New book writes the history of Columbia restaurant

The Columbia restaurant in Ybor City has been around more than 100 years. 100 years! Imagine that. Andy Huse, a Tampa Library archivist and all-around foodie, has written a book about the colorful restaurant's history. Huse will be speaking about the book at the St. Petersburg Times Festival of Reading on Saturday, Oct. 24, at the USF St. Petersburg campus. His talk is at 11 a.m. in Davis 105.

For a preview, read Times food critic Laura Reiley's interview with Huse.

Afterward, make the home version of the Columbia's famous 1905 salad.

1905 Salad 
½ head iceberg lettuce
2 ripe tomatoes, cut in eighths
½ cup Swiss cheese, cut in julienne strips
½ cup ham, cut in julienne strips (or turkey or shrimp)
¼ cup green Spanish olives, pitted
2 teaspoons grated Romano cheese
Salad dressing:
1/8 cup white wine vinegar
½ cup extra-virgin Spanish olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon oregano
2 teaspoons lemon juice

Toss together all salad ingredients in a bowl, except Romano Cheese.

Mix garlic, oregano, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Beat until smooth with a wire whisk. Add olive oil, gradually beating to form an emulsion. Stir in vinegar and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.

Add dressing to salad and toss well. Add Romano Cheese and toss one more time. Serves 4. 

Source: Columbia restaurant

Photo of Andy at the Columbia bar taken by Willie J. Allen Jr., St. Petersburg Times