Downtown Hotels in Columbia, South Carolina Feature Creative, Southern Cuisine

COLUMBIA, SC--(Marketwired - Sep 12, 2014) - The South is no stranger to good food, with a rich culinary history that today offers everything from farm-to-table fine-dining to food trucks. In Columbia, the dining scene is heating up, and among those downtown Columbia, SC restaurants that are part of the sizzle is Midlands' Modern Southern Food Arts at the Columbia Marriott.

A contemporary restaurant in downtown Columbia, SC with its eye on the classics, Midlands' Modern Southern Food Arts features Southern cuisine with stylish twists, prepared using seasonal ingredients from local farms and the onsite garden. A popular spot for lunch, the restaurant remains a hidden gem for evening meals, offering far more than simply a delicious meal. Boasting a unique ice program, Rocks at Midlands' Lounge features 1-1/4-inch Kold-Draft cubes and 3-inch Macallan Ice Spheres. This favorite gathering place also offers local craft beers and wines by the glass, all which may be enjoyed in the comfort of plush sofas and chairs. Other popular features are the creative Moonshine signature cocktails like the Countrypolitan and White Lightning. Perfect for after-work gatherings or relaxing with a nightcap, the lounge has ample power outlets to keep electronic devices charged.

Whether diners are looking for a casual, quick dinner before heading out on the town, or crave a dining experience that spreads throughout the course of evening, the restaurant at this hotel near University of South Carolina fits the bill with Midlands style BBQ and entrées prepared on state-of-the-art smokers. Signature dishes include jumbo lump crab cakes, fried chicken and waffles and the award-winning shrimp and grits. No Southern meal is complete without fried green tomatoes, served here with pimento cheese and micro greens, and even salads get a local twist, such as the bourbon- and maple-glazed salmon salad with pecan-crusted goat cheese and a red wine vinaigrette. Other dinner options include corn meal-dusted Carolina catfish, flash-fried and served with tartar and coleslaw, and the slow-smoked BBQ ribs with signature sauce. Dessert is, as expected, decadent, with cinnamon roll bread pudding and bourbon peach cobbler, served with house made ice cream, among the tempting options.

Midlands' Modern Southern Food Arts remains a popular option for lunch, drawing hotel guests, tourists and locals working and living in the area. The lunch menu includes a variety of 'handhelds,' including pulled pork on a Kaiser roll, and salads including the Southern Cobb with buttermilk fried chicken, jalapeno-smoked bacon, tomatoes, blue cheese and fresh avocado. Gluten-free, vegan and heart-healthy options are also available for both lunch and dinner, so guests can get a taste of the South regardless of their dietary restrictions. 

The restaurant was recently highlighted in the August issue of Columbia Business Monthly, and is among the select few places featured in the Columbia Food Tours itinerary, a walking tour highlighting the best locally owned restaurants.

About the Columbia Marriott
At the heart of downtown Columbia, moments from the University of South Carolina, the Columbia Marriott offers a modern stay that's ideal for both business and leisure travelers. Its refreshed hotel rooms in Columbia, SC offer pillow-top mattresses, complimentary Wi-Fi, a 42-inch flat-screen TV, marble bathroom, spacious desk and room service. The hotel also updated its lobby, now featuring flexible, lounge-like seating; Midlands' Modern Southern Food Arts restaurant and Rocks at Midlands' Lounge; and its 28,000 square feet of meeting and event space. An indoor pool and fitness center offer options for both relaxation and recreation. Nearby, visitors will find the city's most popular attractions, including the Columbia Museum of Art, Riverbanks Zoo, the state capitol, Colonial Life Arena and Williams Brice Stadium.