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Restaurant week is also going on if people are looking to try out some of these places with a reasonably priced prix fixe. Most are in the $20-$35 range per person, and typically include an appetizer, entree and dessert.
The following is the dialogue between her and me via email.
Me: Hi. Did you find any of Columbia's restaurants to be short-staffed and in crisis? (Reference her article above on Charleston's crossroads in the food industry.)
Her: Since I was working in a reviewing capacity, I didn't have a chance to talk to restaurateurs up there. But I spoke with Steve Palmer for the staffing story, and he didn't indicate the situation was much better at Oak Table. The difference here is that Charleston has a long history of hospitality to uphold (as much as I enjoyed my trip to Columbia, the service I experienced was fairly lackadaisical compared to our local standard), and an economic reliance on its future. So long as Columbia can hang on to the university and state capital, the fate of its restaurant industry is probably less pressing.
Me: Thank you for your response and your thoughts. As a Columbia resident for 30 years, I can say that this community is no longer allowing the powers that be nor the business community, including restaurants, to rest on the three-legged stool (state government, USC and Fort Jackson) for this city's success. The growing techie and arts crowd here are very demanding, and this is a city full of determined residents. Stay tuned, and by all means come again.
Her: Right: I witnessed all of that growth during my short stay. And fair point on the "three-legged stool." I suppose what really struck me was the diversification of the economy. It sounds like you keep up with Columbia. If anything's ever happening up that way of which I or my readers should be aware, please don't hesitate to write.
Cool.
Last edited by Charlestondata; 07-09-2014 at 06:35 AM..
Had lunch at Za's Pizza the other day. Downright disappointed. Pizza was bland, the crust was soggy in the middle, and maybe 5 or 6 banana peppers total on it. Not worth the price or drive for sure. On the other hand, I went and tried J Gumbo's on recommendation and was quite pleased. I'm sure their location is great for lunch crowd since lots of state, banking, and hospital jobs are within a few blocks. Not a huge Cajun fan, but this had great flavor.
Za's was all right when I had it. Not blown away by any means, sort of uninspired but not bad. I did not care for schianos in forest acres , though, again, pizza is kind of like sex, even when it's bad it's good. Al Amir surprisingly has great pizza though!
Il Giorgione is fantastic. Often full at dinner time, so make a reservation!
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