A longtime caterer to the Columbia area and regular at Soda City farmers market, the Spotted Salamander is a lunch spot didn't know you were looking for. The cafe is in the heart of historic Columbia and with chalkboard menus updated daily, natural lighting and homey decor, has an ambiance as delightful as the food.
One of the first things I notice when I walk into the Spotted Salamander is its opportunity for community. A long communal table stands in the center of the cafe, with strangers sitting by strangers all sharing a midday experience: lunch. Because most people only have a certain amount of time for lunch, the meal sometimes becomes strained, a chore, rather than something to look forward to. But the Spotted Salamander is reinventing lunch and customers take notice. Thank-you notes written by customers hang from the side of the refrigerator addressed to "Jake and friends."
I order at the counter from Jake — the same Jake from the thank-you notes and husband of chef and owner Jessica Shillato. He's friendly, asks about my family. He recommends the Spotted Salad and an Old-fashioned Shrimp Salad Sandwich, which I order in addition to a slice of the Chocolate Crack Pie, Toffee Brownie Cupcake and croinut of the day (fresh berries and cream).
The Spotted Salamander was named after South Carolina's official state amphibian. The cafe and catering service's dedication to South Carolina isn't just represented in their namesake but also in their use of all local ingredients. Everything is made from scratch every single time. The company thinks every party should be unique and works with customers to create an individualized catering menu. When asked what the most rewarding part of running a catering service is, Jake said, "Making brides happy."
The menu is always changing, prompting customers to come back and try what's new. Every day, the Spotted Salamander has a new deviled egg recipe, charcuterie arrangement and croinut flavor. The menu is eye-catching — mouthwatering, enticing phrases such as "house kimchi," "root beer-glazed" and "bacon-wrapped" written in colorful chalk on the blackboard. Their Instagram is also updated daily to show the menu and pictures of the day's specials.
When the food arrives, I have to take a moment to admire the placement. Little touches are important to the cafe. Every table has its own kitschy salt and pepper shaker set. Tables are numbered on postcards from locations like Myrtle Beach and bear messages in the handwriting of strangers. Each plate is garnished with a pickled okra. While some people might consider salad a consolation meal, the Spotted Salad is both delicious and filling. Pulled chicken in a sweet tea vodka barbecue sauce is the standout. The house-made croutons are a satisfying companion. The Old-fashioned Shrimp Salad Sandwich is light and fresh-tasting and doesn't sacrifice heartiness or flavor. The shrimp are sizable, and the croissant bun flakes to perfection.
But the dessert. Oh, the dessert. I almost had to ask Shillato if the powdered sugar on the crack pie was really powdered sugar — it was that addicting. The slice of pie appears modest — much slimmer than most slices of pie. However, the crack pie is so rich, I found myself forsaking traditional pie. Chocolatey and moist, it put just about every dessert I've ever had to shame. Except for the berries and cream croinut, that is. Both Jake and Jessica immediately mentioned the croinut when asked what their most popular item is. It's no doubt that part of its pull-factor has to do with the daily toppings — they've had some particular success with girl scout cookies — but the actual foundation of the dessert, the croissant dough fried like a doughnut, is what keeps people coming back for more. Flaky. Soft. Sweet, but not so much as to overpower the topping. The positive traits of the croinut are endless. Sadly, the Spotted Salamander's supply of them are not. Arrive at Soda City early on Saturday morning if you're looking to purchase one because those babies sell like, well, croinuts.
Shillato just wants to "please folks with food" and her food does just that. The feeling of happiness when biting into one of their signature sandwiches or cupcakes is simple. I can't explain it, mostly because I'm already taking another bite. The Spotted Salamander manages to have a creative menu without scaring people away. They don't try to reinvent the classics, just add their special touch. And a pickled okra of course.
What you want:
Spotted Salad (mixed greens with pulled chicken in a sweet tea vodka barbecue sauce, bacon, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, house-made cornbread crouton and buttermilk ranch)
Pork Belly Cuban (pork belly, pickles, ham, cheese and tarragon honey mustard)
Chocolate Crack Pie (sugar, spice and everything nice)
Croinut of the day
When you want it:
11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday and at Soda City Farmers Market on Saturdays
Where you can get it:
1531 Richland St.
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