So much has been said about the brand new JW Marriott Plant Riverside Project that opened last week along the Western end of River Street that there really isn’t much more to say really. About the structure.
I mean, from my seat, it is a masterpiece. But then, to be fair to those who don’t like it (because they are out there), I have always been a huge fan of the panache, style and decor of any Kessler property. I mean, really, if you like colors, then you’ve got it all.
Details of the structure and construction you can find anywhere with a quick google right now. I’ll leave that to the smart guys and gals. I’m ready to eat.
I spent a few hours eating whatever I could on Saturday at the Plant Riverside District. There’s a lot to take in. Even if as of now, only half of it is open (food wise). Their Tequila Bar concept, Chophouse, Sushi spot, Ice Cream Shop, Waterfront Biergarten and Savannah Sq Pops kiosk aren’t open as of this writing. So I dug in to what was.
The most important thing to mention off of the top is that, with the exception of Grafitto Pizza, everywhere you can eat right now at Plant Riverside is a bar. There are tables at all of them, so you don’t have to sit AT the bar, but the bar is the primary focus of the F&B outlet. We’ll get to the sit-down pizza spot in a minute.
I will be honest, when I heard that the first eats available would be from a BBQ and Seafood place outdoors with a water view, my expectations dropped. Probably by 50%. Sure, I’m all about some beers and BBQ with a pretty water view and a TV for a ball game, but I was most excited about actual restaurants coming on line. Still am. We will see when the time comes.
The BBQ at District Smokehouse is about what you’d expect at a huge hotel in a tourist area. “Artisan” BBQ it is not. Good? Yes. Touristy good. I had the ribs and the pulled pork. I’m told the go-to there is the brisket. They ran out just before I got there. The sides, meanwhile? I had the Mac and cheese and the potato salad. In a word? Nobueno. I look forward to seeing if the other sides are up to snuff on a future visit.
The “Boss Hog” Baked potato looks fabulous. Potato stuffed with pulled pork, scallion crema and BBQ sauce. I may try that next time as well.
District Seafood, frankly, I visited but passed on eating. The raw oysters (Blue points) looked great. They’d better for $16 for a half dozen. The rest of the menu is largely the same as you will find at any shrimp shack in town. Po Boys, Low Country Boil, Peel and eat shrimp and the rest. I saved my calories and passed on the review of something you can find anywhere.
Graffito Pizza is going to be a star on the River. As of now it is the only true sit down restaurant in the building and will be very popular with families bringing children in tow. The glass box restaurant offers constant views of the property and the river in the distance. The decor is classic Kessler. Colorful, fun but tasteful. With the kids in mind, of course.
The pizza? I tried the Salsiccia. Sausage, roasted fennel and arugula. Fantastic. A perfectly crispy crust. This is very good pizza. I look forward to trying some of the others.
My last stop for this visit was the highlight of the afternoon. Baobab Lounge is essentially the property’s ”lobby bar.” It sits off to the side in the lobby and is decorated, I’m told in a “Pan African” theme. The food menu (all small plates) offer a variety of influences. Mediterranean, South African and more. I tried two dishes the Harrisa Steak Flatbread with Arugula, Tomato and Goat Cheese (very good though the steak could have used a little bolder flavor). And the best dish I had all day. Peanut Chili Shrimp, with pickled chilies and peanut gremolata.
Absolutely wonderful. One of the best shrimp dishes I’ve had in a while. I very much look forward to returning. Separate entrance off of River Street too. I expect they will do very well with those of us who seek an adventure on our plate.
As I mentioned near the top, close to half of the venues have yet to open. I’m very eager to see what we are offered sushi-wise from Plant Riverside. Savannah can use a serious sushi spot. Same as we have been in desperate need of a chophouse. I’m told, Mr. Kessler loves him a good steak. Which can only mean the stakes will certainly be raised there.
To be continued. Meanwhile, check out my video tour of the eats here.
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