Looking for a trendy, fun place for a drink and a bite in the Vista? You’ve found it at 929 Gervais Street. 929 Kitchen & Bar is owned by young, hip partners Karen and Sean and their silent partners who have dreamed for a long time of serving up authentic Korean food with a modern twist here in their hometown of Columbia. 
Located in an historic red brick building, 929 shows off its owners’ passion for the past with exposed brick walls and polished original wood floors. Modern industrial lighting sparkles above and gorgeous tables (some are shined-up tree trunk slabs) and cool seating invite guests and conversation below. The bar is buzzing non-stop as some of the best-looking cocktails are being mixed, shaken and stirred.
Newly opened, Kathy (me), Sarah (our staff writer) and Steven (Sarah’s husband) visited last week on one of their first nights. Excellent and friendly waitstaff were knowledgeable about the menu. We tried a number of things… starting with Mandoo (Korean Fried Dumplings) that were really wonderful delightful bites (crunchy pillows with a savory filling). I was tempted by the Korean Tacos and the Bulgogi (Philly steak sandwich with truffle fries) – decided to save these for a future visit – and went full-out Korean with the Bibimbap (loved the name ). This colorful collage of veggies and seafood (calamari and octopus) with sauteed mushrooms, spinach, carrots and pickled radish was served over white rice with a red pepper paste on the side. So many tastes and textures had my buds doing the happy dance.
Sarah had the Japchae Noodles with Veggies and she loved it. The noodles are made from sweet potatoes and have a unique translucence. A nice selection of sauteed vegetables truly complement the noodles. Steven tried the Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs and enjoyed the tender-as-can-be beef as it fell from the ribs. Served with rice and vegetables with a tasty soy sesame sauce.
You have to try the Hooteok Ice Cream for dessert! This chewy Korean pancake that is more like a large soft cookie is filled with brown sugar and cinnamon and topped with vanilla ice cream… it’s big, so plenty to share!
Drinks? Sapporo Japanese beer (on tap) for me and Steven while Sarah tried the Tito’s Macha Mule (Tito’s, Macha Tea Green Syrup, Owens Ginger Beer). Relaxed and refreshed we were.
You really should get down to 929 Kitchen & Bar and enjoy Korean in Columbia…. you’ll love it!
Lidl grocery store has been around since 1973. They’re all about high quality, low prices, great items and local partnerships. They like to say, “Our roots are European, but our vegetables are grown here”. Lidl stores are carefully curated for a product assortment and store layout that’s simple, yet full of surprises to discover at every visit! Check out their grand opening in Lexington! The whole family can enjoy activities and giveaways, sample delicious products and you can enter to win great prizes all weekend long. Plus, The first 100 customers will receive a wooden coin for a chance to win up to a $100 gift card! More 
partner, Aaron Hoskins, have designed a menu for the newly renovated space that features flatbreads, panini sandwiches, salads, beverages and snacks, including an assortment of Rise Gourmet Goods & Bakeshop signature baked goods. For a look at the complete menu, 
This brand new Thai “mom and pop shop” that opened in September features your favorite Thai dishes like Tom Yum soup, Green Curry, Thai Beef Salad and Pad Thai, along with dishes you don’t see so much of, like Bahn Mi Tacos, Pho, and Thai Sausage on a Stick! The Noodle Bar menu features selections of proteins, noodles and broths that you choose, to create your own custom-made soup! The Spice Level for the menu ranges from 1-5, so you can choose to bring the heat to your dish, or not. More 
their first day of full hours on Wednesday November 30, 2016! Stop in and raise a glass, and help Main Street welcome its newest neighbor.
at 7210 Broad River Road operating the same hours & boasting the same menu as the other Lexington location. In addition another location plans to open its doors on December 16th at Cherokee Lakes Plaza where Allstar Pizza formally was (1965 Augusta Road, Lexington). This new location will have the same hours as the Lexington location, but have an expanded menu! Mr. Giovanni also plans to open a 3rd Columbia location downtown and all the Foodies cheered. 
Downtown Columbia has a new face on the block, Foodies! Located on the corner of Main Street and Taylor sits the Main Street Public House. Specializing in refined casual cuisine, the Main Street Public House is open 7 days a week serving lunch & dinner as well as brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
market, The Casual Pint offers customers beer-to-go or a pint right in the store. They have a number of draft beer selections on tap, and they sell pints and flights. Growlers can be filled from the tap too! Their Direct Draw Tap system keeping the beer lines short, easy to clean and ensuring customers the freshest beer possible. Packaged beer is available in singles, 6-packs, cases & Craft-Your-Own 6-Packs. Check them out on 
Golden Bay Seafood Restaurant
1616 Gervais Bistro
quality beef brisket and short rib, combined with a signature blend of smoked peppers, coriander, mustard seed and roasted peppercorns (daily roasted in house!) grilled over an open flame. Placed on artisan brioche buns, brushed with house-made infusions of oregano oil, basil oil, rosemary oil or garlic oil (depending on type of burger ordered) and grilled. Fresh lettuce and ripe tomatoes, lager-drenched red onions and your choice of 6 different house-made sauces. The restaurant even makes its own burger pickles, using homemade sweet and spicy vinegar (the menu calls them “quick-pickled sriracha cucumbers”). Burger variations available with awesome toppings include The Smuggler (topped with diced tomatillos and poblanos, swiss cheese, and a honey jalapeno sauce) and The Fully Loaded Paddy Wagon (with topping choices that include a fried egg, a crunchy onion ring, jalapenos, bacon, salsa and tabasco).
