Jack's Gourmet - Posted 3/15/07
On a warmer March evening I found myself walking into a Columbia legend. Jack’s Gourmet Restaurant has been here, in one form or another, since 1927. Instead of a fine restaurant it all began as a rockin’ hoky-tonk beer hall with a “risqué atmosphere”. After many years, recessions, wars, and even a fire in 2002 Jack’s Gourmet still stands as one of Columbia’s finest.
Live
piano music hangs in the air when you walk into Jacks and the dining
room is dotted with tables topped with crisp white cloths. High-backed
“lovers booths” line the right side and a large chandelier
grabs your attention in the center of the room. The bright red booths
embrace you as soon as you sit, feeling inaccessible but part of the
restaurant. Along with all of this are bow tie, tuxedo shirt waiters
adding to the exquisite feel of Jack’s Gourmet.
Booklets of wine choices are offered with over 50 selections ranging from twelve dollars to two hundred dollars. A large selection of wine by the glass is present as well if a bottle might be too much for one evening. The menu at Jack’s Gourmet is exactly what you would expect. Great culinary delights such as Oysters Rockefeller, Stuffed Artichokes, Steak Coronado, New Zealand Lamb Chops, Champagne of Beef, and Veal Scaloppini line the menu.
I
decided the New Zealand Lamb Chops would do for the evening assisted
by a glass of Francis Coppola’s Diamond Series Zinfandel. The
lamb chops came wonderfully plated with Shitake mushrooms, green beans,
and brussel sprouts. Adorned with a zesty marinade the Lamb was prepared
just right. A beautiful pink center was tender and surrounded by juicy
dark brown crust. Easy to cut right off the bone and with a melt in
your mouth texture the lamb chops were fantastic. The trifecta was completed
with the outstanding wine and fresh vegetables.
For
dessert Jack’s Gourmet has an array of options but none more compelling
than Baked Alaska. Two pieces of Angel Food Cake with a vanilla ice
cream center incased under a marshmallow topping. Of course it can’t
be a “Baked” Alaska without the liquor topping that is set
ablaze as it comes to your table. A fun sight and an even better marshmallow
aroma satisfy your senses. The combined texture of the Baked Alaska
is something you must try. The smooth marshmallow topping based with
firm angel food cake and creamy ice cream crown a thrilling meal.
A throw back to elegance is just moments away at Jack’s Gourmet. For a one of a kind encounter with “must try meals” and an exceptional atmosphere in Columbia look no further than Jack’s Gourmet Restaurant.
Adam L.
Food Evangelist
foodevangelist@midmodiningguide.com
MidMoDiningGuide.com
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