Aida Bistro Review

AIDA BISTRO

6741 Columbia Gateway Drive
Columbia, MD 21046
(410) 953-0500

Overall Review

Aida Bistro is located in Columbia, MD. This restaurant is family-owned and specializes in classic Italian fare, in addition to an eclectic mix of entrees and small plates from a variety of backgrounds. It is important to note that their small plates are super small.  Aida offers a prix-fix menu which includes 2 small plates, and an entree to choose from. Or you can order al a carte from the menu. The décor is minimalist; mustard and light brown join together with dark brown wood, dim lighting and unique art. This restaurant hosts art gallery shows.  Much of the artwork on display is for sale.  Check their website to see which artists are being featured.  There is both a bar and a dining room available for seating. There is an additional dining room if you want to have a private party.  Though we did not find the décor all that compelling (it was actually quite boring), the food more than made up for this, making what’s around you utterly unimportant. This gem of a restaurant greatly surprised us with its next-level cuisine. We were not expecting this and were greatly pleased by it.  The food was delicious.  It was so good it made Melissa do her Shoulder Pop!  The chef has the ability to put together foods and flavors that you would not think to, however, they always seem to work well.  The service was very good; our server was friendly, attentive and knowledgeable.  This is a great spot to meet with friends and/or family; coworkers, your significant other… even a first date.  Parking is no problem as the restaurant is located in a shopping center plaza. Overall, we give Aida Bistro ♪♪♪.

Grilled Oysters

Served with a little parmesan cheese on top these oysters were very herbateous and savory.  The sauce had a perfect consistency and the addition of Italian herbs added a great amount of flavor to this dish.

Braised Pork Belly with Port Poached Apple and Caramelized Onions

The pork belly is fat and crispy.  There is a nice smoky flavor.  The apples and onion mixture was surprisingly delicious.  It was a perfect combination of sweet and savory.  The port created a delicious reduction sauce. 

Roaring 40’s Blue Cheese Salad with cider vinaigrette, local apples and spiced almonds

This salad was fresh and delicious.  The addition of a cube of blue cheese (incidentally, Roaring 40s is our favorite kind) and spiced almonds added a nice fall feeling to the dish.  It was robust and vibrant like the colors of fall leaves. 

Duck Confit with Potato

This dish reminded us of an au gratin potato dish with mustard and a sour relish. The sour relish helped to cut the heavy creaminess of the dish.  The crumbled bread crumbs added a wonderful texture.  The gamey flavor of the duck added richness and depth.  It was a perfect dish for a cold winter day.  This Duck Confit was delicious! 

Porcini Crusted Swordfish

The Porcini mushrooms were the star of this show.  They were perfectly caramelized and added a ton of earthiness to the dish; they were reminiscent of bacon.  The swordfish was light and perfectly cooked.  The rich flavor of the mushrooms was a perfect complement to the light flavor of the fish.  The mashed potatoes were light, fluffy and flavorful. 

Scallops in a Carrot Ginger Puree

The Scallops were seared to perfection and very delicious.  They were naturally sweet and oceany.  However the carrot ginger puree was sad.  It had no sweetness, character or depth. 

Dark Chocolate Bacon Terrine

Too often terrine can be very dry.  This one was not at all dry.  It was moist, creamy and delicious.  The saltiness and smokiness of the bacon was the perfect compliment.    The terrine was made with a dark chocolate which made it so rich and delicious.  This dish just melted in your mouth. 

Discussion Topic: What’s your season?

Melissa: Since we are in the midst of a transition from Fall to Winter, let’s talk about our favorite seasons.  Personally I love the fall and winter.  This is the time of year that I thrive and am at my best.

Angela:  And I hate it!  This is the time of year when I go into hibernation and disappear. 

Melissa: I know because I have to coax you to come out and eat with me. 

Angela:  Personally I prefer Spring and Summer.  There is nothing better than the end of winter when the days get longer and flowers start to bloom.  This is the time of year when I gather all of my favorite music and take long drives with the windows down and the music playing. 

Melissa: Yes I know, because Spring and Summer are when you are coaxing me to come out and play.  While I love the long days of Summer I can’t stand the heat and humidity.  I would be just as happy in Alaska where there’s lots of snow!  Lol

Angela:  Ugh! That sounds like my nightmare. I hate the cold! And snow is pretty for about 5 minutes in the city, after which point it is an icy, sludge filled mess. And the next time you say, I love winter and would love for it to snow; I will not be held responsible for my action. Lol

Melissa and Angela: So folks, now you know where we stand on the subject. And for all of you out there that enjoy the Fall and Winter months the most, enjoy it while it is here. And for those of you that already can’t wait for Spring and Summer, hang in there, it will all be over before you know it.