As the total solar eclipse draws near, Columbia, S.C. looks forward to playing host to both locals and travelers searching for stellar festivities under the eclipsed sun. Motor Supply Co. Bistro is hosting a sold-out luxe luncheon under the twilight afternoon. Executive Chef Wes Fulmer has an immaculate menu up his sleeves for this VIP viewing party, dishing out at the restaurant’s vibrant and historic Vista location.
Guests will enjoy a buffet-style lunch and open bar to view the once-in-a-lifetime eclipse from a dedicated area just outside the restaurant’s atmospheric patio. The open bar will feature specialty cocktails — including 'Shade of the Moon' and 'Sunglasses at Night' — select beers and wines by the glass, and house mixed drinks. While guests will be provided table seating and valet parking, they are free to move between the dinning room and the viewing area to enjoy the partial eclipse and totality at 2:41 p.m. Free, certified eclipse glasses will be given to all patrons, courtesy of the City of Columbia S.C. and totaleclipsecolumbiasc.com.
Chef Fulmer and his team are proud to present a menu featuring local ingredients from more than a dozen farms throughout the region. The buffet will feature a slow-roasted suckling pig from Carolina Heritage Farms with Watsonia Farms green cabbage and fennel slaw; carved New York strip; house-cured and bourbon-smoked Atlantic salmon; a raw bar featuring oysters on the half shell; S.C. shrimp; seared yellowfin tuna and authentic Peruvian ceviche; locally sourced roasted vegetables, Edisto Island Farro Piccolo; and Freshly Grown Farms salads.
Pro tip: Plan to stick around and explore the walkable Vista district after the eclipse, one of Columbia S.C.’s most vibrant entertainment districts. Heavy traffic is anticipated throughout the region, but many interest points are within walking distance to Motor Supply — including public art, the S.C. State House and local shopping. Better yet, say “yes!” to another delectable cocktail from Head Barman Josh Streetman.
Cocktails:
Shade of the Moon: Avion añejo tequila, Zamaca, Benedictine, strawberry cider, basil
Darkside: Chivas,Aperol, lime, sour, activated charcoal
Sunglasses at Night: Absolut,Amaro Montenegro, watermelon, mixed citrus
Constellation: Beefeater, Brian’s jam, house tonic, lemongrass
2 Minutes 2 Sin: Hendricks, Jagermeister, Pamplemousse liquor, honey, charred grapefruit
Full Menu:
Carolina Heritage Farms Slow-Roasted Suckling Pig
Watsonia Farms green cabbage and fennel slaw
Cucumber and watermelon rind pickles
German mustard, Carolina red, and Alabama white Sauce
Sea Salt and Pepper-Rubbed Carved New York Strip
Ciabatta rolls, creamy horseradish sauce, caramelized sweet onions, Mindoro blue cheese
House Cured and Bourbon Smoked Atlantic Salmon
Cabin Branch Farms Shishito pepper verde
Chopped Wil-Moore Farms egg, capers, and red onion
Raw Bar
Oysters on the half shell
Peel and eat S.C. shrimp
Seared yellowfin tuna
Authentic Peruvian ceviche
Locally Sourced Roasted Summer Vegetables
Edisto Island Piccolo Farro
Freshly Grown Farms Caesar Salad