##FORM has gotten the go ahead from the City of Savannah to make their move from Habersham and 33rd to the Bonna Bella area on Skidaway Road. Name is tentative right now, but Brian Torres, co-founder at FORM tells me “The Chef Table at Form” is seriously being considered. For those of you who think Brian, Jimmy and Claude are all about cheesecake, you’d be mistaken. They’ve been turning out one private dinner after another at their Habersham location. That spot downtown will stay in the family, get a bit of a makeover, and roll on. Don’t know what will become of the ping pong table, but I’m going guess it won’t ever be too far away. “We will have full service coffee. A true juice bar and full lunch service and the most creative small plates farm to table style menu.” Brian says. The biggest question is ‘when.’ They aren’t sure of that yet. There was talk of September, but no one is putting an open date in ink yet. I will keep you posted.
##Daniel Reed Hospitality continues to spread it’s wings. The restaurant group that currently owns Local 11ten on Bull and Duffy and Public Kitchen and Bar on Liberty and Bull are expanding. I’m told they will acquire the space currently occupied by Soho South Café across Liberty Street from Mellow Mushroom. No one is talking in an official capacity, but I am told that once they take over Mid-September, they are going to close Soho for about 2 weeks to make a few nips and tucks. The concept will stay the same…..for now. A year or so down the road, the entire building will get a Daniel Reed Makeover. I’m certain creative director Robbie Perkins is licking his chops. That Soho space has a ton of potential.
##I’m going to keep beating this drum until you all have a ticket and it’s all sold out. Ticket sales for the first Savannah Food and Wine Festival are making a lot of people happy. I’m told some events are getting close to selling out. It’s not even September yet. I have a friend who is planning to attend some tell me “I keep forgetting to buy my tickets.” I am certain no one is really thinking about an event in November because the kids just went back to school. Fair enough. But if you are a really planning on going, don’t delay. Taste of Savannah will be a huge event/celebration in Ellis Square. But other events? They will sell out. I have very little doubt.
##Smackdown #2 was a huge success. The Pinot 4 Ways Smackdown was a great event at the Bohemian Hotel on Bay Street. An interesting concept. Great turnout and a lot of people asking questions and taking time the time to learn about wines they may have never had before. At the end of the day, that is what it is all about. No matter if your threshold for a bottle of wine is $15 or $150. Here’s a peek at what you missed.
##I brought this up the other day and it is worth repeating. Tequila Town is getting some rave reviews on Whitaker Street near Broughton. I tried dinner there the other night and was told it was over an hour wait. It’s gotta be good for that.
##Do you ever think an established restaurant is in trouble when you get e-mails twice a week offering $20 worth of food for $5? I’m no business major, but too many mass discounts and email deals might just be a fast-track to shutting doors.
##Wiley’s BBQ on Whitemarsh Island is in the cookbook business. Look for it perhaps by Spring 2014.
##The Food at The Sparetime on MLK and Congress? Do it. Today.
##Speaking of recommendations….Few things make us happier here at Eat It and Like It than shining a giant spotlight on people doing things the right way. After our write up a couple of weeks ago, Roma Pizza in Bloomingdale is enjoying their busiest run in 3 ½ years. All I ask Anthony is that he not make me a liar. So far, I’m getting a lot of love from the people who have driven out to Bloomingdale for a pizza. Haven’t heard about it? Read about it here. Then drive out there for a great great pizza. He’s now open on Sundays.
##Speaking of good pizza, gotta give the brand new Whole Foods some love. Pizza is good there. $17 is a bit of a punch in the gut, but hey, you wanna save some money go to CiCi’s. yuck.
See you on TV.
Jesse
