Columbia Opens The Hollow – A Unique Dining Spot

News Summary

Columbia has welcomed a new dining experience, The Hollow, located at 823 Gervais St. This restaurant offers a unique menu focused on wild game dishes, featuring ingredients sourced locally and ethically. With a rustic forest-themed ambiance, The Hollow invites diners to savor captivating flavors, including dishes like elk filet and Famously Hot Fried Pheasant. Executive Chef Dante Serra emphasizes sustainability while providing a creative, seasonally changing menu aimed at both game enthusiasts and adventurous eaters.

Columbia Welcomes The Hollow – A Unique Dining Adventure!

Columbia is buzzing with excitement as a brand new dining spot, The Hollow, has officially opened its doors! Situated right in the heart of the Vista at 823 Gervais St., this fresh eatery is turning heads with a focus on something truly special – wild game dishes. This unique culinary experience is a welcome addition to the local food scene, and it’s poised to offer more than just a meal; it’s crafting a journey through the flavors of the wild!

A Quirky Forest Vibe

Walking into The Hollow feels like stepping into a scenic forest retreat. The restaurant boasts a delightful forest aesthetic, featuring deep browns and greens, exposed brick walls, and even a magnificent tree centerpiece that hangs gracefully over the bar. This inviting atmosphere is designed to whisk you away and immerse you in an experience that feels both adventurous and cozy.

Culinary Highlights to Savor

Now, let’s talk food! The menu here is nothing short of enticing. You have to try the standout 8-ounce elk filet, which is beautifully paired with a fig balsamic reduction, creamy cremini mushroom risotto, and vibrant rainbow carrots. If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, the restaurant is proud to serve its Famously Hot Fried Pheasant, accompanied by a delectable squash hash drizzled with blackberry gastrique.

The appetizer selections are equally mouthwatering. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for the flight of deviled duck eggs, or indulge in some crispy duck-fat hot fries dusted with habanero for a little kick, all beautifully complemented by bleu crème fraîche.

Focus on Wild Game and Sustainability

At the helm of this culinary adventure is Executive Chef Dante Serra, who is passionate about preparing a variety of game meats like elk, venison, and boar. The commitment to sustainability shines through as the restaurant sources its meats from farms across Georgia, Texas, Wisconsin, and beyond. This not only ensures fresh, high-quality ingredients but also supports responsible farming practices that are better for the environment.

Owner Chris Fitz is on a mission to elevate traditional Southern hunting foods, bringing them to the forefront in a way that appeals to everyone. The menu is dynamic and changes with the seasons, meaning there’s always something new and exciting to try. Future offerings might even include adventurous choices like frog legs, alligator, and lamb!

Local Flavor, Global Ingredients

One of the unique touches at The Hollow is its dedication to local sourcing. Whenever possible, the restaurant features produce and freshwater fish from local farmers, providing a delicious, farm-to-table experience to customers. This not only helps support the community, but it also guarantees the freshest ingredients on your plate.

Fitz noted that there are surprising new sources of game meat now becoming available domestically, which used to be hard to come by. This revelation opens up an exciting world of flavor possibilities that diners in Columbia are ready to explore.

The Perfect Blend of Rustic and Refined

The concept at The Hollow emphasizes a beautiful balance of rustic, hearty flavors with the creativity of a chef-driven menu. Whether you’re a game enthusiast or simply looking to try something new, this restaurant aims to cater to the growing appetite for more exotic meats right here in Columbia.

The Hollow is not just a restaurant; it’s a culinary adventure that invites you to explore the wild tastes of nature in a beautifully rustic setting. So grab your friends or family and get ready to savor something extraordinary!

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: The Hollow – Unique Dining Adventure
• Good Bull Hunting: Post Game Thoughts on Columbia Game
• The State: Local News Article
• WRDW: Rabid Wildlife Discovered in Aiken and Columbia Counties
• MILB: Fireflies Lose Wild Finale
• Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
• Google Search: Columbia Food Scene
• Google Scholar: Columbia Restaurants
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia, South Carolina
• Google News: Columbia Restaurants

Author: HERE Lexington