Hemingway's Wine & Bistro- Posted 2/14/08
3910 Peachtree Dr. Ste. H
Columbia, MO 65203
573-443-2779
Hemingway's Wine and Bistro is quite a find in Columbia, Missouri. If you're looking for that intimate evening out look no further than Hemingway's. They have private dining options for as little as two people or groups as large as twenty. Their knowledgeable staff in the restaurant and in their retail store can help you with all your wine, cigar and dining needs.
Located in south Columbia Hemingway's is a dimly lit restaurant with warm tones and unique style. No detail was left untended; leather-wrapped chairs, fresh flowers on every table, even the local artwork by Julie Allen is exceptional. Dark woods and reds fill the space making a very sexy atmosphere, while the restaurant and bar are separated by seductive beaded drape. Rock archways show up throughout Hemingway's and allow you to see into an open kitchen where you'll find the creative staff hard at work.
Since 1997, Hemingway's has been the place for wine and cigars in Mid-Missouri. With the addition of the restaurant they have another medium for their superb knowledge to another medium. Need to find that perfect glass of wine for your entree? You've come to the right place.
With an abundance of wine at their fingertips, Hemingway's has every angle covered. Besides "by the glass" and a long list of bottled wine, Hemingway's offers an updated list of "20 under 20." 20 bottles of wine for under 20 dollars each. Whites that include Ken Forrester - Petite Chenin Blanc from South Africa in '05 and Schmitges' Rivaner Dry, Germany '06 to Reds like Quail Ridge's Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa '03 and Avalon's Cabernet Sauvignon, California '05.
Moving onto the food, Hemingway's has also left no detail undone. They enjoy "taking classic favorites and making them new and irresistible." Hemingway's not only knows about wine, but also cheese, which is why we started our meal with the Antipasti Platter. This evening the hand selected cheeses included Bleu, Brie, and Swiss. They were plated delightfully next to sliced Prosciutto, Salami, marinated olives and Italian Hummus. Grilled toast points sprinkled with balsamic vinaigrette finished this appetizer.
Hemingway's has outstanding options for lunch with soups, salads, Paninis, and even Crepes. If you come for dinner, your selections will also be as diverse. Salmon Bouillabaisse is a favorite; fresh Atlantic salmon, gulf shrimp and assorted vegetables slowly cooked in a fennel, saffron and tomato stew. The Pork Chop Au Poivre has a grilled and peppered chop topped with green peppercorn sauce, served with a saute of haricot verte and sweet potato mashers.
The Braised Lamb Shank came to the table topped with gremolata and served over vegetable barley ragout. The Lamb Shank was ridiculously tender; meat literally fell off the bone with just a tug of the fork. The Osso Bucco also came to the table and is a very delicate dish. Veal shanks are braised with olive oil and white wine, topped with a veal demi glace, served with saffron risotto Milanese and finished with traditional gremolata.
Hemingway's takes classic favorites and puts a new spin on them; each entree and plate was a generous portion of flavor. Both the Lamb and Veal were tender, juicy and full of stimulating flavor. Irresistibly unique combinations and bold presentation is what you can find there everyday.
To top off a sizeable dinner, a Chocolate Mouse Crepe was the last thing to defeat. Smooth and fluffy mouse lay in and around a folded crepe topped with whipped cream. This dessert did not last long.
Not only is Hemingway's an outstanding restaurant, it is also a store where you can find Spirits, Champagne, Single Malt Scotchs, Cigars, or Gourmet Gift Baskets from a staff that can help with any selection.
The food philosophy at Hemingway's Wine & Bistro is "one of inclusion, not exclusion. The style is next-generation contemporary where food and wine come together to make an unforgettable experience." It achieves the philosophy, and then some. To make things even better, Hemingway's is also the first restaurant in Mid-Missouri to offer online reservations for parties up to 20. I suggest finding out more, as soon as you can, about this fantastic restaurant.
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Adam L.
Food Evangelist
foodevangelist@midmodiningguide.com
MidMoDiningGuide.com
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