Meritage Cafe - Columbus, GA

The buzz about Meritage Cafe in Columbus produced high hopes for a pleasant night out. The ambiance was comfortable & ample yet somehow banquet hallish, our impression based on the catering tables & stack-able chairs, etc... However, the place settings were very well done. Nice decor.

Our evening resulted in two Duck plates served very under-done (& I like it rare), risotto flavorful, tomato parmigiano soup room-temp on a cold night. All salads on offer were frou-frou candied pecans or a crumble of bleu cheese, so I requested a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. What I received was a hand full of Mesclun lettuce with a little cup of olive oil & a little cup of vinegar. No salt, pepper, tomato, not a thing more to complete the plate, umff. One of our guests didn't know how to approach a scooped out head of iceberg filled with creamy dressing and just pushed it to the side. The second guest ordered medium rare Filet Mignon; it came to the table rare with fat untrimmed. Service lacked confidence even though sincere. Our waitress was rushed and repeatedly bumped into the backs of chairs as she scooted between tables, somewhat unnerving. We didn't say much - just paid the bill, tipped 20% and compared notes in the car.

We felt Meritage Cafe faltered in attention to detail. The cafe has many strengths (i.e. excellent wine list, decor, etc.) yet needs a seasoned professional at the helm so it lives up to the hype... I hope they can get it together as there's always room for good sensibilities on any dining scene.

Meritage Cafe
1350 13th Street Columbus, GA 31901-2345

706. 327.0707

http://www.meritagecafe.net/

Ezell's Catfish Cabin - “Fish Tremble When You Mention Their Name!” Columbus, GA

Ezell's Catfish Cabin - Not a restaurant really but more a cabin where laid-back locals go to get the finest of this genre. Every visit to Columbus, I eat country style fried food just once at each favorite spot. And I always rush to Ezell's to get some of the very best. More than Catfish, the sides are perfect. The collards delicious, hush puppies crisp and the fried green tomatoes really, really good. For crispy fries just ask; southerners prefer a softer texture (to each his own). Our waitress Julie was upbeat and happy to please. It was an even better experience having her guide our group of four travelers... We left well fed, well attended and with overwhelming desire to return again and again.

Ezell's Catfish Cabin
4001 Warm Springs Rd
Columbus, GA 31909
706.568.1149


Photos by Mick Huerta

Rosehill Seafood Co - Columbus, GA

The Oysters are tremendous at Rosehill Seafood Co, fresh & fried! Oh sure, there's all the requisite broiled & fried Seafood, Shrimp, Fish and Crab meat. And if you desire hot, crispy french fried potatoes just ask; they love to accommodate (southern style fries are limp & served at room temperature and they like them that way).

Surprisingly, hush puppies at Rosehill are not so very good but really that's no grave transgression. Any tummy is only so big, bread of any sort is only filler and serious eaters are just out for the best. And in the opinion of many, the best they offer are the OYSTERS! They are served chilled by the half ($4.00) and full dozen ($8.00) on a tray w/o shaved ice. We just eat'em fast and order more. And with a Brown Bag Liquor License there's no hiccup arriving with your favorite tipple. I prefer dry bubbly with oysters (an acidic flavor to salty brine for balance!) and when putting a bottle on the table, the only question is; "How many glasses?" They always provide big plastic picnic tumblers but who's to complain, the service is efficient and friendly and the OYSTERS! Oh, did I mention the OYSTERS!

Rosehill Seafood Co
2621 Hamilton Road Columbus, GA 31904-8539
706.322.1269

CAFÉ LE RUE @ The Landings - Columbus, GA

This is a self-proclaimed Authentic Cajun Restaurant and the only in Columbus, Georgia. I really don't know what that means but the Shrimp Gumbo was superb and the Fried Oysters were exceptional! CAFÉ LE RUE offers a diverse menu which obviously appeals to the local American palate (kids & parents seemed equally as happy) but evidently have not compromised on core classics... We enjoyed it tremendously, partly because we did not order Wraps or the fries. Leaving all that to the kids, we stuck with Cajun classics. Kudos to Cafe Le Rue!

Cafe Le Rue @ The Landings
2523 Airport Thruway, #D
Columbus, GA 31904
706.507.5851

Uptown Fish House - Columbus, GA

Columbus, Georgia - Uptown; you'll find catfish that crisps then melts in your mouth, hush puppies to quiet your hunger and all the smiles to make you feel perfectly at home.

Michael & Sonya Eddings opened Uptown Fish House Spring 2011 and are going strong. Visiting for lunch on a rainy day we sat in their well appointed dining area. The room about half full, the server was inviting and efficient, the Red Stripe Beer very cold. No doubt good things were to come. No disappointments, either. Quick delivery of Fried Oysters, Catfish, Okra, Sweet Potato Fries & Onion Rings put a huge smile on my face. A batter so light it crackled and Okra so very right they were good complement to hush puppies to die for, honestly! I am not a fan of tartar sauce with fried foods (a personal preference) but Tabasco & Lemon wedges appeal. Our server promptly provided both. A winning combination all way 'round; fast kitchen, good service and plates so tasty you'll plan your next visit before finishing off the morsels in front of you! Try the Grilled Crab Cakes, truly Foodie Heaven!

When out that way, drop in. Michael, Sonya and staff are waiting for you. Well worth the trip when traveling with taste buds as your principle guide... "Where the Big Fish Dine" and where small fry will be happy, too!

Uptown Fish House
1208 1st Ave Columbus, GA 31901-4298
706.324.7405
http://www.uptownfishouse.com/