Appetites

Columbia Cafe

I have been putting off my review of the Columbia Cafe in Shreveport for two weeks because I was hoping that I would find the notes I took about my meal. I took those notes on a copy of their menu, and I was also hoping to share with you a few of the items that I didn't have a chance to sample.

I have not found my notes, despite a diligent search. I suspect my notes were stolen by agents of a foreign government. I will not name the foreign government I suspect, but it rhymes with "Fanada." Damn hockey-beavers.

Anyway, as I have already said, I was not expecting to eat as well as I did in Shreveport. That's my New Orleans parochialism showing through, I guess. As it turns out, Shreveport is a great food town, and Columbia Cafe is a prime example. It's located near Centenary College in a converted home. I had a little difficulty finding the entrance, and from my vantage point, I saw other potential diners having the same problem. But once you enter, it's a very welcoming environment.

There were three or four small dining rooms open on the tuesday I went for lunch. All but one of the rooms were lit by windows that faced the exterior of the building, and the intimacy of the tables reminded me a little of the Upperline or Clancy's in New Orleans; with the notable difference that the rooms at Columbia had windows.

The food I had was excellent. That much I remember. I recall a haddock fillet cooked perfectly, and served over a salad with asparagus and grape-tomatoes. I also recall an unbelievably good selection of beers, and a similarly good selection of wines by the glass. Unfortunately, without my notes, I remember little else.

I'm going to try and contact the folks at Columbia, to see if they can fill in some blanks, and I'll update this post if possible. When I get back to Shreveport, I'll definitely be eating at Columbia Cafe again.

Posted by Robert at July 12, 2005 11:03 PM