Gourmet Shop offers signature chicken salad on croissant, servers’ Southern hospitality
This family-friendly café always appears to be bustling, whether customers are browsing through kitchen items in the store or enjoying a delicacy in the seating area. Tables are provided outside as well that are perfect for watching shoppers or bringing a pet along on a spring day. Pinwheels on the sidewalk spin in the breeze, creating the perfect environment for a relaxing afternoon lunch.
While it is sometimes difficult to get the attention of the servers while sitting outside, they love to share their favorite dishes when asked and express true Southern hospitality.
When reading the menu, each item looks equally tasty. But the chicken salad is what put this shop on the map. The chicken is baked and pulled in the Gourmet Shop's very own kitchen and piled on their freshly baked fluffy croissants. Served with tomato and lettuce and your choice of grits or fruit salad, this is a perfect dish for a first-timer.
Brunch is something scarcely offered in the USC area, but the Gourmet Shop gives no reason to look anywhere else. A smoked salmon bagel, Belgian waffles or a breakfast panini are sure to satisfy at any time of the day. The favorites, of course, are the homemade croissants that can be topped with your choice of cream cheese, fruit, cheese or bacon. The most popular is the egg, cheese and bacon croissant, served toasty with your choice of a side item.
If you are in the mood for something sweet or just dropping by for a snack, the bakery cases inside are full of tarts, cookies, cakes and, of course, croissants, filled with strawberry and cream cheese or milk chocolate. A perfect addition to these is the selection of Illy coffee drinks — café au lait, mochas and iced coffees.
Compared to other Columbia delis like Beezer's and Groucho's, The Gourmet Shop is a little pricier, but you can't say they didn't warn you — it's in the name.
All in all, it's perfectly doable on a college budget, and the extra dollar or two is worth it for the quality of food. Most lunch and brunch entrees, including salads and sandwiches, range from $6 to $9. Add in a dessert pastry or coffee drink for another $3.
Although the requirement to pay inside the store appears to be a trap, you can't help but give in and browse the wide varieties of candies, pastas, spreads, cheeses and gift baskets. It's a great place to find gifts for Mother's Day or for your friends.
Either way, The Gourmet Shop consistently stays true to its name, creating a completely gourmet experience — from the friendly atmosphere to the dishes you can't get enough of.