*Weekly news and notes from the food scenes on both sides of the Savannah River. Greater Savannah, Bluffton and Hilton Head Island.
*The big news over the weekend was the story we reported about a new seafood spot opening on Wilmington Island in Savannah. Sundown Lodge should open late February/early March-ish. Read the story here.
*Speaking of seafood, the Seared Ahi Tuna from Avocado Bleu in Bluffton is outstanding. Teresa is doing a fabulous job. Well worth a visit.
*Back in Savannah, we are working on the story, but I can confirm that the downtown location of Molly MacPherson’s will be closing at some point this Spring. Downtown only. Their spots in Richmond Hill and Pooler are not affected. The news comes in the wake of Savannah already losing the very popular Kevin Barry’s on River Street. They closed New Year’s Eve after 40 years.
*Meanwhile, up Congress Street from Molly’s… Charleston’s Darling Oyster Bar has announced they will be opening on Franklin Square. 27 Montgomery Street. Read more here.
*Water Witch is a new Tiki Cocktail Bar at 2222 Bull Street in the Starland District. They open this week. Interesting story on how they came up with the name.
*I’m told the new development going up on the Eastern end of River Street will feature a 13 story boutique hotel with a rooftop restaurant and bar. The plan as of right now is Coastal Italian. Of course, that could change.
*Chive Sea Bar and Lounge’s Pan Seared Snapper and Risotto dish at $13 is one of downtown Savannah’s best deals for lunch. Really nice portion size. Great lunch.
*Meanwhile, back on Hilton Head Island… I had dinner at Ombra Cucina Italiana. Chef Michael Cirafesi is still crushing it after all these years. No surprise. One of the best meals I’ve had in the last 4-5 years. Easily.
*Thanks to everyone who joined us for our 4th Fried Chicken and Champagne dinner at Rhett in the Alida Hotel. A great night in a beautiful venue. If you’ve not been to Rhett yet, go see Chef Jason. 2 hours free valet parking at The Alida.
*Our Fried Chicken and Champagne event at Lucky Rooster Kitchen and Bar is Friday the 24th. 5pm. Tickets are available for that night, though not too many.
*I met a young man today researching a ‘Fast Casual’ Fried Chicken spot for Statesboro. Based on what he shared, it should be a lot of fun.
*Our final event in January is at Fork and Dagger Latin Diner on the 31st. Brian and Sky have a great looking menu for our dinner. The 5:30pm seating is sold out. 15 seats are left as of Sunday night for the 8pm seating. Click here for more.
*Emporium Kitchen and Wine Market has a new chef. He hasn’t started yet, but his name is Jeffery Axline. He comes to Savannah from The Bobby Hotel in Nashville.
*Speaking of Emporium, they are doing something different for Valentines Day Weekend. A couples baking class on Saturday the 15th at 3pm. You don’t have to be a guest at the hotel to attend. Click here for more.
*We are back in the groove with the TV show on Saturday nights. No more delays because of football. This weekend we featured Nom Nom Poke in Savannah, Frosty’s Burgers and Shakes on St Simon’s Island and Frankie Bones from Hilton Head Island.
*Set your DVR for Saturday nights 11:30pm on WTOC-TV.
*A reminder that Eat It and Like It has Savannah’s Only Brunch Guide. Every brunch in Savannah is listed and broken down in categories. Click here to take a look.
*Before we go, a reminder to follow us on social media. Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Have a great week!
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