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The best countertops make a statement in your home that other features cannot. You've worked hard to incorporate unique designs and flavors throughout your home, so why should your countertops be any different?
At Real Deal Countertops, we aspire to combine the beauty and durability of natural stone with unrivaled, personalized attention to all customers. With the highest quality materials and the most helpful customer service, we give our clients the opportunity to make informed decisions that they feel good about for years. Our story in the countertop fabrication and manufacturing industry began more than 19 years ago, when Rafael Quedevez started out as a sales representative in Massachusetts. Working his way up through the ranks, Rafael soon made his way to South Carolina to open and manage his own companies. In 2013, we created real Deal Countertops. Since that time, we are proud to have served more than 5,000 customers in South Carolina and beyond.
Our leadership team combines more than 40 years of experience in the home remodeling service industry. Always striving to create a better product for our customers, we use the latest in robotics technologies and the sharpest minds in the business to craft countertops of unparalleled quality. Unlike other countertop companies in Columbia, SC, we only source the finest stone slabs in the world.
At Real Deal Countertops, we offer a wide range of styles and materials to choose from, including:
Quartzite
Caesarstone
Silestone
Marble
Sensa
Pollar White
Vicostone
Quartz
We are committed to ensuring that granite, marble, and other unique, exotic stones are attainable to all who desire them. If you're in search of a trustworthy counter company with a team of knowledgeable, helpful experts, you have come to the right place!
Most Popular Countertops in Columbia, SC
Choosing the best countertops for your kitchen is an important decision, but it doesn't have to be a hard one. One of the best ways to narrow down your search is to find out what kind of countertop material you'd like to use. While it's true that material and style trends change over time, there are several counters that have always been top sellers.
Some of the most popular countertops we sell include:
Marble Countertops in Columbia, SC
There's no way around it - marble adds jaw-dropping beauty to just about any room and is known for its good looks. It is a dense stone that comes in many different hues like greens, browns, pinks, greys, whites, and more. While marble countertops often have otherworldly beauty, they can be susceptible to stains and cracks. Marble is also considered one of the most expensive counters to choose from, though the truth is marble comes in a wide range of qualities and prices.
- Pros: Stunning beauty, plenty of beautiful choices.
- Cons: Not always used in kitchens due to chance of staining.
- Popular Colors: Portinari, Shadow Storm, Super White, Lumen, Calacatta Linconni, Nobulato Honned, Shadow, Grey Imperiale Honed.
Granite Countertops in Columbia, SC
When it comes to popularity, granite countertops take the cake. Granite countertops usually contain a blend of quartz, feldspar, mica, and other minerals. Granite can add an edge of elegance and even a country-chic feel to your kitchen, making it a well-rounded stone. Granite is durable and scratch-resistant, though it can require sealing and DIY chip repair.
- Pros: Luxurious, rich look featuring natural stone that is durable, heat resistant, and scratch-resistant.
- Cons: Hard material that may require DIY chip repair and sealing.
- Popular Colors: Blue Jeans, Creama Pearl, Alure, Galaxy White, Luna Pear, Steel Grey, Ubatuba, Oro Brazil.
Quartz Countertops in Columbia, SC
Quartz is a manufactured material that represents one of our favorite four-letter words: easy! If you're looking to add a high-end feel to your kitchen or bathroom, quartz is an excellent material to consider. Like granite, quartz countertops can add a decadent vibe to any room. Unlike granite, you may not have to seal quartz quite as often (if ever).
- Pros: Quartz countertops come in plenty of colors to choose from and are easy to clean. They are also strong, scratch-resistant, and don't require sealing.
- Cons: Quartz is not as heat resistant as other materials like granite counters. Sharp corners tend to crack, but that can be remedied with rounded corners.
- Popular Colors: Noble Grey, Raw Concrete, Frosty Carrina, Shitake, Pebble, Pietra Grey, Sierra Madre, Arctic.
Silestone Countertops in Columbia, SC
A manufactured material made from quartz crystals, Silestone countertops are equal parts gorgeous and practical. Known for being a durable, non-porous choice, Silestone is resistant to stains, scratches, and even some forms of bacteria. Homeowners who choose Silestone do so because they can get a high-end look without having to worry too much about maintenance. Silestone counters look great in many different homes, from contemporary abodes with modern accents to vintage-looking kitchens.
- Pros: Silestone countertops are non-porous, meaning germs and bacteria can't lodge themselves inside this material. This makes Silestone counters great for kitchens and bathrooms alike. This material also comes in a wide variety of colors and resists scratches and chips. Overall, Silestone is an excellent choice if you want to make a solid long-term investment without much upkeep.
- Cons: While Silestone is great if you're looking for a low-maintenance counter option, it can be sensitive to harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia. Silestone is also not recommended for outdoor use since the resins used to make the material do not do well with UV light.
- Popular Colors: Daria, Gray Expo, Lagoon, Calacatta Gold, Arctic, Blanco City, Gris Expo, Desert Silver
Quartzite Countertops in Columbia, SC
Not to be confused with quartz countertops, which are manmade, quartzite is a naturally occurring stone that is quarried much in the same way that granite is. If you're a fan of marble counters, quartzite mimics its looks without as much upkeep. Like granite, it is a very durable choice and adds an upscale feeling to almost any room you choose.
- Pros: Since it doesn't require any special cleaners, quartzite looks great without much maintenance. When it gets dirty, soap and water should be all you need to clean. Quartzite is also a great long-term option since it doesn't wear down quickly at all.
- Cons: Heat is required to form quartzite. However, you should avoid putting hot pots and pans on your quartzite countertops. Because quartzite comes in many different varieties, some forms of quartzite need to be sealed more often than others.
- Popular Colors: Maya, Fusion, Locomotion, Callacata, Airy Concrete, Cocada White
Which Countertop is Right for You?
If you're just beginning your search for new countertops, it can be a little overwhelming trying to whittle down your options. We've got good news - with over 19 years in the industry, our team of experts has learned a thing or two about countertops. When you come to the Real Deal Countertops showroom, one of our goals is to educate you about our products and your countertop options, so you can make an educated purchasing decision.
How Will You Use Your Countertops in Columbia?
The first and perhaps most crucial part of your countertop choice should stem from how you and your family use your countertops. For example, if you have kids, your counters will probably see a lot of activity. Between standard eating times and "in-between" meals that teens are known for, your counters might double as food prep stations. As such, you might need a countertop material that is resistant to most food and beverage stains. If you own a rental property that sees a lot of foot traffic from strangers, you might want to consider an economical material that is also durable.
- Do you cook a lot?
- Do you host a lot of parties?
- How long will you be living in your home?
- How long will you be living in your home?
Once you figure out exactly how you'll be using your countertops, you can begin to narrow down your choices.
How Much Upkeep Is Too Much?
Be realistic and honest with yourself about this question. Before you fall in love with how a countertop material looks, be sure you understand how much upkeep is needed. Some materials require more care, while others don't need much at all.
Keep these points in mind:
- Materials like quartz only need to be wiped down occasionally.
- Materials like granite, marble, and limestone will need to be sealed at least once a year.
- Some materials may be durable but aren't stain resistant.
The bottom line is this: Assess the maintenance demands that come along with the materials you're looking at. Marble countertops in Columbia, SC are elegant, but if you'e unwilling to keep them looking their best, why bother buying the material?
You should be aware that most countertop materials will require some form of upkeep, even if it' minimal. To help keep your counters in pristine condition, consider these care and precaution tips:
- Many common foods contain acids that will dull or even damage the surface of stone countertops.Use coasters to protect your counters, especially if you'e drinking something with citrus juices or alcohol.
- Do not place scalding hot pots or pans directly on your countertops.
- Use mats or trivets to place under hot dishes.
- If you spill liquid on your countertops, blot the spill with a paper towel ASAP. Wiping the spill will cause it to spread.
- Use mild soap and plain water to clean up stains.
Which Colors and Materials Match Your Home's Aesthetics?
For many homeowners, this question is almost always top-of-mind. After all, you want to choose colors and materials that fit well with other features in your home. When selecting your countertop materials, try to choose a tone that contrasts with your other amenities, like your cabinets. Don't go for a perfect match. As an example, black granite is a beautiful contrast to white cabinets.
Consider these questions when choosing your countertop materials:
- Are there one or two colors that you love more than others?
- Does your choice go well with the color of your kitchen's walls?
- Do you want to switch up your kitchen's style or keep it the same?
- Will you be painting your kitchen a different color in the future?
- Will you be replacing your appliances soon?
Real Deal Countertops Pro Tip:
Because your home's accessories and paint job may change with time, your countertops should have a versatile color. That way, you won't have problems matching them with new paint colors or appliances.
Countertop Remodeling Done Right
At Real Deal Countertops, our #1 priority is your satisfaction. Unlike some countertop companies in Columbia, we make it a point to exceed our customer's expectations. We strive for excellence with every transaction we complete and pledge to faithfully implement innovative techniques to ensure that our products remain affordable. With the help of Real Deal Countertops, remodeling your kitchen and bath will be painless and easy.
The appearance of a kitchen or bath depends on the right countertop selection, proper fabrication, and expert installation. Are you interested in granite countertops in Columbia, SC? Maybe quartzite is a better choice for your family. Whatever you choose, know that our skilled installers and fabricators will make a template so that all custom pieces fit perfectly in your home.
Countertop Installation for Rick DeMicco
Custom Countertops for Joyce Lins1
Kitchen Countertops for Carol Moura
Kitchen Countertops for Kellie Swoyer
Quartz Countertops for John Mesquita
Laminate Countertops for Priscilla Housand
Countertop Replacement for Summer Davila
New Countertop for Richard Rodgers
Kitchen Remodel for Michael Bruss
Marble Countertops for Steve Reiner
Quartzite Countertops for J R
Bathroom Remodel for Micky Styslinger
Countertops for Ken Weber
Countertop Installation for Ronald Wright
Custom Countertops for Mary Callahan Copeland
Granite Countertops for Drew Garlock
Kitchen Countertops for Amber Antill
Quartz Countertops for Teresa Simmons- Mitchell
Laminate Countertops for Teresa Wingate
Countertop Replacement for Tammy Law-Wright
Granite Countertops for MrMunsters1313
Kitchen Remodel for BenoitRAGE
Marble Countertops for Frank Liso
Quartzite Countertops for Tom Weil
Bathroom Remodel for Sue Gregory
Ready to get started? Have questions about our inventory?
We're here to help answer all your questions. Please feel free to give our office a call today at 866-707-1414 Before you know it, you will be ready for your new set of Real Deal Countertops!
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Material: Daltitle
Name: Statuary Unity
Material: Daltitle
Name: Statuary Unity
Material: Silestone
Name: Ariel
Material: Silestone
Name: Ariel
Material: Silestone
Name: Ariel
Material: Silestone
Name: Ariel
Material: Silestone
Name: Artic
Material: Silestone
Name: Bianco Callacata
Material: Silestone
Name: Bianco Callacata
Material: Silestone
Name: Blanco City
Latest News in Columbia, SC
No bags, no show: Why ‘SNL’ star Pete Davidson walked out on a planned Columbia show
Jordan Lawrencehttps://www.thestate.com/news/local/article288274260.html
Pete Davidson didn’t go on as scheduled in Columbia Thursday night. But he will perform instead Friday, May 3. At midnight.That’s what folks who showed up for the performance by the former “Saturday Night Live” cast member and star of the 2020 film “The King of Staten Island” at the The Senate rock club eventually found out after they were turned away at the door. Staff was out front at the c...
Pete Davidson didn’t go on as scheduled in Columbia Thursday night. But he will perform instead Friday, May 3. At midnight.
That’s what folks who showed up for the performance by the former “Saturday Night Live” cast member and star of the 2020 film “The King of Staten Island” at the The Senate rock club eventually found out after they were turned away at the door. Staff was out front at the club, which was supposed to open at 6 p.m. for the show to start at 7 p.m., to relay the message that the show was off.
The reason had to do with keeping Davidson’s jokes from making their way onto the internet.
Ticket holders were emailed shortly after that the show would occur at 11:55 p.m. Friday, following a previously scheduled concert by Gavin DeGraw.
Nicole Moore, the venue’s general manager, was among the folks out front breaking the news, and she explained that the postponement was forced by there not being bags on hand to secure attendees’ phones. This has become a fairly standard practice for comedians working on new material to keep it from showing up in videos online before being released in proper comedy specials, such as the one Senate staff said Davidson is workshopping for Netflix.
The comedian has released three previous specials on the streaming service.
Staff at the 1,200-capacity venue in the Vista indicated that the comedian showed up to the club and left when it became clear he couldn’t perform Thursday.
People with tickets for the show, which was announced April 18, have until the end of Friday to request a refund if they’re unable to attend the rescheduled show. Tickets to the new date are available to purchase.
Moore declined to comment further when reached by The State, explaining that they’re “still working through logistics.”
People attending the show weren’t thrilled about the news.
“Pete Davidson cancelled his show tonight because they forgot the phone bag that puts your phone in jail?” popular Columbia X (previously Twitter) presence Clair Hollingsworth posted.
A couple sitting on the wall in front of the venue said they came to town from Savannah for the show and were left puzzling on what to do for the night in a town they didn’t know.
Requiring attendees to secure their phones during comedy shows is common at larger venues and has been seen in Columbia previously — such as at performances by comedian John Mulaney and rocker Jack White at the Township Auditorium. But it’s less common at smaller venues.
Carlin Thompson, the talent buyer, marketing coordinator and production manager at the smaller Columbia rock club New Brookland Tavern, said he’s never received a request to have phone bags on hand — not even when the venue hosted popular comedian Hannibal Burress.
“Never paid much attention to it ‘til now, but I think it’s a great thing because phones/social media have kinda ruined a part of the show atmosphere,” Thompson said, “whether it’s people just nose deep in their phones, overly concerned with taking content on their phones from the show, or first-person energy of them doing dumb s--- during the show for their own content, which then distracts people from the actual show.”
This story was originally published May 3, 2024, 10:43 AM.
Crawfish, BBQ, and A Flock of Seagulls: What's happening around Columbia through May 6
wltx.comhttps://www.wltx.com/article/entertainment/events/crawfish-bbq-and-a-flock-of-seagulls-whats-happening-around-columbia-southcarolina-may3-through-may6/101-285fa4ea-6471-4236-a7f6-827709105e55
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Columbia area events calendar is growing as temperatures rise. If you need something to do this weekend, how about check out this list of happenings in the area:Leaping trout exhibit opens at Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St. Check out an exhibition of 35 leaping trout sculptures painted by local Columbia artists and art students on display and then attend the live auction 6 p.m. on May 15 i...
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Columbia area events calendar is growing as temperatures rise. If you need something to do this weekend, how about check out this list of happenings in the area:
Leaping trout exhibit opens at Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St. Check out an exhibition of 35 leaping trout sculptures painted by local Columbia artists and art students on display and then attend the live auction 6 p.m. on May 15 in the Museum Loft. Proceeds from the auction go to fund public art programs in Columbia
Kashus Culpepper at New Brookland Tavern, 7 p.m., 632 Harden St., Columbia. Modern country music star Culpepper brings his unique sound to town.
A Flock of Seagulls: New Wave Legacy, 7:30 p.m., Harbison Theatre, 7300 College St., Irmo. Synth-heavy dance-pop group formed in 1980, known for their haircuts and “I Ran (So Far Away).” Tickets $50 per person, student, senior (over age 60), or military receive $5 discount
Eastover 45th Annual Bar-B-Q Festival & Parade, 6-11 p.m. Friday, is the 4th Annual Eastover JAM FEST featuring West Love, 803 Fresh, Charmeka Joquelle, Jabriel, KJ and Frank Johnson! Sounds by DJ Natureboy and DJ Turnup! JAM FEST takes place at Eastover Park, 1031 Main Street, Eastover SC! Gates open at 5pm, showtime is 7pm. Tickets at available online at EventBrite.com (Eastover BBQ Jam Fest); and Eastover Town Hall in Eastover. On Saturday the parade starts at noon from Webber Elementary School down Main Street - floats, antique cars, car clubs, motorcycle clubs, horses and more. Following the parade, on stage at Town Hall, enjoy live music with Nu Look Band, TJ McBeth, Tumarra Taylor, Maserati Bud and DJ Franchise – at no charge. Food vendors will be on site for purchases.
Touch A Truck at Soda City, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 1700 block of Main St., Columbia. Great for kids or first responder vehicle aficionados. Trucks will be on display from various departments of the City of Columbia. Free event.
May the Fourth Be with You: Star Wars Day at Richland Library North Main, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., 5306 North Main, Columbia. Enjoy Star Wars-related crafts and activities, showings of Star Wars movies, and grab an inflatable light saber for adults (while supplies last)
Free Comic Book Day, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Scratch N’ Spin, 513 12th St., West Columbia. Free comic books (limit 3 to a customer, while they last), all-ages costume contest, comic artists and cosplayers meet and greet, and more.
Backyard Saturday Flowers, 10 a.m.-noon, Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd. Head over to the Cattail Shelter in the Wetland for ranger-led interactive hikes and games.
Pickin’ & Piggin’ BBQ Cookoff, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd. All-you-can-eat barbeque tastings (while supplies last) from over 20 competition cookers from across the Southeast. Purchase tickets online, $15 for adults, $5 children 12 and under
Rosewood Crawfish Festival, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., State Fairgrounds in Columbia. Celebrate the mudbug with Columbia's largest crawfish boil, live music and fun for the entire family. Remember to wear not-your-best attire because crawfish seasoning can stain! Tickets are available online, $12 in advance, $15 at the gate, and kids 12 and under enter free. You can also pre-order two-and-a-half pounds of prepared crawfish for $25, grab a group of friends and reserve a table for 8 (three sittings: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., or 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.) for an extra $295 (includes enough crawfish for eight and a bucket of beer, paper towels, hot sauce and hand washing station).
Play Freely: A Sensory Friendly Fun-Filled Event: Richland Library Southeast, noon-2 p.m., 7421 Garners Ferry Rd. Enjoy a morning of games, food and crafts and tour Southeast's Multisensory Room, a therapeutic environment that promotes an individual’s needs for intellectual stimulation, calmness and/or relaxation.
Orangeburg Festival of Roses, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 1-6 p.m. Sunday, Edisto Memorial Gardens, 200 Riverside Dr SW, Orangeburg. Revel in the beauty of roses at this family-friendly event. No charge for admission. Enjoy food, carnival rides, and arts and crafts.
VegFest 2024 will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at City Roots, 1005 Airport Blvd., Columbia. Attendees will learn about the vegan lifestyle and enjoy live music, food trucks, and a family fun zone. Tickets are $10 per person, or you can select other levels: $15 includes a swag bag of coupons and samples, $25 VIP gets you in 30 minutes early plus an upgraded goody bag, or $35 VIP PLUS gets an early entry, reusable bag, and Unapologetically Vegan t-shirt.
Big Nosh, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tree of Life Synagogue, 6719 N Trenholm Rd. Free to get in, then buy your favorite kosher foods -- brisket, latkes, stuffed cabbage, pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, kugel and more.
Melrose Heights Art in the Yard, a 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. self-guided tour at 1601 Richland St. in Columbia, showcases local artists and artisans in yards throughout the Melrose Heights neighborhood. Food trucks and live music.
Stargazing at Melton Observatory, 9-11 p.m., every Monday, weather permitting, 1429 Greene St., on the University of South Carolina Horseshoe. Come out and enjoy this free event
Main Street Jazz Fest recruits big names for free weekend festival in Columbia
Vincent Harris Special to Free Timeshttps://www.postandcourier.com/free-times/music/colajazz-jazz-festival-main-street-columbia-sc-rapp/article_5ac021d4-08d2-11ef-8211-cf03e0dae591.html
You can catch sets by saxophonist Don Braden and his stellar Earth, Wind & Wonder ensemble as they play jazzed-up versions of classics by Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind & Fire.You can see a blazing, fiercely modern set from drummer Allison Miller’s Boom Tic Boom project, take in Grammy-award-nominated saxophonist Patrick Bartley or hear where Puerto Rican and New York jazz intersect thanks to guitarist/composer de la Rosa and Jamile. And to close things out, there’s nothing like a classic big band show, courtesy of ...
You can catch sets by saxophonist Don Braden and his stellar Earth, Wind & Wonder ensemble as they play jazzed-up versions of classics by Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind & Fire.
You can see a blazing, fiercely modern set from drummer Allison Miller’s Boom Tic Boom project, take in Grammy-award-nominated saxophonist Patrick Bartley or hear where Puerto Rican and New York jazz intersect thanks to guitarist/composer de la Rosa and Jamile. And to close things out, there’s nothing like a classic big band show, courtesy of the Capital City Big Band.
It’s a diverse lineup that represents a spectrum of different jazz styles, and you can thank the ColaJazz Foundation, a Columbia nonprofit dedicated to growing, supporting and promoting jazz in the Midlands, and its founder, trumpeter, composer, arranger and bandleader Mark Rapp.
The new blood of USC’s Jazz Program is forging a gender-inclusive vision in SC
“I’ve had a pretty good career in jazz,” Rapp said. “I’ve been around the block as they say. I've lived in New York, I’ve lived in Europe, I’ve played big festivals. I've played with big names. And fortunately I have a great network of all-star musicians and world-class artists. So I just reach out to them and say, ‘Hey, we're doing this festival in Columbia, can you come enrich our community and perform for us?’”
At least that’s how it began with the first iteration of the festival back in 2017. Nowadays, the event itself is what draws many of the musicians on the bill.
“We are getting a reputation that's preceding us,” Rapp said. “Folks are reaching out on their own and hitting us up to see how they can be a part of this. It’s such a wonderful thing.”
The festival, which takes place on Main Street for the second year in a row, lines up perfectly with the ColaJazz Foundation’s stated goals of making South Carolina’s capital city a premiere jazz destination in the Southeast.
“This year, thanks to our sponsors, we are able to make this festival free and open to the public,” Rapp said. “That immediately opens up a very large demographic. It grows the exposure of this great American art form and its many permutations. We're growing the scene in a very palpable, effective manner. The festival gives our local artists work. It celebrates our city and makes it more interesting and exciting to live in and visit. We’ve got an incredible arts scene; we've got amazing world-class jazz musicians who live here that are performing week in and week out.”
For Rapp, seeing Columbia’s jazz scene come into its own, thanks in part to the ColaJazz Foundation, has been rewarding.
“It’s gratifying,” he said. “It's humbling. It's exciting that we're in a city that is growing by leaps and bounds and that we're in a position to make this city an incredible place for artists to thrive.”
Check out this list of things to do around Columbia through May 5
wltx.comhttps://www.wltx.com/article/entertainment/events/activities-things-to-do-in-the-columbia-southcarolina-area-through-may5-2024/101-6bf217f9-faf8-4753-b1ec-1a89a2eed55e
Flowers and food, comedy and more - there are a lot of activities to keep you busy in the Midlands.Credit: WLTXCOLUMBIA, S.C. — Need something to do this weekend? While the Columbia Food and Wine Festival has sold-out events on Saturday and Sunday, there are still plenty of activities -- food-related and otherwise -- to keep you busy this weekend and next.Here's a sampling of events in the area throug...
Flowers and food, comedy and more - there are a lot of activities to keep you busy in the Midlands.
Credit: WLTX
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Need something to do this weekend? While the Columbia Food and Wine Festival has sold-out events on Saturday and Sunday, there are still plenty of activities -- food-related and otherwise -- to keep you busy this weekend and next.
Here's a sampling of events in the area through Sunday, May 6.
Saturday and Sunday, April 27 & 28
South Carolina Orchid Show & Sale, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, 1605 Park Circle. Free admission and free parking. The event features plants from Marble Branch Farms, Seagrove Orchids and Carter & Holmes Orchids.
Columbia Green's Festival of Gardens, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, features a tour of 8 to 10 private gardens in the Hampton Ridge neighborhood, off Garners Ferry and Old Woodlands roads. Registration is at Woodlands Park, 6500 Olde Knight Parkway. Tickets are available online for $30 for Columbia Green members, $40 for non-members or at the event for an additional $10.
Leanne Morgan: Just Getting Started tour, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday, Township Auditorium, 1703 Taylor St. This adult comedy show features all new material.
Saturday, April 27
Hollow Creek Distillery tour and tasting, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., 112 Rocky Ridge Rd., Leesville. Sample award-winning High Cotton and William Alan bourbons, Low Water vodka and White Hot Cinnamon whiskey. No reservations needed
Richland Library Friends and Foundation Spring Book Sale, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Richland Library Operations Center, 130 Lancewood Rd., Columbia. With more than 30,000 gently used items, paperback books start at $1 and hardbacks at $2.
Lower Richland Sweet Potato Festival, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., 6940 Lower Richland Blvd., Hopkins. The parade starts at 11 a.m., and then enjoy live music, arts & crafts, games, carnival rides, sweet potato dishes, and more.
Columbia Taco & Tequila Crawl, noon to 6 p.m., at various locations in Columbia's Vista District. Buy a ticket and then eat free signature tacos and enjoy discounted prices on drinks as you make your way through the following participating locations: Vista Union, Crafty Crab, Grill Marks, Liberty Taproom, Pearlz, Boku, Republic, and Tin Roof -- bars subject to change, check opening times online.
Contra Dance at Bill's Music Shop & Pickin' Parlor, 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., 710 Meeting St., West Columbia. No experience or partner is necessary to learn how to dance or enjoy live music. Beginners can learn how starting at 6:30 p.m.; the first dance is at 7 p.m. Admission is $10 per person, and kids 12 and under dance for free with a supervising parent. Dress comfortably and wear clean, soft-soled, non-marking shoes.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Augusta GreenJackets, 6:05 p.m. at Segra Park, 1640 Freed St. Game Two of a three-game series features post-game fireworks by Adluh Flour
RELATED: Load it up: There's a free compost giveaway in Columbia this weekend
Sunday, April 28
Irmo International Festival, noon to 5 p.m., Irmo Community Park, 7507 Eastview Dr. Enjoy the parade, car show, national presentations, live music, crafts and food.
Hops & Shops: Spring Market, noon to 4 p.m., New Brookland Tavern, 632 Harden St. There is something wild for everyone: crystals, oddities, jewelry, vintage, taxidermy, cottage core decor, and more.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Augusta GreenJackets, 5:05 p.m. at Segra Park, 1640 Freed St. Game Three of a three-game series features pre-game autographs and a concert by Jeremy Rosado and post-game Kids Run the Bases. Gates open at 3 p.m. for the pre-game fun.
Tuesday, April 30
Unforgettable: Celebrating Legendary Photographer Cecil Williams, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St. Orangeburg-based Cecil Williams photographed many of the important events in the Civil Rights Movement in South Carolina. Williams will be on hand along with Claudia Smith Brinson, author of Injustice in Focus: The Civil Rights Photography of Cecil Williams, for a reception, conversation and book signing. Excerpts from SCETV's documentary The World of Cecil will be shown. The event is free, but registration is required due to limited space.
Thursday, May 2
First Thursday on Main, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Businesses from the 1200 to 1700 blocks of Main Street Columbia stay open later, and there's usually live music and food vendors at Boyd Plaza in front of Columbia Museum of Art
Pete Davidson: Prehab Tour at The Senate, 7 p.m., The Senate, 1022 Senate St. Comedian, creator, producer, writer and actor recently released Pete Davidson: Turbo Fonzarelli special on Netflix. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Senate has a clear bag policy and is a cashless venue.
Saturday, May 4
Rosewood Crawfish Festival, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., State Fairgrounds in Columbia. Celebrate the mudbug with Columbia's largest crawfish boil, live music and fun for the entire family. Remember to wear not-your-best attire because crawfish seasoning can stain! Tickets are available online, $12 in advance, $15 at the gate, and kids 12 and under enter free. You can also pre-order two-and-a-half pounds of prepared crawfish for $25, grab a group of friends and reserve a table for 8 (three sittings: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., or 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.) for an extra $295 (includes enough crawfish for eight and a bucket of beer, paper towels, hot sauce and hand washing station).
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Sunday, May 5
VegFest 2024 will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at City Roots, 1005 Airport Blvd., Columbia. Attendees will learn about the vegan lifestyle and enjoy live music, food trucks, and a family fun zone. Tickets are $10 per person, or you can select other levels: $15 includes a swag bag of coupons and samples, $25 VIP gets you in 30 minutes early plus an upgraded goody bag, or $35 VIP PLUS gets an early entry, reusable bag, and Unapologetically Vegan t-shirt.
Big Nosh, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tree of Life Synagogue, 6719 N Trenholm Rd. Free to get in, then buy your favorite kosher foods -- brisket, latkes, stuffed cabbage, pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, kugel and more.
Melrose Heights Art in the Yard, a 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. self-guided tour at 1601 Richland St. in Columbia, showcases local artists and artisans in yards throughout the Melrose Heights neighborhood. Food trucks and live music.
New restaurant on Rosewood Drive wants to expose Columbia to lesser-known Asian street food
Caleb Bozardhttps://www.postandcourier.com/columbia/business/new-restaurant-asian-vietnamese-hong-kong-immigrant-columbia-rosewood-sc/article_23a5ce74-0742-11ef-bb51-8b288d7601b1.html
Alley Street Eats, located at 4478 Rosewood Dr., is shooting for an early June opening, co-owner Sally Chung said. The spot will offer skewers and street-style varieties of Asian food with a tapas feel, she said.Sally and Joe Chung are no strangers to Columbia. The two have lived in the city since high school after immigrating from Hong Kong with their parents.The two grew up working in their parents' mom-and-pop style Chinese restaurant before pursuing other ventures – Sally going on to corporate banking, Joe to medical ...
Alley Street Eats, located at 4478 Rosewood Dr., is shooting for an early June opening, co-owner Sally Chung said. The spot will offer skewers and street-style varieties of Asian food with a tapas feel, she said.
Sally and Joe Chung are no strangers to Columbia. The two have lived in the city since high school after immigrating from Hong Kong with their parents.
The two grew up working in their parents' mom-and-pop style Chinese restaurant before pursuing other ventures – Sally going on to corporate banking, Joe to medical school. But both decided to return to the restaurant industry.
“It’s funny we told ourselves, ‘We’re never going to get into the restaurant business,’” Sally Chung said.
Seeing their family experience the time-consuming nature and difficulty of working in restaurants turned them away from the industry, but a love of the food they grew up with brought them back, Sally said.
The two have operated various restaurants in the area for the past several years, including the Freshe Poke Huger Street and Forest Drive locations and formerly Ganbei in Lexington, she said. Joe operates the No 1 Chinese Restaurant on Garner’s Ferry Road.
But their new venture at Alley Street Eats promises a new challenge as a full-service restaurant.
“A full-service restaurant definitely takes a lot more time and effort and creativity, but I think we’re excited to be back into the business and take on a challenge,” she said.
Offerings of Asian cuisine in Columbia have grown and diversified in the past few years, she said. Thai, Vietnamese and fusion restaurants have joined the staple Chinese and Japanese offerings, but there are still cuisines from other countries not represented in the area.
“There’s more variety now,” she said. “It’s more diverse, but I think we’re still missing a lot of the options that are available in larger cities. We want to bring that into this market and just kind of share.”
The two hope this varied menu will provide an opportunity for patrons to try new things and not be limited by cuisine from one locale, she said.
“We want to be able to have a place where let’s say a group of friends comes in and someone is like ‘I’m not too fond of Thai food,’ they have other options,” she said.
The skewers and shareable portions on their menu fill a gap in the local scene and reflect the food they grew up eating, she said.
Along with the small-bite menu items, there will also be a select number of entrees, noodles, rice and soup options.
Staples such as Korean fried chicken, bao buns, Thai curry and Japanese ramen and Hong Kong braised beef noodle soup will be available, as well as weekend specials reflecting recent trendy dishes.
“Whatever the hype is, we will put that as a special, rotating menu option,” she said.
The menu will also be vegetarian friendly, reflecting another way Columbia has grown recently, but is still lacking in comparison to other cities, Chung said.
“There are a lot of people that are gearing towards just being more sustainable, so we want to be able to offer that to people in Columbia,” she said.
There will also be a variety of drink options, focusing on Asian beers and liquor options. Tapping into another newly-growing market, non-alcoholic cocktails will also be on the menu, Joe said.
Spending time in Chicago for medical school inspired Joe to bring more options back to Columbia when he returned, he said.
“Everyone always skips Columbia, but they always go to either Charlotte or Atlanta … why not right here in the middle so we can show people we can actually grow?” he said.
More than bringing new food to the Columbia market, the new restaurant also offers an opportunity for Midlands residents to experience more Asian culture in the atmosphere and eating style, she said.
The small shareables on the menu will let people try new and different things and eat together in group settings, she said.
“In the Asian culture, we go out with friends, we go out in large groups, everything is family-style,” she said. “In the States it’s a little different. It’s like ‘I order my entree, you order your entree’ … but when we go out, we hardly ever order the same thing, because we want to try a little bit of everything.”
The growth of the Asian cuisine scene in the city has mirrored an overall increase in diversity, she said. That change has happened both in New Jersey – where the family initially immigrated to from Hong Kong – and visibly in Columbia.
“When we were younger there were a lot of times where we were judged for the foods we ate, certain things that we did, but right now it’s become more accepted,” she said. “People actually embrace diversity, embrace culture.”
Part of growing up as immigrants also involved cultural and generational expectations for the siblings' careers, they said.
“When you grow up in a family that all they do is work at a restaurant, long hours, 12 to 14 hours a day, seven days a week, they have an expectation (of) ‘We’re working so much to provide for you, you should not be in the restaurant field’,” Sally said.
Their parents weren’t too opposed to the siblings leaving careers in corporate finance and healthcare for the restaurant business, but often reminded the two how difficult it would be.
“They love saying ‘We told you’,” or it was a lot of comparison between their family member’s kids – ‘They’re in the financial field and making this amount of money’,” she said. “But anything you’re going to do is hard.”
“I think eventually we became quite successful, and our parents do see that,” she said. “So they don’t say that anymore.”
The younger Chungs are embracing a more modern approach to restaurant ownership that is more self-sufficient and less taxing, she said. But the two will still be offering a family-style establishment, she said.
“This is going to be a family run business,” she said. “We're going to be here and make sure that people are going to get a great experience.”
The paperwork process for the new restaurant is mostly complete, and the pair will now look to performing soft-openings ahead of the early June target date, she said.
The building housing the new restaurant was formerly home to Eric’s San Jose, a Mexican restaurant which closed in 2022. The building was last sold in February 2023, according to county records.
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