Having been a local business owner for over 40 years, I am a big advocate of supporting local establishments—particularly the ones specializing in food and beverages! Lucky for me, Columbia’s food scene (on both sides of the river) has exploded over the last 5 years. As a man with zero culinary skills, I eat out or get take-out almost every night of my life! My go-to restaurant for dinner and Sunday brunch was, for a long time, the eclectic and ever-inviting 116 Wine and Espresso. I vividly recall the morning I went into 116 and learned that Chef Ryan Whitaker (the best chef in the Midlands!) decided to sell his business so he could devote more time to his two precious children. It was Sunday after church—I went every Sunday when I was in town—and I just sat at the bar feeling sick over the news, questions racing through my mind: Where would I go for dinner? More importantly, where would I go for brunch?! I struggled with this last question for quite some time after 116 closed shop, as no brunch in town could hold a candle to Chef Ryan’s! But at long last, I have excellent news to share: I finally found Columbia’s new best brunch!

Sometimes, you find the greatest treasures in the places you’d least expect. Before my brunch discovery, I knew SakiTumi for its fresh sushi and, of course, its cocktails! But SakiTumi’s owner, David Shaw, saw an opportunity when 116 bowed out of the brunch scene, and he decided to mix things up a bit at the restaurant. SakiTumi is still serving its acclaimed sushi six days a week, but now, it is THE place to be on Sundays from 10 to 2, when David breaks out Columbia’s finest brunch menu. His dishes are reminiscent of 116, yet still wonderfully original—you won’t find masterpieces like the Bloody Mary Cheese Melt and S’mores Stuffed French Toast anywhere but here! I’ve loved everything I’ve tried off the menu, and it doesn’t hurt that the atmosphere and libations are just as spectacular as the cuisine! Needless to say, SakiTumi has become my new after-church hangout, and I highly recommend that you check it out—I give the whole experience the Mike Kelly Guarantee!

PS – If you’re a West Columbia resident, be sure to vote David Shaw for City Council!