silentbob Posted July 20, 2007 Share Posted July 20, 2007 Three of us had a pretty good dinner here last night. We split the $39 butcher's board, which was mostly hits and no real misses. As good as all the hype IMO. My favorite was definitely the kielbasa, with the chicken liver parfait and the smoked salmon tartare close behind. I also had the beet borscht (largely for palate cleansing, and it was refreshing even though I don't really like beets) and the diver scallops wrapped in bacon (slightly overcooked, my favorite is still the blackened version at Ray's). My friends enjoyed the pierogi, chicken "Kiev," and swordfish cacciatore (with an INTENSE sauce). For dessert, we split the pyramid of hazelnut chocolate mousse (okay) and an orange tart with chocolate sorbet (much, much better). I dunno if this is the norm during summers, but the restaurant appeared to be only about a quarter full at 8:00. Hopefully that will change soon. (I also had not realized that we were in the old Le Tarbouche space until reading about it online -- I had a lunch at LT back in 2000, no wonder the place seemed familiar!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nutty Buddy Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 I had the $9 lunch there last week: kielbasa. The kielbasa was good. What I really enjoyed was the pumperknickel bread loaded with nuts and raisins that the kielbasa was served on. And the fries are AMAZING! I'd like to see a fry off between RK's fries and the ones from Citronelle fried in clarified butter: mmmmmm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 Why on Earth doesn't anyone talk about this restaurant? I know that I am preaching to the choir here, but why on Earth was nobody at this restaurant on Saturday night? I know that the location is not ideal for weekend dining, but I could not believe how empty the place was last Saturday. We were there at 7:30pm and there were only 2 other tables occupied during the evening. I hope that this was a fluke, because this place is serving fantastic food. The Duck Salad, served with Duck Proscuitto and Galantine, Orange, Endive, Beets, and Hazelnut Vinaigrette, is one of the best dishes that I have eaten this year. Paula had the Crispy Sweetbreads over Arugula, which was pretty good, although the sweetbreads were really small. Two of us had the Lamb Trilogy as our entree. The roasted lamb loin and the smoked shoulder were very good, but the homemade merguez was the star of the plate. Desserts consisted of the Pyramid of Hazelnut Chocolate Mousse, which is reminiscent of the Hazelnut Kit Kat bar, and the Raspberry Brioche Charlotte "Jean Louis". The chocolate mousse was pretty good, but the brioche was superb. Our waiter was friendly and offered some good menu advice to my Aunt, who wants to return here on her next visit. I'm only sorry it has taken me this long to try RK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
treznor Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 I know that I am preaching to the choir here, but why on Earth was nobody at this restaurant on Saturday night? I know that the location is not ideal for weekend dining, but I could not believe how empty the place was last Saturday. We were there at 7:30pm and there were only 2 other tables occupied during the evening. I hope that this was a fluke, because this place is serving fantastic food. Unfortunately I don't think it was a fluke. I've been in a couple times on weekend evenings and the dining room was at best 1/4 full. To my mind RK has the largest disparity in food quality versus people showing up in the area. The last time I was in a couple weeks ago it gave me a chance to catch up with Carolynn and Jamie for a little while, but honestly I'd like to see them busier so they can rake in more cash :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Domino Posted August 4, 2007 Share Posted August 4, 2007 I've just gotten used to Carolyn telling us. Where are yoooouuu? Hi Jamie- I sorry- I am here in reality just not in spirit. After RW we will be singing "Kielbasa" which is to the tune of "Volare" so it goes something like this: "Kielbasa, whoa 0" as we rake in the see below Unfortunately I don't think it was a fluke. I've been in a couple times on weekend evenings and the dining room was at best 1/4 full. To my mind RK has the largest disparity in food quality versus people showing up in the area. The last time I was in a couple weeks ago it gave me a chance to catch up with Carolynn and Jamie for a little while, but honestly I'd like to see them busier so they can rake in more cash :-) Thanks Hon! Rake in more cash. Tee hee. I have started my book, in my spare time, which contains the chapter "Owning and Running a Restaurant: A Cautionary Tale" RW menu on the website mind there is no $9 Lunch that week. If anyone would like to come and not get too abused I recommend RW dinnertime though check our new low, low prices on the regular dinner menu in our ever ongoing efforts to not be 1/4 full. (as opposed to 3/4 empty) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Domino Posted September 4, 2007 Share Posted September 4, 2007 September Bar Lunch as Follows: Stachowski Brand Pastrami with Swiss on Pumpernickel with Best on K Fries Baked Ziti with Natural Chicken Rose Cream Fish Taco Fresh Pollack, Cabbage Slaw, Pico de Gallo Grilled Pizza Margarita or White carolyn@restaurantkolumbia.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
synaesthesia Posted September 6, 2007 Share Posted September 6, 2007 I don't know much about pastrami, so I can't say much in comparison. All I know is that my hands still smell like smoky, bacony-scented, fatty goodness. You can't really ask for more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xcanuck Posted September 6, 2007 Share Posted September 6, 2007 Holy f**k...that was some incredible pastrami. Smoked in Jamie's "man cave", it achieves depths of flavour you don't get in any deli pastrami. Worth the trip. But maybe I shouldn't have had the two beers. Sleepy time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielK Posted September 6, 2007 Share Posted September 6, 2007 The pastrami itself was incredible, and the pumpernickel too, but I thought the sandwich as a whole was overdressed. I would have lost the mayo and onions, and taken a far lighter hand with the mustard. Nobody mentioned the fab-as-always frites, either... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edenman Posted September 6, 2007 Share Posted September 6, 2007 The pastrami itself was incredible, and the pumpernickel too, but I thought the sandwich as a whole was overdressed. I would have lost the mayo and onions, and taken a far lighter hand with the mustard. Slightly overdressed (although I would keep all the condiments and just scale them back a touch), and the thin bread made for a sloppy mess. But damn that's some good pastrami. And yes, the fries were spot-on as usual. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Domino Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 Duly noted. Thanks for coming by. Carolyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbq4me Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 Jaime's pig won runner up in the pig cook off for the Chefs on Bikes/Share Our Strength fundraiser. Now if you had the Caja China.... If you don't have the article from the Middleburg paper, I'll drop off a copy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
synaesthesia Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 I finished off the other half of my pastrami during my layover at DFW airport. The bread did manage to hold up reasonably, but I could definitely see slicing it a little thicker. Someone should do a bring-it-to-the-airport promotion. Packable yummyness! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agm Posted September 12, 2007 Share Posted September 12, 2007 Since nobody has mentioned this yet: "Tres Sabores Wine Dinner Monday, September 17, 2007 Join us for a five course dinner featuring the fine wines of the Tres Sabores winery. Julie Johnson, 'Wine Grower' of Tres Sabores, will be on hand to describe her creations. The evening will begin with a reception at 6:30pm with dinner following at 7:15pm. The price is $89 per person including tax and tip." Menu and further details on the RK website. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
youngfood Posted September 25, 2007 Share Posted September 25, 2007 With now 164 posts, Restaurant Kolumbia can hardly qualify for the list of places that never come up, but it surely does qualify as a spot that doesn't come up nearly enough and doesn't receive the attention, accolades, and audience it deserves. Now a popular spot for lunch and happy hour, the restaurant's cooking, ambiance, and prices warrant a better draw. Indeed, I'm starting to think of RK as I did Corduroy a few years ago: it is a gem whose prices and crowds are lower than restaurants of its ilk solely because of its location. The chef's tasting menu on Saturday did not disappoint. 5 courses at $65 has got to be one of the best deals around and we were able to get 10 different courses between the two of us (a nice touch). Wine pairings have gone up in price, but are still quite affordable at $25 per person for five glasses, and I'm pretty sure we were served actual champagne to start the evening which was quite fun. While I'm no expert, I don't believe we were served any "plonk" because from my vantage point - they don't serve plonk here. An amuse of "clams casino" came before/with the soup course. Lobster Bisque swirled with Tomato soup with a floating pea flan (Lobster Bullseye) and a mushroom soup whose details now escape me were a delight. The second courses were a frisee with various cured forms of duck (the duck prosciutto was out of this world) and crispy sweetbreads salad. Next came the wrapped scallops with a delightful corn succotash (no beans). The succotash was really outstanding and I like that they bother to serve diver scallops. Not sure how many places do, but I'm always impressed with the scallops they serve here. The crab cake seemed like pure crab (scallop puree in lieu of bread crumbs) while the lamb trilogy was another fun way to work in some of chef's meat creations - it featured his homemade merguez. I'm not someone who can splurge for tasting menus & wine pairings often, but RKs was too good not to do again soon. Seriously, people should stop treating this as a place for lunch or happy hour and give some real consideration to having a full outstanding meal. Even if you aren't up for a full tasting menu, versions of some of the dishes I've described are available on the quite affordable regular menu. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monsterriffs Posted September 26, 2007 Share Posted September 26, 2007 I work in a law firm and one of my coworkers was asking me about places she could send one of her attorneys and a client for dinner, and I actually thought of RK since it's pretty nearby and top notch, but then I realized that I haven't had the chance to go to RK yet and don't know if the atmosphere will be appropriate for a client meeting. I'm pretty sure it will be, but please fill me in! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan7147 Posted September 26, 2007 Share Posted September 26, 2007 I work in a law firm and one of my coworkers was asking me about places she could send one of her attorneys and a client for dinner, and I actually thought of RK since it's pretty nearby and top notch, but then I realized that I haven't had the chance to go to RK yet and don't know if the atmosphere will be appropriate for a client meeting.I'm pretty sure it will be, but please fill me in! I have taken clients there a couple of times for lunch and the atmosphere is perfectly fine for a client meeting Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmmboy Posted September 26, 2007 Share Posted September 26, 2007 I work in a law firm and one of my coworkers was asking me about places she could send one of her attorneys and a client for dinner, and I actually thought of RK since it's pretty nearby and top notch, but then I realized that I haven't had the chance to go to RK yet and don't know if the atmosphere will be appropriate for a client meeting.I'm pretty sure it will be, but please fill me in! Totally agree - I'd have no problem bringing my law clients there. And they will love the food! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chef Tom Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 While looking through this auction http://rasmus.com/auction_detail.php?ID=371137 it appeared to be Restaurant Kolumbia. I guess they're closing soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
synaesthesia Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 While looking through this auction http://rasmus.com/auction_detail.php?ID=371137 it appeared to be Restaurant Kolumbia.I guess they're closing soon. Argh.... nooooo... =( This stinks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hannah Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 That's terrible news - we were in on Friday night and had a really terrific dinner that I hadn't gotten a chance to post about yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonRocks Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 I just got off the phone with Jamie Stachowski. Restaurant Kolumbia's last day will be October 27th. They were going to announce it in about another week with an email to their regular customers, and Jamie was stunned that the auction photos have been posted on the internet. There are no firm plans, but Jamie says the next step will be an Eastern-European bistro, playing into the strength of his Polish roots. Location? Time frame? Unknown. Happy hour before October 27th? Hell yes. Who's game and when? Daniel, can you organize something maybe? Claudia? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pool Boy Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 Only went once, but sorry to see it go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
synaesthesia Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 I just got off the phone with Jamie Stachowski. Restaurant Kolumbia's last day will be October 27th. They were going to announce it in about another week with an email to their regular customers, and Jamie was stunned that the auction photos have been posted on the internet. There are no firm plans, but Jamie says the next step will be an Eastern-European bistro, playing into the strength of his Polish roots. Location? Time frame? Unknown. Happy hour before October 27th? Hell yes. Who's game and when? Daniel, can you organize something maybe? Claudia? I'd be glad to help organize, and I may be volunteering ferment everything against his will since we're there for lunch all the time. RK is like our work-lunch mom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agm Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 Well, damn, that sucks. Jamie recently mentioned the Eastern European idea for his next restaurant, but I thought he was talking long-term, not the near future. I'm definitely in for a happy hour - weekends this month are bad, but weeknights are free. NQD may have some weeknight conflicts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielK Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 I'd be glad to help organize, and I may be volunteering ferment everything against his will since we're there for lunch all the time. RK is like our work-lunch mom. I am probably going to be there for a business drink tomorrow at 5, so I'll start the ball rolling. I'll ask if any particular day that week is good for them for a happy hour, but looking at my calendar, how about Wednesday the 24th? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
synaesthesia Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 I am probably going to be there for a business drink tomorrow at 5, so I'll start the ball rolling.I'll ask if any particular day that week is good for them for a happy hour, but looking at my calendar, how about Wednesday the 24th? I'd vote for the 25th. Wednesday HHs make Thursdays feel like Fridays. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edenman Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 I am probably going to be there for a business drink tomorrow at 5, so I'll start the ball rolling. I am in the wrong line of work. That said, this whole thing makes the baby jesus cry. The 25th is good. I might also, out of principle, perch myself up at the bar on the 22nd, 23rd, and 26th. Somehow, I've never had dinner at RK, and this is something I will remedy before the doors shutter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xcanuck Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 This is terrible news!!! What a loss. The 25th sounds like a great idea. Lisa and I were planning on taking her sister there for dinner tomorrow night. Maybe we'll see you there, Daniel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 What a shame! Paula and I really enjoyed our meal back in July and have talked about going back. We will have to see if we can squeeze in one more meal before they close. Best of luck to Jamie and Carolyn in their new venture. We look forward to it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brettashley01 Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 Oh this is sad! Something abouth the 25th is ringing a bell in my head, but unless I can figure out what it is I'll be there! (Also isn't that a Thursday- not a Wednesday as mentioned above?) On the subject of an Eastern-European Bistro- Jamie and Carolyn if you're reading this- I've got a background running the U.S.- Baltic Foundation and would jump at the chance to put that and my love of restaurants to work!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielK Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 ...isn't that a Thursday- not a Wednesday as mentioned above?) I proposed Wednesday the 24th, some others countered with Thursday the 25th. I will talk with Carolyn tonight and see if they have a preference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielK Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 The 25th sounds like a great idea. Lisa and I were planning on taking her sister there for dinner tomorrow night. Maybe we'll see you there, Daniel. Even though I posted at 12:02 this morning, I thought it was still Tuesday. By "tomorrow", I meant Wednesday, so I will not see you there... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rkduggins Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 24th Wednesday or 25th Thursday works for me. I am sorry to hear this, and now regret that I wasn't able to go more often, since I enjoy myself very much each time I go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 Another vote for the 25th. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monsterriffs Posted October 11, 2007 Share Posted October 11, 2007 I'm down for the 25th. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonRocks Posted October 11, 2007 Share Posted October 11, 2007 So, I decided to go back to Kolumbia for lunch today. I have heard so many good things about it over the past few months, I figured that I should give it another shot before it closes in a few weeks. I had the kielbasa and best on K fries. To be honest, it was a bit better than average. I felt that it was a great deal for $9 at lunch, but while the kielbasa was good, the bread that it was served on was simply OK. I liked the nuts and raisins, that was a pleasant surprise, but the bread didn't seem to be the most fresh to me. But, the thing that disappointed me was the fries. Hey, I can see why these fries have drawn accolades from people recently, but this batch wasn't a good one at all, very soggy. Every once in a while, maybe one out of every 15 or 20 fries, I got a good one, but that isn't a very good ratio. I liked the plantain dish that my friend had more than this. For what it's worth, I had the same thing last night and loved it. I think the bread might have been a bit thin for the kielbasa, but my fries were perfectly cooked. And it's nine dollars! Cheers, Rocks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielK Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 Spoke with Carolyn at lunch today (everyone should go and get the $9 Bar Lunch Grilled Calamari Risotto, BTW). We are all set for Happy Hour at RK on Thursday, October 25th. I have created a thread for it in the "Events and Gatherings" message area, so please go RSVP so we get a reasonably accurate headcount. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agm Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 It looks like news of the closing made the Post Express today. Well, at least the online version. I haven't seen a print copy. Their source? DonRockwell.com, of course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capital Icebox Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 It looks like news of the closing made the Post Express today. Well, at least the online version. I haven't seen a print copy. Their source? DonRockwell.com, of course.Someone forgot to link. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan7147 Posted October 13, 2007 Share Posted October 13, 2007 Spoke with Carolyn at lunch today (everyone should go and get the $9 Bar Lunch Grilled Calamari Risotto, I had the risotto today it was very good ( and at $9 it was larceny) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lydia R Posted October 13, 2007 Share Posted October 13, 2007 I wish the entire Restaurant Kolumbia crew well. This closure affects everyone who works there and I hope they all land well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
youngfood Posted October 17, 2007 Share Posted October 17, 2007 I only recently realized that Jamie Stachowski used to work at Pesce. Perhaps that explains why the seafood dishes coming out of his kitchen are so tasty. Last night the Chilled, Grilled Shrimp came simply adorned with corn and salad, but they were so perfectly tender that they didn't need anything else. Man, I'm really sorry this place isn't going to around much longer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted October 28, 2007 Share Posted October 28, 2007 Butcher's Board + Braised Short Ribs + Rockfish Cacciatore = Wonderful Last Meal Last Night Restaurant Kolumbia, you will be missed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
synaesthesia Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 Reading this thread again makes me so sad. I miss my yummy $9 lunches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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