Columbia Restaurant Celebrating a Century of History, Culture, and Cuisine

Over 100 years of The Columbia's history comes to life in 300+ colorful pages, illustrated with many new color and black and white photos along with stories from the Hernandez Gonzmart family members, employees, business partners and long time customers.

77 new recipes are included, along with themed menus for Christmas Eve Dinner, Sunday brunch and wine tasting dinners.

Many of our new favorite recipes are included, like Filet Mignon "Chacho" and White Chocolate Bread Pudding, and of course, Columbia's Original "1905" Salad.

History buffs will enjoy the newly-researched origins of The Columbia and stories of its early struggles through Prohibition and Depression.

Watch The Columbia's glamorous rise during the 1950s, when it vibrated with romantic music supplied by Third Generation Family Member, Cesar Gonzmart and his magic violin. Federal bulldozers lurked in the 1960s, as urban renewal demolished much of the old Latin Quarter. In the 80s, new locations meant new opportunities and risks. Somehow, the Gonzmart family made the struggle look easy.

A death in the family prompted a business crisis in the 1990s that threatened the Columbia as it neared its centennial.

Quick thinking and hard work salvaged the sinking ship and charted her into the 21st Century. The voices of employees, family members, and friends help tell the Columbia's colorful and fascinating story.

Ultimately, this book is proof that history and food are inextricably linked. In this case, they are bound together by one of America's notable family businesses. The aroma of the Columbia's famous dishes in your home will delight your family and friends.

Published in 2009