Craig C.
Yelp
For our next meal, we visited Columbia, a Spanish/Cuban restaurant. My wife and her daughter-in-law shared a pitcher of sangria. Of course since we am writing this review, I had to take a taste. Very fruity and delicious. They brought out Cuban bread, which was good. We then opted for a cup of Spanish Bean soup. I like my food (and soup) to be hot when I receive it, and this was perfect. This soup is garbanzo beans, simmered with smoked ham, chorizo sausage and potatoes in a broth of chicken and ham. For our entrees, we shared the Melruza al la Rusa. This is described as a mild and slightly sweet fish with tender, meaty white flakes, grilled and garnished with lemon butter, hard boiled egg, and parsley. My wife's son had the Lechon Asado "1905." This is a pork shoulder marinated in a garlic citrus sauce, and slowly roasted until tender, and was it ever tender! His wife had the original "1905" salad. The signature salad, named for the year the restaurant was founded in Tampa's Latin district of Ybor City, was inspired by immigrants to the Cigar City: Romano cheese from the Sicilians an the famous garlic dressing used by Cubans to marinate fresh roast pork, plus Florida tomatoe iceberg lettuce*, julienne of baked ham and Swiss cheese. She couldn't finish it all of course so the rest was boxed up. For dessert, we tried the Flan and Key Lime pie Pie, and both were excellent. Our server, Steven, was quiet and respectful, making this a relaxing meal. He was on top of refilling our waters. If this type of cuisine appeals to you, then rush to Columbia Restaurant.