Running off at the keyboard ever thankful that the NFL is back. Yeah, it’s pre-season, but pre-season is better than no season.
**There is a ton of activity going on downtown Savannah. Restaurants are being planned and built as I write this. The new hotels going in all over downtown will have some great eateries, but the parade of great food is certainly not limited to that.
**Some of the eats coming to town I’m not at liberty to discuss yet, but this I can share. Savannah Square Popsicles is a couple of weeks away from opening their doors on MLK Jr. Blvd downtown Savannah at Jones. I got a quick peek inside this week and it looks like it could be a lot of fun. The concept is homemade, gourmet popsicles. King of Pops is probably the most popular in the state. There is also a food truck in town that does their own gourmet popsicles. Lots of color and employees in lab coats. Sounds interesting. I will keep you posted on that one.
**Also new downtown and under construction is Artillery. Artillery is a new cocktail bar being built a couple of doors down on Bull Street near Liberty from The Public Kitchen and Bar. Same ownership group, Daniel Reed Hospitality. Like any other DRH property (Local11ten, SOHO South, Public) it is going to be beautiful. The expectation is to be opening around Labor Day Weekend.
**Cuoco Pazzo at 606 Abercorn continues its build out. There are people in there almost every day. I spoke to ownership last week and I was told they hope to be open around September 1st as well.
**Last but not least on the openings front… Savannah’s favorite meat and three, Sisters, is opening its first franchise in Atlanta. They are located a hop-skip and an electric slide from Centennial Park and the heart of downtown. 27 Piedmont Avenue, NE
**Peaches are everywhere. They look amazing as they always do in this part of the world. Our friends in Charleston put together an amazing list of recipes from chefs like Sean Brock and Mike Lata. See the full list here.
**Speaking of Sean Brock, I’ve been asked many many times about Husk in Savannah. Their website says “Spring 2017.” They’d better get moving on that building at 12 West Ogelthorpe to meet that. The City of Savannah doesn’t play around. I have a call into that group. Will update you as I get updated. Husk Greenville is scheduled to open this Fall.
**If you missed it this week, Angel’s BBQ is closing for good on Saturday after 11 years in Ogelthorpe Lane. Read all about it here.
**Fans of our television show Eat It and Like It with Jesse Blanco will be glad to hear our summer of re-runs is almost over. Season 6 will roll out on Sunday, September 18th 7:30am on WSAV-TV. Set those DVRs now.
**Oh by the way, our TV show celebrates its 5th anniversary on September 24th. Our first episode aired on that day back in 2011. Thanks for continuing to make us one of the most popular TV shows in town.
**Come on out and join at at AquaCurean at the Westin Savannah Harbor August 26-28. It is Savannah’s best seafood event. All you can manage to eat on Saturday afternoon is a great deal. Food, beer, spirts. Unlimited for one price. Click here for schedule.
**In case you missed it last week, Alligator Soul has re-opened after a 12 week break due to a catastrophic flood in the kitchen and dining room. Read that story here.
**Have you ever been to the Shrimp and Grits Festival on Jekyll Island? I haven’t yet, but I am told it is one of the best times you can have along coastal Georgia. Certainly tough to beat the setting at the Jekyll Island Club. It’s coming September 16-18.
**If you can’t get there, St. Simons Food and Spirits Festival is October 5-9. That is a great time. They are looking for volunteers. Click here for more information.
**Pacci Italian Kitchen and Bar is bringing back their very popular Wednesday night supper club events. It’s a family style event in their private dining room and a great value.
**39 Rue de Jean is offering a three course dinner WITH a wine pairing for $45. Great deal. Fridays ONLY from August 19th though September 16th. Call (912) 721-0595 for more information.
**McDonald’s says they are rolling out Pumpkin Spice lattes on August 31st. Are you McSerious? Read that story here.
**Of course if you can’t get enough, Pumpkin Spice Cheerios are new this Fall. Not sure if they come with yoga pants or not. Taco Bell is also rolling out a Cheeto Burrito. No joke. Seen on Twitter: “I’m convinced Taco Bell’s test kitchen is run by three kids who do nothing but smoke pot.”
**Sign up for our newsletter. Stay in the loop. It will be back early September.
See you on TV
Jesse
