Running off at the keyboard with one eye on football season. Don’t even pretend it’s too early.
*It has become quite commonplace to hear about celebrities making stops in Savannah. Most times they are working on a film, but other times they are just on vacation kinda hanging around town like the rest of us. In July we saw a little of both. Hollywood Legend Clint Eastwood was in Savannah directing a new movie. He was seen on location several times, but he did take some time to thank the crew at La Scala Ristorante for their hospitality. Mr. Eastwood liked it so much, he returned the next night for dinner. (Photo below from La Scala)
*Meanwhile, actor Keifer Sutherland was in town and spotted having dinner at Circa 1875 2 nights in a row. A few days later, Mr. Sutherland was spotted walking down Broughton Street.
*Beyond celebrity sightings the big questions around town lately have surrounded the return of Despositos in Thunderbolt. We can tell you they have begun the hiring process for their staff so my guess (purely my guess) would be before Labor Day, which isn’t long at all. Hang in there.
*The other big story we had the last couple of weeks was an update on the possible return of Pearl’s Saltwater Grille. If you missed that one, you can find it here.
*Meanwhile, in Bluffton, one of Hilton Head Island’s most popular Italian eateries-Pomodori– is setting up an outpost in Old Town. If you missed that one, you can find it here.
*I had a fabulous lunch at Wildflower Café inside the Jepson Museum a couple of weeks back. It’s a relatively new eatery in the atrium brought to you by the team at FARM Bluffton/Common Thread/Strange Bird food truck. I knew it would be good, but it was even better than that. The best part is you don’t have to buy admission to the museum to have lunch there ANNNNND the fact that they are open 7 days a week for lunch.
*Meanwhile, I bought 50 Savannah Square Pops to take to the beach last week to share with my family. I don’t think I’ve had a pop from the guys that I haven’t liked, but their banana pudding pop (complete with nilla wafer inside) is the best I’ve ever had. That thing could bring your diet to a crashing halt if you aren’t careful. Simply perfect. Have had them yet? You can find them all over town, but their shop is on MLK at Charlton Street.
*Savannah Take Out (the only locally owned an operated food delivery service in town) is now serving the Port Wentworth, Garden City, Pooler area. Good news for those in that area looking for downtown eats brought to your door. Find more here.
*Fans of PJ Thai downtown on Abercorn Street should know that they have a 2nd location in the works in Midtown Savannah. It’s a few weeks away from opening on Hodgson Memorial a couple of doors down from The Original Pancake House. (Basil Chicken pictured below)
*Colleagues and Lovers, a good looking spot for food and drink in Habersham Village is holding a monthly steakhouse night one Monday per month. Their first was on the 3rd and it was VERY well received. The menu features some steakhouse classics like wedge salads and shrimp cocktail. You can see more here. Just remember… for now this is ONE Monday per month.
*Have you tried the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich at Hot Rye yet? It’s Cotton and Rye’s new food truck. That sandwich is Savannah’s best. Easily. Weekends only outside of Cotton and Rye.
*So, I’ve written a book. Remember that? The publisher moved the release date again. Look for Savannah Food Crawls in April 2024.
*If you missed it last week, Pooler’s Chazito’s Puerto Rican restaurant was featured on Diners Drive Ins and Dives. The last of the Savannah restaurants to make it to that show when they rolled through town in the Winter. Look for it on-line.
*Chazito was also one of the featured eateries on a different show that was in Savannah late June. It’s called Street Somm. Host Jermaine Stone toured Savannah pairing some of our most popular bites with everyday wines. Look for that to air on Tastemade in November followed by Amazon Prime and Hulu.
*Upcoming Pop Up Dinners BOTH on July 19th. One in Savannah, the other at FARM Bluffton. Fleeting’s Executive Chef Victoria Shore will be hosting a pop up dinner at FARM on the 19th. Reservations required there.
*Meanwhile-also on Wednesday the 19th – Chef Derick and the team from Saint Bibiana (Coming soon to the former 700 Drayton location) will be hosting a pop up at The Garage at Victory North. First come first served. They’ll get going at 6pm that day.
*OKAN Bluffton, Chef Benard Bennett’s West African/Carribean brick and mortar eatery is now open in Old Town. Go see them on Calhoun Street.
*Some dates to keep in mind: Our BBQ Pop up Dinner at 208 Wine Bar in Savannah is nearly sold out. In fact, the 7:30pm seating is sold out. 10 seats remain for our 5:00pm seating on Wednesday August 2nd. Our guest of honor will be Judd Foster with Tempest BBQ (Formerly South of Heaven). See the menu and more here.
*More dates to save: Leopold’s 104th Anniversary on Broughton Street is set for Saturday August 19th.
*The Taste of Pooler returns to the Mighty 8th Museum on September 21st
*The Hilton Head Island Shrimp Festival has announced their return date to Harbourtown… September 23rd. Early Bird Tickets are available before July 31st. Find them here.
*Last but not least, Whiskey Wine and Wildlife returns to Vilano Beach (St Augustine, Florida) the first weekend in November. Early Bird tickets are now on sale. Click here for a first crack at what has become a beautiful event on the Florida coast.
# # #
