We travel quite a bit for Eat It and Like It, obviously. We are a show about the South. Yes, we travel year-round, but we thought we’d take you to some spots we’ve enjoyed along the way that could be a good fit for a short Summer vacation. Obviously, Summer is when most people travel because the kids are out of school so here’s a short list of the places we featured in our episode (and a couple that we didn’t feature) that might help you sort out some Summertime fun with your family or significant other. So, here they are in the order they appeared with a couple of Eat It Extras sprinkled in.
The Floridian – St. Augustine, Florida: St. Augustine is America’s oldest city. Established in 1565, it’s very easy to walk, navigate and enjoy its historic downtown district. Heck, it’s parked on bayfront with beaches visible just a mile or so across. It is spectacularly gorgeous. I’ll be writing more about this gem along the Florida coast soon. Only 168 miles from Downtown Savannah. About the same distance as Macon. Give that some thought. The food at The Floridian is about as diverse as you can find in a touristy type town. All of it is exceptional. Burgers, Shrimp and Grits, Vegetarian dishes and much, much more. All made in house. They don’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait at peak times.
The Ice Plant – St. Augustine, Florida: This spot was recommended to us by someone at our hotel. I had no idea it was there. What a treasure this restaurant and bar is. It’s a converted old ice warehouse from the early 1900’s. It has a very large warehouse feel, a fantastic bar scene and a wonderful restaurant, as well. I thoroughly enjoyed my Pickled Shrimp appetizer on a grilled sourdough bread as well as a burger. We also sampled some of the creamiest grits you will ever have. Topped with flash fried crusted poached egg and greens? Yeah. A true “foodie” spot in St. Augustine. Don’t show up there looking for chicken fingers.
TOMO – Atlanta: TOMO is serious sushi in Buckhead. What do I call “serious sushi”? When you are in the kitchen chatting with the chef about noon-time and a cube sized cooler arrives with Japanese writing on it, you open it and they are huge scallops, still alive, that were literally just flown in from Japan…that is serious sushi. I don’t know that I have ever seen such attention being paid to quality and freshness at a sushi spot. You will pay for it though. Everything we tried was just exceptional.
39 Rue De Jean – Charleston and Savannah: The Savannah location is being built as I write this and could be open in a few months. In the meantime, if you happen to find yourself in Charleston, this is definitely a spot you want to try. A classic French bistro with all of the items you’d expect to find there. Mussels, steak frites, seafood dishes, and a burger. The burger is a signature there and has been voted best in Charleston by a local publication for years. It is that good and once it makes its way to Savannah, will immediately jump into the mix for best burger there as well.
Minero – Charleston and Atlanta: Minero is the creation of award winning Chef Sean Brock. In addition to Husk in Nashville and Charleston, Brock has opened a couple of high end taquerias, doing some of the best fresh Mexican you can find. The cocktails are top notch, the tacos are the kind you talk about for days. Shrimp, pork, beef or even vegtarian options. Minero is a real treat for a down and dirty meal while you are on the road.
HH Prime – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: We opted to include this spot for two reasons. First, who doesn’t like to hang out at a world class resort on the beach with a beer or a glass of wine. Second, the steaks are some of the best in the area. Period. Yes, HH Prime is a steakhouse located inside the Omni Resort on Hilton Head Island. But don’t let that fool you. The guys in the kitchen are doing some great things in there. 10 oz. filet topped with lump crab meat, asparagus and bearnaise? Or how about a bone in 18 oz. New York Strip. There aren’t too many dishes I can be snobby about, steak is one of them. These are great steaks. Read my write up on them by clicking here. Keep in mind you do not have to be a guest of the resort to drive in and enjoy a great meal. Located right on the beach, it is a perfect evening out.
See you on TV.
Jesse
