supply Company Bistro in some area literature and decided to give it a try. It was by far my favorite dining experience of the week. The menus are hand-written and change daily, and the food was prepared exquisitely. I had a lovely cold cucumber peach soup to start. It was delicious.

Next, I had White Shrimp served with bacon, corn, and green beans over a bed of rice grits. This truly southern dish was superb. I mean, it was just wow.

I got the Crème brûlée for dessert. I was just tingling with happiness after the meal.

I tried Ristorante Divino Wednesday night. I started with the Insalata Divino (Baby greens, plum tomatoes, gorgonzola cheese, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar). It was nice. I selected Cioppino (Fresh fish, scallops, mussels, calamari, and shrimp in a tomato-garlic saffron broth over linguini) for my entree. There was so much food!!! Very little linguine, and there must have been 15 mussels. This dish was great!

I had a walnut pie with ice cream for dessert. It was very rich. I'd have it over pecan pie any day of the week...

I am glad my meals from Mon-Wed were such hits, because dinner at the Blue Marlin my final night was a huge disappointment. The iceburg wedge was marginal, the Firecracker Flounder was overcooked (and accompanying grits were not seasoned correctly; coleslaw didn't hit the spot), and the Blackout cake was just too much. I ate less than half of the entree and about a third of the dessert. I would not go back to the Blue Marlin.

So, if you ever find yourself in the Vista of Columbia, be sure to check out Motor Supply Co if you have the time! I'd pick Ristorante Divino as second because it is local, and Ruth's Chris last because they have locations everywhere.

Bon appetit!