Running off at the keyboard while trying to figure out my analytics on naughty versus nice.

We’ll start with the 600 pound gorilla at Franklin Square. You are wondering. I am wondering. All is quiet on the Darling Oyster Bar front. I know there were some repairs being done, but I will revert back to what I said early Summer. They are on their own timetable. Not ours.

Savannah’s newest Italian restaurant, Veratina, opens for lunch this week. It is located at 606 Abercorn Street in the Victorian District. (photos above and below) The space has gotten a very nice makeover. Food looks delicious. But as good as the food looks? The space looks even better. They will be open for lunch Wed-Sunday through December until they get their liquor license. Dinner service will follow. Meanwhile you can find them on Instagram @veratinasav

Eat It and Like It Restaurant Week returns January 23rd through February 2nd. More on that next week.

It would appear the space formerly occupied by New Realm Brewing Company at Whitaker and State Streets is mid-build out. We’d been told the space was purchased by the Rhino Hospitality Group (formerly Ele and The Chef). The new restaurant going in there will be called Sunday Sunday. The windows advertise breakfast lunch brunch and dinner. Eric Curl at Savannah Agenda reports the space will become an 11 unit inn with a restaurant on the ground floor. Sunday Sunday will be Rhino’s 12th Savannah property.

Just down Whitaker, if you missed our announcement a few weeks back, E Tang Hot Pot location is now open. It is their 5th restaurant in the region. They also recently opened an E Tang in Okatie, SC to strong reviews. Their next spot to open will be in Pooler in the next few weeks.

I love the breads at Sixby. 220 East 41st Street. Check em out here. Or better yet, swing by. Open 7 days.

The Red Velvet Cake at Flora and Fauna, is from another planet. The red velvet person in your life must have a slice.

One of the more underrated holiday goings-on here in Savannah is the Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District. I didn’t count this year, but last year there were nearly 3 dozen beautifully appointed booths selling artisan items and food and drink. It’s really beautifully done and very much worth a walk through with your family this season. With or without a cup of hot cocoa.

After a personal audit, I’ve determined that my Spotify wrapped results for the year are askew. That’s not good. We rely on these people. I just needed to get that out. Very frustrating.

On Hilton Head Island, the once very popular Lucky Rooster Kitchen and Bar has closed. The space to be taken over by Nectar by SERG Group. Lucky Beach is a spinoff of “Rooster” that is still open.

Urban Deli at Troup Square is downtown Savannah’s best deli. Roughly 20 sandwiches, some vegan options and a few soups. Everything I’ve had there is well made and excellent.

Out on Ogeechee Road, Philly Boyz is now open doing-what they say-are authentic Philly Style cheesesteaks. Philly Boyz is owned and operated by Chaz Ortiz, owner of Pooler’s Chazito’s. Who, if you didn’t know, is a proud Philly boy. They’ll be having a grand opening on Saturday the 14th if anyone wants to stop by. 2 Quacco Road.

Two Birds Greek Street food, is a bubbling cauldron of deliciousness you can find in and around Savannah. Yes, they are mobile, but looking to have a permanent spot at Ogelthorpe and Drayton. Soon. If you don’t know about them, you should.

The highly anticipated Laundry Diner is mid build-out at Paulsen and Anderson in Savannah. This is going to be great for a neighborhood that doesn’t have a lot of options for dining. New ones are popping up all of the time. Laundry Diner is brought to you by the same group behind the incredibly successful Two Tides Brewing Company in the Starland District.

Meanwhile roughly around the corner from the Laundry Diner, Gary Gordon tells me they are working on their brunch menu at the brand new 520 Wings location on Waters Avenue. He didn’t give me a timetable, but I’m guessing after the first of the year.

Slow Fire BBQ also has plans for the Waters corridor.

Some save the dates: The Low Country Home and Garden Show will feature the Eat It and Like It Cooking Stage January 17-19th. Roughly a dozen area chefs will be joining us for demos (and yes, samples) from some of your favorite restaurants in the area. It will be at the all new Savannah Convention Center on Hutchinson Island.

Our Eat It and Like It Fried Chicken and Champagne dinner returns February 6th to The Alida Hotel. Details and Tickets here. Roughly 70% of those seats are gone. It will sell out.

We’ve also added a Hilton Head dinner to the Fried Chicken and Champagne circuit. You can read a little more about what those plans are here. It will be a fried chicken party on the the beach. That will be February 13th at the Tiki Hut at the newly renovated Beach House Hotel at Coligny Circle. Details and Tickets here.

Charleston’s best Espresso Martini is at Bar Felix.

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