Chefs come and chefs go. It’s the nature of the business. Fortunately, in Savannah there are a few that have chosen to stay. They have huge followings and their movement to a new spot makes news. At least it does with us. Ultimately, with you as well. That’s why you are reading this.
The latest to check all of those boxes is Chef Lauren Teague. She’s now running the show at The DeSoto Hotel and the 1540 Room inside.
Chef Lauren made a name for herself in Savannah at The Andaz Hotel on Ellis Square once upon a time. Her approach to locally sourced freshness was-at the time-relatively unique to Savannah.
She later moved on and opened the very popular Atlantic on Victory and Drayton Street. After roughly a year there, Lauren landed at The Brice Hotel running the show at Pacci Italian Kitchen.
Her fans followed.
Now she’s overseeing all food operations at one of Savannah’s biggest hotel properties. When you include banquet operations, it’s as massive an undertaking as you might imagine.
“I’ve already run into a customer of Atlantic looking to eat my food.” Lauren told me. “That may be a ways out.” she says.
Truth be told, we’ve known about this move for a few weeks, but Lauren had asked us not to share the news for fear that she’d have people showing up for something that doesn’t exist yet. Yes, her local following is that big.
“We may open 1540 Room in the Fall.” she said. “We are short staffed like everyone else in town right now and focusing on cultivating our guests in house first.”
A sound strategy of course.
“We’ve been blessed that some of my old crew has come and help me with some bigger events.” she says.
“The DeSoto is beautiful. It just needs some love and attention.”
So you will have to forgive Lauren if she is focused internally right now. Those of you who love her food? Well, maybe you can check in to the DeSoto for a staycation and order room service or? Pump the brakes for a few months and wait for her to get her staff, menus and operations in place first.
Of course, we’ll let you know when it is time to Eat It and Like It.
# # #
