Sassy Southern Cooking with a French Twist

pastrami

The Hits Keep Coming Down Savannah Way

It’s not supposed to happen this way! After  five months of combing Savannah for her best dining establishments as part of research for Savannah Chef’s Table (Globe Pequot Press, Fall, 2012), I would have expected that my list of food targets would be getting smaller, not virtually never ending. I shouldn’t be surprised, really. That’s what it’s like in any good food town, and Savannah is certainly all that and more.

On each visit, I keep finding new gems to write about. That was especially true on a very tasty and successful mission last week. Here’s just some of what’s worth checking out next time you’re in The Hostess City…..

Burton’s By the Beach

Tybee Island, a.k.a., Savannah Beach

 Talk about a blast from beaches past. Located about 20 minutes east of downtown, Tybee offers a nostalgic nod to the good old days with its eclectic architecture and cohesive, sandy Southern beach theme. Surfers and skateboarders race by the otherwise slightly sleepy main drag, at least it was sleepy on a weekday visit. I imagine Tybee’s hot at peak season on weekends. I’ll return to check it out, and will definitely re-visit Burton’s while I’m there.

Burton’s practically commanded me to its order window with its eye-grabbing, bright yellow, red, and green colors and enticing, wafting aromas. The owner is from Mexico City, but in addition to mastering Mexican street food, he’s also aces Cuban and Spanish from this endearing take-out (or eat out at the picnic tables) beach joint.

The fish tacos ($7.95), grilled, sweet fresh tilapia wrapped in soft flour tacos and topped with a sweet/hot, creamy chipotle sauce, more than lived up to their “highly recommended” billing from the cheerful woman who took my order through a sliding glass window. Chunky, chewy black beans and fragrant yellow saffron rice made it a meal – to remember!  So, too, is the Reuben Cubano ($7.50) which features grilled chicken, not the usual pastrami suspect. 

www.burtonsbythebeach.com

The Ultimate Tea – Afternoon Tea at The Tea Room

There is afternoon tea, and then, there is afternoon tea. The Tea Room’s is the ultimate in every way and, therefore, demands a visit whenever proper pampering is in order.

All worry and concerns melt away with each soothing sip of one of the  40+ equisite tea blends offered and each bite of the round, soft, cream cheese, chive and cucumber sandwiches  somehow bring home another time and place in the most inviting way.

It’s too much fun to half a scone and fill it with some of the house made raspberry preserves and then add a generous dollop of slightly sweetened whipped cream. The short bread cookies crack and crumble into buttery, baked decadence with each bite.

Outside of the rear, dimly lit library-like dining area (the area I most prefer), the shop virtually tinkles with authentic Southern charm. Proprietar Elizabeth Ruby can usually be found at the front counter, chatting congenially with one of her many regular customers, and the front of the house is decorated with a fine collection of tea pots, tea cups, tea cozies, cookbooks, children books and more.

Afternoon teas are by reservation only. If tea is not your thing, The Tea Room also serves a broad assortment of outstanding sandwiches, salads, soups and quiches.

www.thetearoomsavannah.com

Other places well-worth a visit:

Rocks on the Roof, Bohemian Hotel

www.bohemianhotelsavannah.com

The Distillery

www.distillerysavannah.com

17Hundred90 Inn and Restaurant (revamped and delicious – especially for lunch!)

www.17hundred90.com

 Thrive A Carry Out Cafe

www.thrivecarryoutcafe.com

Tangerine Fusion & Sushi Bar

11215 Abercorn Street, Suite 10-11, Savannah, GA 31419

(912) 920-5504

There are many more on my must eat and visit list. Look for them here as I discover them, so that you may, too!  In the meantime, please visit the Savannah section of recommended restaurants on the 4* and 5* Restaurants That Won’t Break the Bank to the right of the blog section of this page.

As always, bon appetit and remember to embrace your inner-Savannah. It will make you feel oh so good!

 

 

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