The Columbia Restaurant has been a fixture in Ybor City, the Latin Quarter of Tampa, FL, since 1905. It is the oldest restaurant in Florida and the largest Spanish restaurant in the world. Not only will you experience wonderful foods like, Boliche Criollo, Paella "a la Valencia", and Pompano en Papillot, you can even see Flamico dancers perform. And of course, there is music...everywhere. It's truly an experience!
(Other locations are in St. Augustine, Clearwater Beach, Riverwalk in Tampa, Celebration, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota.)
With all the fabulous foods offered here, my favorite has always been...and still is...the 1905 Salad. This is a simple salad...but the combinations of flavors are superb!
Columbia's Original "1905" SaladTM
The Columbia's legendary salad tossed at your table. Crisp iceberg lettuce with julienne of baked ham, natural Swiss cheese, tomato, olives, grated Romano cheese and our famous garlic dressing (our 100 year old family recipe of fresh garlic, oregano, wine vinegar and Spanish extra virgin olive oil). (from the website)
Over the years, the Columbia has graciously allowed this recipe to be shared. It's found in many Florida regional cookbooks and online. And the fabulous dressing is available for purchase in many gift shops all over the state.
This past week, I made this salad, along with Chicken Salteado, Yellow Rice with Black Beans, and Plantains. for a group of friends. And they all LOVED it...
Here is a photo of "my" salad... and my "Girl's Night" version (in parentheses) of the recipe.
1/2 head of iceberg lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
(I used mixed organic greens)
2 ripe tomatoes, each cut into 8 wedges
1/2 cup thin strips of Swiss cheese
1/2 cup thin strips of ham (2 ounces)
(I used Boar's Head Black Forest Ham...it was on sale)
1/4 cup pitted green Spanish olives
Dressing:
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, preferably Spanish
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 teaspoons coarsely grated pecorino Romano cheese
In a large bowl, toss together the lettuce, tomatoes, Swiss cheese, ham and olives. Set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, oregano and Worcestershire sauce. Gradually whisk in the olive oil, continually beating to form an emulsion. Stir in the vinegar and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss well. Add the pecorino, toss and serve.
You can find the recipes for Chicken/Steak Salteado and Black Beans (Frijoles Negros) by clicking on their names.
Enjoy!
Jane
*** I am linking with Foodie Friday at Designsbygollum... be sure to stop by for some fabulous recipes shared by our fellow bloggers. I have to tell you that some of my new favorites are recipes I have found here. Thanks to all my blogging friends.
14 comments:
I think the key to a good salad is the dressing and this looks delicious. I really enjoyed visiting your blog and hope you get that beach front house of your dreams some day. I may suggest to my sister that we try that restaurant when I come down for a visit this spring. Have a lovely weekend.
Jane, I love the courtyard dining, so pretty.
My lunch, by coincidence, consisted of leftover soupy black beans with leftover salad... all warmed in one pot. Plantain chips to the side. If you try it, don't overcook the lettuce, it needs to stay crisp-tender.
The dressing sounds wonderful for a salad with green olives!
My daughter and I go there at least once a month, specifically for the salad, though everything is so good. We go to the one on Sand Key. The salad is totally addicting. And, as you indicated to use the Spanish Olive Oil, it will turn out exactly like the restaurant. Love your post, makes me want to go this weekend.
Take care,
Joni
Ok, lol...I'm really excited about this post! :D I am making this (maybe tomorrow!). This sounds AMAZING! Oh, and I want to visit the restaurant too. You always make me want to travel...how do you do that? ;)
I've walked past the Columbia in Ybor City several times and wanted to go in...but it was always closed...so Thanks!!! for the salad recipe complete with dressing (the best part). It'll help to fill out the mystery of this ancient (well, 100-year-old) place. Flamenco dancers? We've gotta go :)
Hi Jane! Oh your salad sounds and looks so delicious! I am going to make this and that dressing! I've just had my cereal and I'm drooling! Thanks you for popping in to see me.
be a sweetie,
Shelia;)
This salad looks soooo good! I popped over and read the Chicken recipe, as well, and I must make these sometime soon. I'm so happy you stopped in to say hello to me today so that I could hop over and find your wonderful blog. I am now your newest follower. I look forward to getting to know you. Have a wonderful weekend, Candace
I love this salad! I especially love going to the Columbia on 1905 Day. You know I took pics when we went in 2009 for a blog post and never put it up. I don't even mind the crowds on that day, just gives me more time to down a pitcher of Sangria…shhhh, don't tell anyone.
I think I was in the one in St. Augustine..., similar feeling courtyard, just much smaller. Loved the ambiance!
Ummm, this sounds yummy...will try this one soon.
xobj
Hi Jane, I could eat salads all day every day. This sounds yum.
any leftovers for an ol' bloggin' buddy??!!!
YUM!
Jane,
May you have a super Valentine's Day!!!
Hope this finds you doing well.
This salad is good. Delicious for sure!
God bless,
d
Just chuckling over your commment to me on Valentines day...really?? We have sons that were both born on V day?? Just one more thing that we have in common....WOW. Getting a lil weird!!! So sad we didn't get to meet up while I was down that way. One day...soon!!
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