Healthy alternative grille opens its doors in Columbia
Rice and beans. Sitting solo on your plate, barely touching across the plastic foam divider, they may seem a rather lonely pair. But when these noble foods are paired with a tantalizing blend of meats, spice and sauce done Tropical Grille–style, the meal transforms into a high-speed vehicle with only one destination: island flavor.
After a teasing poster announced the island eatery’s arrival a few short months ago in the space formerly occupied by pasta powerhouse Brioso, Tropical Grille has finally fired up for the public. With the front doors propped open to let in the unseasonably warm Columbia night air, patrons are beckoned in by the heady aroma of sizzling meats and fresh, housemade sauces. Tropical’s interior, illuminated only by a few dim lights hovering over a slew of tables and window seating, is prime for a relaxing dinner. It’s cozy and comfortable without feeling like a hole-in-the-wall establishment where one’s plate is slung in front of them in a hurry.
Billed as a “healthy alternative” to your typical fast-food meal (no fries found here), Tropical’s menu reflects a myriad of crisp ingredients and appetizing combinations of chicken and pork dishes known as “chops” for their grilled, slice and dice process. Each item is prepared made-to-order in plain view of the customers, who laugh and chatter just outside the open charcoal window. Chicken is seared, hacked into bite-sized pieces and laid to rest in a bed of rice under hand-picked delectable ingredients.
The chain’s most popular items, denoted by a thumbs-up on the menu, include the Cuban chop with grilled chicken, black beans and rice priced at $6.25 for the regular and only $2 more for the large plate. The same dish can also be made with marinated roasted pork for a more Cuban flavor. The South of the Border chop is also listed as a crowd-pleaser, mixing Mexican elements like chunky salsa, guacamole and sour cream with yellow rice, grilled chicken and cheddar cheese for $6.49 or $8.99.
Catering to the health conscious, Tropical’s menu also houses items prepared in accordance to standards set by the American Heart Association. Options like the chicken veggie chop made with chicken and steamed seasonal vegetables ($5.29 or $7.49) mind the calories, cholesterol and fat content, creating a filling meal that won’t bust the button off your jeans and also isn’t Subway.
For the same price, diners can choose the classic chicken chop, which comes served over yellow rice with any of Tropical’s signature sauces. The made-daily sauces include a sultry barbecue sauce, sweet and sour, mustard curry and a garlic mojito that may look innocent but certainly packs a punch. For an extra 50 cents, you can upgrade to the deluxe classic chop, which comes topped with lettuce and tomatoes. Vegetarian options crafted with black beans, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and cheddar cheese with rice are also available for $4.99 or $6.99. A rotating menu of daily specials is on tap to keep things interesting.
Not in the mood for a big dish? Never fear, Tropical Grille offers a separate menu strictly consisting of chops funneled into wraps, sandwiches and green salads. For $6.95, the chicken caesar wrap comes with chicken breast, romaine, Parmesan cheese and dressing nestled in a warm pita. Classic wraps come with chicken, lettuce, tomatoes and signature sauce for $4.99, while the deluxe tosses in yellow rice for $5.49.
A Cuban-style steak sandwich priced at $6.75 comes with thinly sliced, mouthwatering sirloin steak with caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato and potato sticks pressed between hot Cuban bread. For a lighter meal, go for the garden salad with dual iceberg and romaine lettuce mixed with diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese and dressing for $4.99, or add chicken for an additional $2.
For those nights when you don’t feel like cooking dinner for the family, head to Tropical Grille for a savory, healthy meal everyone can enjoy. A “family of four meal” can be purchased for $16.99 with chopped chicken, four sides, sauces and one 2-liter drink. Eight-person families can double their dining for only $32.99.
For frequent diners, Tropical even offers a special VIP program. Just buy one chop and receive the free card to get started. After you’ve consumed five delicious chops, have the sixth one on them. And who doesn’t love free food? The restaurant, which also has two other locations in the state, is already receiving a warm welcome from the Columbia community, with a few diners making weekly stops for fresh chops.
“We came in because we thought it sounded like an interesting concept,” Columbia native Mary Anne Hinton said. “We were surprised at how fresh everything was and how well the ingredients blended together. It was really tasty, and we’ll definitely be back.”
Tropical Grille, located at 601 Main St. on the corner of Blossom, is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday until 7 p.m.