If you spend enough time in this city, especially downtown, then you know how cyclical life can be. You see the same people at fundraisers. You see the same people at sporting events. You see the same people when you are out and about at lunch. Sometimes you go a few weeks or more without seeing someone, but the next time you do, you pick up like you had just had a chat in line at the grocery store yesterday. It is the definition of community. Part of what makes living in this city so fantastic. I’ve run into friends after a year of not seeing them tell me they have enrolled in medical school. I have people tell me they are engaged. Still others have shared the fact that they are moving away. Those are all life changing events. What is it that they say? Marriage, children, new job are all life changing events? Well, how about opening a restaurant? Yeah, that’ll change you alright.
Jason Restivo has been in Savannah for about six years now. In that time, he managed the wine programs at The Olde Pink House and Garibaldi, two of our cities signature restaurants. Five minutes with Jason and you know just how passionate he is; not only about wine, but about creating a perfect dining experience. Every single time. A while back he and I spoke about where Savannah’s culinary scene is headed and what he thought restaurants need to do in order to help it continue to grow. He never claimed to know all the answers, but he was certainly entitled to his opinions on how to make guests happy. It all made perfect sense. “It’s in my DNA to serve people”, he has told me more than once. All of that said, never in a million years did I think Jason would take that passion and go out on his own. Not that he wasn’t capable, obviously, I just didn’t see it coming. Until now.
The past couple of weeks here in this space or in the adjoining “quick bites” section I have mentioned a new restaurant coming to the corner of Drayton Street and Victory Drive. The northeast corner to be exact. We’ve all driven by it about ten million times as we make a right or a left onto Drayton to head downtown. That’s Jason’s and his wife Jennifer’s space now. By the time they are done it will be Savannah’s newest eatery. It will be called, simply “Atlantic.”
“We danced around that spot for about 4 months”, Restivo tells me. “Being residents of that part of town, we knew we wanted to be there.” It is, without question, the hottest part of town right now. There’s been no shortage of ink from me, or anyone else in town really, about everything happening South of Forsyth Park. Sandfly BBQ, Cotton and Rye, The Vault, Naked Dog Café, Maine-Ly Dawg Café have all chosen the area a short drive from tourist central to set up shop. Real estate is certainly more manageable in that area, with everything from rent to parking. “It’s not that we couldn’t contend with downtown”, Jason says. “We just wanted something a little more laid back.”
Jason tells me the building dates back to 1936 when it was a gas station. It is being restored to close to original, but not 100%. Obviously a restaurant needs a kitchen and things that a gas station never had. “There will be about ten percent modification”, he says.
The biggest question that will be asked from this point going forward will be what kind of food. Both Jason and Jennifer to this point are only offering “seasonal menus.” They are also tight lipped on their search for a chef. They are looking for one but haven’t said much beyond that. Clearly it’s a huge, arguably biggest, decision to make with this space and they want to make sure they get it right.
I have no reason to suspect the Restivos won’t demand great food. You don’t go branch out on your own after working at The Olde Pink House and Garibaldi to put burgers and dogs in a basket with some greasy fries. No, I am expecting a lot of work and thought and planning to go into the menu at Atlantic. That doesn’t mean for a second it will be “stuffy” fine dining. “No way. It’s not going to be stuffy”, Jason tells me. “I’m planning to wear my Converse to work every day.” Don’t worry, you won’t find a basketball hoop out back. “We want out space to be very family driven. A place for everyone. Our daughter will be here doing her homework after school. When she is old enough, she will be doing the dishes”, he says.
Listening to Jason talk about his vision, the words that come to mind are comfortable, friendly, warm, inviting, yet sophisticated. All I have seen is what I am now sharing with you. Artist renderings of the outside and some photos of an interior under construction. I don’t know what it will ultimately look like. I don’t know what their brussel spouts will taste like. I do, however, know the people involved. I know their love of this city and applaud their vision for taking an eyesore of a street corner and daring to make it beautiful again. Work on the space is underway, they hope to have you there to Eat It and Like It by Spring. I’ll keep you posted.
See you on TV.
Jesse
