Best 4 The Columbia Restaurant Recipes

The Columbia Restaurant is a renowned Spanish restaurant located in Ybor City, Tampa, Florida. It is famous for its authentic Cuban and Spanish cuisine, and has been in operation since 1905. The restaurant has become a landmark in the city and a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. The menu at The Columbia Restaurant is extensive and features a variety of dishes, from traditional Spanish tapas to classic Cuban entrees. In this article, we will explore some of the best recipes inspired by The Columbia Restaurant, providing you with step-by-step instructions and tips to create delicious dishes at home.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

COLUMBIA RESTAURANT SPANISH BEAN SOUP

Columbia Restaurant Spanish Bean Soup image

I recently went to Columbia Restaurant in West Palm Beach and absolutely loved this soup. Cooking time does not include soaking beans.

Provided by Valerie in Florida

Categories < 60 Mins

Time 1h

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1/2 lb uncooked garbanzo beans, dried (also called chickpeas)
1 ham bone
1 beef bone
2 quarts water
1 tablespoon salt
1/4 lb salt pork, cut in thin strips
1 onion, finely chopped
1 chorizo sausage, sliced in thin rounds (Spanish sausage)
2 potatoes, peeled and cut in quarters
1 pinch saffron
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Steps:

Wash garbanzo beans. Soak overnight with 1 tablespoon salt in enough water to cover beans. Drain the salted water from the beans.
Place beans in 4-quart soup kettle; add 2 quarts of water and ham and beef bones. Cook for 45 minutes over low heat, skimming foam from the top.
Fry salt pork slowly in a skillet.
Add chopped onion and sauté lightly. Add to beans along with potatoes, paprika, and saffron. Add salt to taste.
When potatoes are tender, remove from heat and add chorizo. Serve hot in deep soup bowls. Serves 4.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 442.5, Fat 29.4, SaturatedFat 10.6, Cholesterol 37.6, Sodium 2519.9, Carbohydrate 34.7, Fiber 5.3, Sugar 2, Protein 10.3

COLUMBIA'S ORIGINAL "1905" SALAD

Columbia's Original

1905 is the year that the Columbia Restaurant was founded in the Ybor City section of Tampa, Florida. At this legendary restaurant, this wonderful salad is tossed at your table. Don't forget to have some warm Cuban bread and sweet cream butter to serve along with this delicious salad.

Provided by Alan in SW Florida

Categories Salad Dressings

Time 15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1/2 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
2 ripe tomatoes, cut into eighths
1/2 cup sliced swiss cheese, cut into julienne strips
1/2 cup sliced baked ham, cut into julienne strips (or turkey or shrimp)
1/4 cup green Spanish olives, pitted
2 teaspoons freshly grated romano cheese
1/8 cup white wine vinegar
1/2 cup extra-virgin Spanish olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Steps:

Toss together all salad ingredients in a large bowl, except Romano cheese.
Mix garlic, oregano, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Beat until smooth with a wire whisk. Add olive oil, gradually beating to form an emulsion. Stir in vinegar and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
Add dressing to salad and toss well. Add Romano cheese and toss one more time.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 364.3, Fat 33.9, SaturatedFat 7.1, Cholesterol 24, Sodium 475.2, Carbohydrate 7.2, Fiber 2, Sugar 3.4, Protein 9.8

COLUMBIA RESTAURANT GOOD RICE

Columbia Restaurant Good Rice image

This rice goes with everything and has much more flavor than plain white rice. The recipe comes from the famed Columbia Restaurant which started in Ybor City, FL and now has locations throughout Florida. Easy to make and very flavorful; I especially like the texture...not sticky, not greasy, just right.

Provided by Epi Curious

Categories Long Grain Rice

Time 23m

Yield 8 , 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter
1 large onion, chopped
2 cups long-grain rice
4 cups chicken broth (I prefer to use low sodium broth)
1/2 cup parsley, fresh, chopped
1/2 cup basil, fresh, chopped
salt

Steps:

Melt butter and saute' onion until transparent. Add rice and stir constantly until it turns into a caramel color. Add chicken broth, then parsley, basil and salt. Bring to a boil and lower flame. Cover and steam rice for 18 minutes. Fluff with a large two-tined fork. Serves 6 to 8.

ADAPTED COLUMBIA RESTAURANT 1905 SALAD RECIPE

Adapted Columbia Restaurant 1905 Salad Recipe image

I found this recipe on MyGourmetConnection.com and here is what was stated about this recipe: "The Columbia Restaurant is an authentic Spanish/Cuban restaurant with seven locations in the state of Florida, including one in the Orlando area near Walt Disney World. The original opened in the Ybor City district of Tampa in 1905. Their signature salad, The 1905, is legendary and the proprietors are kind enough to share the recipe on their website. We've adapted it a little to suit our taste and served it along with crunchy Smoked Paprika-Manchego Croutons. The croutons themselves, sound awesome but knowing how good the salad is at the restaurant and adding them to it has to be over the top. This serves 2 as a dinner salad and 4 for a first course dish.

Provided by diner524

Categories Salad Dressings

Time 22m

Yield 2-4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 21

Ingredients

6 cups romaine lettuce (or a combination) or 6 cups iceberg lettuce (or a combination)
2 ripe tomatoes, cored and cut into eighths
1/4 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup swiss cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
3/4 cup ham, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1/4 cup pitted green olives, chopped
2 -3 garlic cloves, very finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
salt and pepper
2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/4 French baguette, cut into eight 1/2-inch thick slices
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 garlic clove, very finely chopped
1/4-1/2 teaspoon authentic spanish smoked paprika
1 pinch sea salt
2 tablespoons grated manchego cheese

Steps:

Preparation:.
Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment. Combine the butter, olive oil, garlic, paprika and sea salt in a small bowl. Spread on the rounds of bread and top each with a portion of the grated Manchego. Bake until toasty and crisp, 5 to 7 minutes.
Toss the lettuce, tomatoes, onion, Swiss cheese, ham and olives in a large salad bowl.
In a small bowl, combine the garlic, oregano, Worcestershire, vinegar and lemon juice. Gradually whisk in the olive oil to form an emulsion. Add the dressing to salad and toss well. Season with salt and pepper to taste, sprinkle with the grated Parmesan and serve with Smoked Paprika-Manchego Croutons.

Tips:

Mise en place: Before you start cooking, make sure you have all of your ingredients and equipment ready to go. This will help you stay organized and avoid scrambling.
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your dish will taste. Whenever possible, use organic, locally-sourced ingredients.
Season your food well: Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the flavor of your food. Don't be afraid to experiment with other seasonings, such as herbs, spices, and citrus.
Cook your food properly: Overcooking can ruin your food, so make sure you cook it to the proper temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that your meat is cooked to your desired doneness.
Don't crowd your pans: When you're cooking, it's important to give your food enough space to cook evenly. If you crowd your pans, your food will steam instead of sear.
Use a variety of cooking techniques: Don't just stick to one cooking method. Try using a variety of techniques, such as sautéing, roasting, grilling, and baking, to create different flavors and textures.
Garnish your dishes: A simple garnish can make a big difference in the presentation of your food. Use fresh herbs, citrus zest, or chopped nuts to add color and flavor to your dishes.

Conclusion:

Cooking is a skill that takes time and practice to master. But with the right tips and techniques, you can create delicious meals that your family and friends will love. So get in the kitchen and start experimenting! The more you cook, the better you'll become.