Hemingway's, Ltd.

Food Philosophy

exceptional food

attentive service

fabulous atmosphere

From music to mood lighting, from the cozy, sexy, intimate bistro side to the laid back, relaxed kitchen interaction cafe, every aspect has been carefully considered in the design and layout of Hemingway's Wine & Bistro.

The food philosophy at Hemingway's Wine & Bistro is one of inclusion, not exclusion. The style is next-generation contemporary where food and wine come together to make an unforgettable experience. The flare is exemplified two ways; taking classic favorites and making them new and irresistible or inventing unique combinations and bold presentation to add intrigue and panache to the plate.

A Triple Crown Experience

It is simply Spirited Missouri, the triple crown of exceptional food, service and atmosphere. Eating is a sensory pleasure, as such; attention has been paid to all five senses in creating and delivering an award winning experience.

We consider it a place where one feels compelled to return to over and over, always finding something with a new twist or old favorite that brings comfort and joy.

Design

The arrestingly chic design of the Wine & Bistro is a marriage of collective imagination of the owners, Van and Julie Allen and Dru and Dawn Vaughn. The objective was to integrate the established Hemingway's Ltd retail store and marry that concept with an explosive restaurant.

It is tactile; it is textures, moods and tones grouped as intimate gathering places. The colors were selected to tie in with the wine theme that is woven into every aspect of the restaurant. The curves and lines throughout the Bistro and Cafe are meant to show the sensuality and gravitation of love, food and wine, and the pleasurable moments that go together with the three.

The restaurant and cozy bar is divided by a majestically beaded wall creating suspicion as to who is on the other side. Overhead, you will notice the custom lighting design by Van, creating a floating effect that casts pools of light over the sumptuous setting.

A Napa Wine Cellar Captured

As you walk through the entrance to the Bistro you will quickly see how Dawn captured the feel of walking into a Napa wine cellar with the stone barrel ceiling, which then takes your eyes to the retail area entrance where once again you will see the stone creating an inviting arch. Mood lighting is cast throughout by patterned cloth pendants reflecting warm light throughout each private booth.

The kitchen and cafe area were inspired by French style creperies Dru had come across in other cities and always desired to bring to Columbia. The kitchen hides nothing from its guest with only a bar and seating keeping patrons from chef and team. The open-viewing concept allows diners to follow the drama of a busy kitchen in high gear and watch crepes come right off the griddle.

Our Chef's Cellar–Perfect for Private Get-Togethers

One of the showpiece rooms would have to be our Chef's Cellar. With wine racks towering the room coupled with private wine lockers this very intimate yet cozy setting is perfect for your private get together. The room can seat sixteen comfortably and was designed with the business meeting in mind. Fully equipped with state-of-the-art audio/video system, it's sure to impress any prospect or client with its privacy and style.

Hemingways Features the Artwork of Julie Allen

Hemingway's Wine & Bistro is also proud to feature the artwork of Julie Allen. Julie, after graduating from the University of Missouri, spent twenty years in Kansas City providing photography, graphics and art design to large and small companies throughout the world before taking time out for family. She is very kind to share her work that will definitely stir all of your emotions.

The H-Bar Lounge

This design and approach drove the sourcing of many distinctive elements, which includes the smooth black pearl granite bar top coupled with the hand picked black and steel speckled metal that wraps the lower part of the bar and the polished stainless steel head taps. The backdrop of the bar was designed by Billy Don McCormick and integrates the showcasing of some of the finest wines and spirits in a staircase effect.

Atmospheric Perfection

The seating is flexible, allowing for the conviviality of pulling together a constellation of chairs, tables and brushed stainless steel cubes when more friends join the group. Black lounge ottomans create an upscale yet casual feel with 42" plasma televisions available for special sports and entertainment viewing. Live entertainment and a late night menu will definitely make the H-Bar the hot spot for Columbia night owls.