There is so much great food out there, that I have taken to writing lists like these a couple of times a year. Off the top of my head, I can recall a similar list I made for strictly Summer bites I enjoyed here and there.
But the end of the calendar year has a way of making us reflect on what we’ve done with our time over the previous 365 days. In between bowl games this week, I’ve been giving a lot of thought to the bites that wow’d in 2022. There were a few of them. No better time to share, right?
You should know, some are in Savannah. Some are not. Including my first stop. As my dad used to say, that’s the way the cookie crumbles.
Double Smash Pimento Cheese and Bacon Jam Burger at South of Heaven BBQ, Brunswick
Yes, I have mentioned this burger here before. Yes, I have raved about it ever since that February day when I finally made it to South of Heaven. I’d enjoyed some of their food at a pop up in Savannah during 2021, but hadn’t been to their brick and mortar since they opened. I’ve told more than a few people that it was the best burger I’ve had in years. Yes, years. Juicy, flavorful and drippingly delicious-as the best burgers usually are.
Again, I’ve mentioned this before, but I believe the brisket at South of Heaven is the best on the Georgia coast. I’ve heard from more than a few people who have taken the ride down there to see for themselves and agreed. SOH BBQ belongs on anyone’s short list for a Saturday drive from Savannah. It’s right across the street from Willie’s Weenie Wagon.
Dinner at Fleeting – Thompson Hotel, Savannah
In April, we enjoyed probably one of the best meals I’ve had in Savannah in a number of years. I never wrote down all of the dishes we enjoyed, but it would be fair to say all of it was spectacular. Bar Julian gets all the headlines at The Thompson because of the views. However, the work Executive Chef Rob Newton and his staff are doing downstairs is too often overlooked. Common Thread gets a lot of my ‘favorite restaurant’ love. But so does this spot. Most ‘foodies’ are in the know. Now, so are you.
Pizza starts fights around here. I am aware of this. We all have our favorites. I am also aware of this. In Savannah, I am a big fan of Pizzeria Vittoria as well as the pies Jay Langfelder is doing Wednesday through Saturday nights at Big Bon Bodega. Solid NY Style pies. All of that said, if you are looking for something different, Mama G’s Pizza in Bluffton is the best pizza on that side of the Savannah river. Bluffton and Hilton Head Island already know about it. The quality ingredients and attention to detail make all of the difference. Glen and Bridgette Grace are running a solid operation there. This pizza (pictured above) is special.
French Fries at Over Yonder – Savannah
In researching my book-Savannah Food Crawls due June 1, 2023-I knew I had to get the burger at Over Yonder on my list. That thing passed every test with flying colors. A fabulous burger in every sense. However, not at all to be overlooked are the french fries. Fresh cut potato and fried so perfectly, I find myself day dreaming about them. Easily the best I’ve had in Savannah.
Doughnuts at Hole – Asheville, NC
I spent 36 hours or so in Asheville for a wedding in October. We ate a lot. I wrote about it here. Curaté is one of my all time favorite restaurants, but the doughnuts-fried to order-at Hole are nothing short of a miracle. You must you must you must the next time you are in that area.
Thai Iced Coffee – The Collins Quarter – Savannah
I’ll be honest, I felt like a jerk on this one. Having been to The Collins Quarter downtown Savannah only 7 billion times, it never occurred to me to order a Thai Iced Coffee. Once upon a time, I was a big fan of the Australian Iced Coffee with ice cream and espresso, but that was pulled from the menu.
This coffee -featuring cardamon, simple syrup and cream was so incredibly delicious it will very likely be my go to whenever I’m in the neighborhood. That’s saying something because there are a lot of great coffees out there these days. To each, their own.
Also worthy of a mention here is the Croque Monsieur at Franklin’s on Liberty Street, the fresh baked breads at Stevedore, the Chicken Picatta (add red pepper flakes) at Pomodori Hilton Head Island , Beedo’s Burgers on St. Helena Island and the 32 ounce Ribeye at Emporium Kitchen and Wine Market at the Perry Lane hotel. I NEVVVER go that big on a steak, but I did. With truffle butter. Ridiculously good.
Happy Eating! And Happy New Year!!
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