Sophia's - Posted 3/29/07
Sophia’s restaurant provided an exceptional time just a few days ago and I can’t wait to go back. Located in South Columbia Sophia’s defines Southern European cuisine. The atmosphere is lively and laughter can always be heard throughout the dining room.
Strolling into Sophia’s we where immediately hit by wonderful music and an array of sights. A spacious dining room with lofty ceilings can fit an intimate dinner for two or a large party. A sleek horseshoe-shaped bar to the left can conquer any thirst you have. Sophia’s outstandingly unique art on the wall is from David Spear, a local artist who returned to Columbia in 2000. The rag washed walls enhance the European feel and add warmth to the muted tones that make Sophia’s so relaxing. With spring here and warmer weather on the way Sophia’s beautiful patio will make for a great afternoon as well.
Bottles of wine also adorn the walls around Sophia’s. They offer numerous types and styles of wine for every palate. More than one hundred different selections are available from Merlots to Reislings and even a reserved wine list for special occasions. I whittled my choice to the Marchetti "Dei Castelli Di Jesi - Classico" a 2004 from Italy. It was a wonderfully light choice to begin my evening.
Sophia’s
dinner menu, in their words is “upscale (but not snobby)”
and I agree. You’ll find things that you’ve tried and things
you might never heard of, either way it’s a diverse menu that
always surprises. The Antipasti offers Calamari Fritti and a Hummus
Plate. Both would be a wise decision if the Puffed Pastry Tre Formaggi
didn’t catch my attention. Sophia’s takes mozzarella, monterey
jack, cheddar, and fresh basil wraps them in a puff pastry and teams
them with a raspberry pepper jelly and marinara. The pastry exploded
with warm cheeses and a basil leave enhanced each slice. Topped with
the raspberry jelly this appetizer was A+.
Sophia’s dinner options cover every base with pasta, gourmet pizza, seafood, steaks, and chicken. The extra touch to the European cuisine makes choosing one entree very difficult. Sophia’s selections such as Grilled Duck Napoleon, Godiva Ahi Tuna, topped with a Godiva liquor sauce, and Balsamic Mascarpone Chicken Bowtie make for a hard decision. However the Brandy Cream Filet caught my eye and I’m glad it did.
Sophia’s
8 oz. Filet is grilled to your liking and topped with a brandy cream
sauce. Your options of sides, for any entrée, include white cheddar
mashers, lemon butter asparagus, and a cous cous salad. The Filet was
tantalizing and cooked with precision. Adding the Brandy cream sauce
made the steak known to each taste bud, it was a gorgeous combination.
The Balsamic Mascarpone Chicken Bowtie pasta was also tried and it was flavorful to say the least. At Sophia’s the sautéed chicken is mixed with prosciutto, Granny Smith apples, walnuts, and roma tomatoes then tossed in a creamy balsamic mascarpone cheese sauce. It’s a huge battle of flavor in your mouth. One more ingredient might have made a great entrée too much to take.
This
night was finished with Sophia’s Tuxedo Triple Layer Mousse Cake.
Be careful though, I think you have to go to the gym just for saying
it. Dark chocolate forms a hard shell on the top of this tower followed
by white chocolate, vanilla cake and chocolate ganache. For a chocolate
lover you couldn’t ask for a better desert. Needless to say I’ll
be at the gym tomorrow night.
Sophia’s is outstanding all the way around. From their wine list and décor to the lively atmosphere Sophia’s bundles a great night out all in one place. So go enjoy Sophia’s and something tells me you’ll find yourself wanting to go back in just a few days.
Adam L.
Food Evangelist
foodevangelist@midmodiningguide.com
MidMoDiningGuide.com
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