There’s a scene in the mob movie “Casino” where Robert DeNiro’s character is asked to have a meeting in the desert “A little farther down the road than the usual spot.” The character narrates that the new location seemed out of sorts. Unnerving even. He gave himself a 50/50 chance of surviving that meeting.
That was how I spent my weekend ahead of a dinner meeting with David Landrigan, Executive Chef at Savannah’s Circa 1875 and La Scala restaurants. I’ve spoken to David dozens of times over the years. But this was the first time he suggested we sit down somewhere and get something to eat. Clearly, I thought the worst and a big announcement of some sort was coming my way.
“I haven’t had wings and an IPA in months.” he says.
Join the crowd.
It is fair to say my paranoia was Covid induced. I mean, can you blame me? Has there been any good news in 2020? No, there was no dramatic revelation. Just two old friends catching up after a couple of months of quarantine. David has developed an odd fascination with his new air fryer.
“I think it could be the answer for re-crisping leftover wings.” he says. “I’m gonna try it out.”
He also recommends watching the TV series “Mad Men.”
“It’s…….good.” he says with a pause. “Yes, it’s good.”
The last couple of weeks have been different for David. It’s time to get back to work. Last week, La Scala announced they’d re-open with limited seating on June 17th. The plan as of now is to re-open Circa 1875 on Bastille Day, July 14th. We qualify that statement because David is very quick to underscore the fact that things can change between now and then.
“We just want to be as careful as we possibly can and make sure we do this right.”
Circa and La Scala have been among the ‘hold outs’ who weren’t quick to re-open once Governor Brian Kemp gave the green light weeks ago. Many businesses rushed to get their doors open, others were far more cautious in their approach. As of this writing, several Savannah staples including Green Truck Pub and Atlantic have not only not re-opened, but there has not been so much as a peep from them on their plans to return to feeding the masses. Crystal Beer Parlor has announced they will look at re-opening once they are done with some work being done inside. Cotton and Rye also will re-open their dining room on June 17th.
“It’s scary.” David says
Of course it is. Some of the latest headlines from around The South include the number of restaurants that have re-opened, only to have to close again because someone at the restaurant tested positive for Covid-19. It has happened all over South Carolina. It has happened in Atlanta. It happened here in Savannah at The Grey Market.
Still, just like every other restaurant out there, they are moving forward as well as they possibly can. That is where David’s and his staff’s focus is right now. A total re-build back to full strength at both restaurants. But they are going to take it slow.
On Wednesday, La Scala Ristorante will open with primarily outdoor seating. There will be one indoor dining room available, but that seating is very limited. As is the menu to start. The menu is pre-set. Three courses for $28. That menu will change every three or four days for the next few weeks. There will also be no pizzas for now.
David and Chef de Cuisine Stephen McClain have been burning up the text lines discussing what their menus will look like.
“We’ve been closed for 2 months. We’ve got nothing. We need to see what is out there before we can decided on how we are going to approach this.” he says
“I’ve been talking to all of the local farmers.” he adds. “We are going to use what they have. They need our money right now. Whatever we can find, that’s what it will be.” The menu will be a blend of Southern France and Italy. Something of a combination of the two locations.
If you are looking for some of Circa’s most popular dishes, that isn’t going to happen. Not until Circa 1875 re-opens its doors. Again, target date July 14th.
“I’m excited about this.” David says. “We can do some different things, try to have a little fun and get everyone back to work.”
Which means the Air Fryer goes back into the closet.
La Scala will open at 5pm for dinner service beginning June 17th. Their 3 course menu will be their only food offerings until July 13th.
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