**The biggest talker in the area the last week or so has been the closing of Juarez Mexican Restaurant. Read the story here.
**That closing is just one of a number of moves on the Savannah restaurant scene. Liberty Street Grill at 529 East Liberty is closed. Papillote on Broughton Street will close its doors on January 16th. Maxwell’s, a tiny spot on Jefferson has shut its doors. Ownership there has moved into the space previously occupied by Z2 on Drayton Street near Bay Street. The new concept there is tentatively called “9 Drayton” and will feature two different menus. One on the first floor, another on the 2nd.
**Of course, the big mystery right now surrounds Leoci’s Trattoria at 606 Abercorn. The sign on the door says it’s closed for ‘renovations.’ The sign has been up for over a month. There’s been no work done. Smart money is on it never re-opening. We shall see.
**Not everything is closing. B Matthew’s Eatery got a nice makeover. Read the story here. Great looking spot.
**The best time to take advantage and see the work at The B might be during Savannah Restaurant Week. Three courses for $30 at any number of Savannah restaurants, including B. Matthew’s. Restaurant Week is January 29th through Super Bowl Sunday, February 7th.
**There are a ton of great restaurants to enjoy during Restaurant Week. Another you should consider is Rocks on the River. A number of great dishes there, including their Pan Seared Scallops on Toasted Pecan Quinoa. Seriously.
**Of course, the best way to keep tabs on all restaurant news in Savannah and surrounding area, is by signing up for our newsletter. Twice a month, no spam. Click here to sign up.
**While the weather is chilly, it gives us a chance to re-group and plan for some fun events later on this Spring. Charleston Food and Wine Festival is March 2-6th. That is always a great time. Meanwhile, Hilton Head Island Food and Wine Festival is the following week. March 7-13, 2016.
**Catching up on everything that happened during the holidays and last year for that matter. I have your one stop shop. Read my Top 5 food stories of 2015.
**Pacci Savannah, inside of The Brice Hotel, has a new dinner menu. I haven’t tried it yet, but I hear it is outstanding.
**Would you like to learn more about craft cocktails? Fridays and Saturdays through February 6th Tybee Island Fish Camp is hosting a ‘cocktail camp.’ Will Canea, winner of the 2015 Savannah Food and Wine Festival Bartender Challenge will be putting together some great cocktails. It’s a Fish Camp take over. They are providing the munchies as well.
**Dessert? The doughnuts at The Naked Dog and Reality Bites Bakery are outstanding. 1514 Bull Street. Check out the Banana Split Doughnut photo above.
**Super Bowl cooking ideas? Tired of wings? Looking to try something different? How about dumplings? Not as difficult as you might think. Here is a great resource to make a ton of them that you will eat and like.
**Finally, for now… The Florence is starting lunch service on January 12th. Pizzas, salads and grinders. If you’ve been around here, then you know that I think the pizza at The Florence is the best in the city. Now you can get them midday as well.
**Follow me on Twitter @eatitandlikeit and on Facebook.
See you on TV,
Jesse
