Running off at the typewriter while eyeing my first green beer in 3 years.
*The big news this week is in Savannah’s Victorian District with the announcement from Cuban Window Cafe that they are closing their doors after 18 months. Owner Cynthia Santana tells me business had been great. Staffing was not an issue. The reasons were strictly personal.
*Fortunately, there are far more openings than closings around town with everyone racing to get their doors open by mid-March in Savannah. You know, “green season.”
*In case you missed it in this space last week, we told you about the arrival of Alexander’s Bistro at Duffy and Bull downtown. Just South of Forsyth Park. Sandwiches, salads, fresh breads and pastries.
*“Smol” is a brand new, small (get it?) cocktail bar on DeSoto Avenue in the Starland District. It is brought to you by the same crew behind Two Tides Brewing Co.
*There’s a new wine bar coming to Abercorn Street South of 37th. More on that soon. Expected open in May.
*Gigi’s Cupcakes are about to open their 3rd location in the area. This one on Broughton Street.
**Meanwhile, Troupial is a Venezuelan Street Food coffee shop that enjoyed great popularity on Whitaker Street last year. The build out of their “Yellow House” is just about complete. They tell me they are looking at opening in the next week to 10 days at 9 West 43rd Street.
**The build outs continue at Poe’s Tavern on MLK, Jr Blvd as well as Desposito’s in Thunderbolt.
**Rocky’s NY Deli in Sandfly has built a tiny “Italian Market” inside their current shop. Undoubtedly Savannah’s best option for authentic Italian goodies. Pastas, cheeses, condiments and more.
**Good eats you say? The Shrimp and Grits (pictured up top) – made with a spicy tomato sauce, Andouille Sausage and jalapeños-at Emporium Kitchen are crazy good. These are different. Generally, if you have 10 bowls of Shrimp and Grits…7 of them taste the same and 4 of them are bland. If you like ’em with a tiny kick, these are for you.
**I’m hearing very good things coming from Fleeting in the Thompson Hotel. A return visit is on my very short list. The same goes for The Garage at Victory North, 2605 Whitaker Street.
**If you want to get out of town for a day, Hilton Head Island is hosting their 25th Wingfest on Saturday from 11 until 5pm. Live music, bounce houses, beer trucks. Tickets $8 with 16 vendors selling wings all afternoon.
**Speaking of wings, how bad is it out there? I had a restaurant owner tell me the price of chicken wings are up roughly 40 percent from this time last year. “I had to take the 50 piece off of our menu because I was embarrassed to have to charge $83.50 for them.” they said. Still, families are rolling in and ordering them off of the menu.
*Eat It and Like It got a first look inside the brand new Quarterdeck Restaurant at Harbourtown. It’s quite large and will be a destination for years to come once it opens next month. Want to see it? See it here.
*Last but not least, the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina has an on-line auction going on this week. A ton of great items to bid on including a stay at Palmetto Bluff and much more. One of those items up for bids is dinner for 4 at FARM Bluffton with me. We’ll talk shop, sports and bird watching. No politics. Find a link to all the bidding right here. It wraps on the 20th. Cheers.
*Got anything you want to share? We are always listening. tips@eatitandlikeit.com
