The evolution from what downtown Savannah was into what downtown Savannah will soon be continues.
Any drive through downtown’s historic district will reveal construction. There are new homes, there are new townhouses, there are new hotels and there are old hotels getting desperately needed makeovers. One of those is the new Hotel Indigo, formerly Inn at Ellis Square at the corner of Barnard and Bay Streets. Over $20 million have been poured into the property to change the entire feel. Rooms and common areas have all gotten a complete makeover. That includes a little more aggressive approach to ‘hotel restaurant.’ Savannah’s Hotel Indigo is home to Five Oaks Taproom, a beautiful, if not rather simplistic new spot to eat and drink just off of Ellis Square.
“We want locals to come and feel comfortable here.” says Chris Nelson, Executive Chef at this new space. “We aren’t looking to be the next high spot here in town. We just want to fit in with the neighborhood and give our guests another dining option.”
The menu is pretty straight forward. It includes a “Five Oaks Burger” made with Hunter Cattle grass-fed beef, pimento cheese and topped with crisp pork belly, pickled okra, spicy honey and mustard aioli. There are a series of flatbreads (included a fried oyster flatbread), some seafood and a Pork Belly dish with Hoppin’ John and spicy cream corn. “The plan is for the menu to change seasonally.” Nelson says. “If someone comes in this month and enjoys a dish, they may or may not find it on the menu 6 months from now. We want to keep it current.” I haven’t tried any of the dishes. I will let you know when I do.
The bar has been beautifully re-done with several doors opening out on to Bay Street. There are craft cocktails, several draft beers, including some local and a wine list whose highest priced bottle is $40.00
The hotel is opening for business very soon. The restaurant should be up and running as soon as Saturday March 12th.
See you on TV,
Jesse
