It really shouldn’t have come as any surprise to me, once upon a time, when I started asking chefs what their most popular dishes were at any number of area restaurants. “Seafood” or “the fish” or “oysters” were typically the most common answers I got when I started getting to know the names and faces who were behind the scenes on Savannah’s growing food scene. There have been no shortage of times when I have been sitting in Ellis Square chatting with a tourist when they ask “Where do we go for good seafood.” Of course, that is a loaded question. Do we send them to Tubby’s? Do we send them to Tybee Island and the Fish Camp or Sundae Café? Or do we go totally local and send them to Despositos under the bridge? In addition to a number of great spots downtown, any one of those answers is a good one, depending on that person’s mood. The good news is, 13 million or so tourists who roll through town every year are constantly in search of our area’s best. With all of the great offerings we have around here, I think it is fair to say that seafood and fried chicken are the headliners on our food scene.
Last year, a new concept was launched on the festival scene in Savannah. No, it was hardly the first seafood festival to be held in the area, but it was definitely the best. The fine folks in Bryan County do a tremendous job with the Ogeechee Seafood Festival every Fall and our friends on River Street do the same every April. The newest addition to the seafood scene last year was a tremendous event held at The Westin Savannah Harbor. It’s called the AquaCurean and it is a seafood and spirits lovers paradise.
The first AquaCurean was held in April of 2014, outdoors along the Savannah Riverfront at The Westin. If you attended, like I did, then you remember Saturday afternoon being a picture perfect, Chamber of Commerce, kind of day. The crowds we well managed, the scene was textbook Savannah, and most importantly the food and drinks were some of the best I’d tried in this city. That’s not hyperbole, that is truth. I recall telling someone at The Westin that day “This was perfect. One-hundred more people and you may have had an overcrowding issue.” He agreed with me, laughed and said, “Probably, but I’ve got a year to make sure we are prepared for it next year.” Proper planning indeed.
This year’s AquaCurean event has been moved from April to August 28th-30th at The Westin. Yes, late August. Before you start moaning about an outdoor event late Summer in Savannah, you should know that the biggest change to this year’s event is that it is moving inside the hotel. “It’s a hotel takeover, if you will”, says David Moses, Director of Public Relations at The Westin. “There are going to be food and drink stations everywhere. We will have some music outside for those that want to enjoy it, but it will be indoors this year.” Smart move if you ask me. The weather can be a huge deterrent. That said, I was also told if we get lucky and the weather lady tells us we are going to get some moderate temperatures, then they are prepared to take some of the fun out on to the lawn next to the hotel with a beautiful view of the river. For now, it is being designed to be held inside.
The talent that will be participating this year is up to snuff with any you’d find in the region. Mark Marjorie is coming from New Orleans. Jeff Roberto is a sushi specialist out of San Diego. Paula Dasilva is a chef in Fort Lauderdale and appeared in Season 5 of Hell’s Kitchen with America’s favorite potty mouth, Gordon Ramsey. Jimmy Reyes comes to Savannah from Todd English’s “Bluezoo” in Orlando. You may not be a gastro geek who knows who all of these names are, but trust me when I tell you it’s a very nice list. Topping it all off is Executive Chef at The Westin, Steve Black, who does a fantastic job there every day, but was brought to Savannah from San Diego in part because of his seafood chops (pun intended). This is a terrific lineup. That’s just one dinner! Yep, the Friday night event. Which, from what I have been told, will be nothing short of spectacular. In addition to the big dinner Friday night, there will be tastings and samplings of both seafood dishes and spirits at various points on Saturday. The festival will wrap up Sunday morning with a “Fresh Catch and Cocktails” brunch.
Of course, the white elephant in the room is the cost. That is always the first question. People love to complain about how expensive something is “for what you get.” Some people I know should changed their middle name to “for what you get.” No, $25 isn’t going to get you world class cuisine in an “all you can eat” setting and drinks to boot. This event will cost you a little more, but when you weigh the value of one ticket that includes food and cocktails versus another event that is free to get in, but then you pay for samples, you are far better off paying $65 one time and enjoying yourself for a full day, aren’t you? Of course you are. And yes, through July 31st tickets to the Saturday tastings and brunch are $65. An argument can be made that it is the best value of the year (well, except for the Eat It and Like It Foodie Awards, but I digress).
Seriously, this is a great event, at a greater price. It was a beautiful last year and I am certain will be equally as so this year. Savannah knows how to throw a party and the staff at The Westin certainly hold their own when it comes to utilizing their space, their views, and their talented kitchen staff. If you love seafood, you should seriously consider this one. I’ve mentioned it in this space already and by late August the kids are back in school so it makes it a little easier to put on your calendar and make plans to Eat It and Like It.
See you on TV.
Jesse
