Individually, some were certainly a bigger deal than others. Taken collectively, they made for a rather interesting year around here. Our top stories for the year in food for Savannah 2019.
6) Olde Pink House Fire:
The next time I get a text message asking me something like “What do you know about the Pink House?” I will be sure to ask “Why, is something wrong?” That happened last year on December 28th. Little did I know that Savannah’s most iconic restaurant had experienced a catastrophic fire.
Technically, the fire occurred in 2018 (which is why it is first on this list), but the fallout stretched through the first quarter of 2019. Dozens of employees faced with no job from one shift to the next. Just days after Christmas. The Pink House re-opened in April accepting no reservations and the line was out the door. Welcome back old friend.
5) Roberto Leoci Returns
Chefs come and go with great regularity. But Roberto Leoci’s return to Savannah made news for the first half of 2019. Roberto developed a significant following during his first run as a restauranteur in Savannah in the first half of the decade. In 2016 however, he left town not expecting to return.
In January of 2019, Leoci’s Cucina Italiana opened its doors at the 12 Oaks Shopping Center midtown Savannah to lots of fanfare. It would be fair to say half of Savannah was thrilled to see Roberto back, meanwhile a significant portion of the city was left trying to figure out what the big deal was. Either way, six months isn’t enough time to decide on the success or failure of a restaurant . Ownership pulled the plug in June. Roberto remains in Savannah operating a catering service.
4) Leopold’s 100 Year Anniversary Celebration
Any eatery reaching the century mark is a big deal, don’t you think? Especially considering Leopold’s place in the hearts of so many Savannians. It was a soggy Summer day, but there was no way anyone was going to allow Mother Nature to truly rain on this parade. I suppose the only question now as we head into a 2nd century is whether the scoops on birthday celebration day will go back to .01 or $1.01. Yeah, I think we know the answer to that.
3) Flock to the Wok Opens to Rave Reviews
When a restaurant opening pushes its way into one of the top 5 read stories of all time on this website, it gets our attention. I think it’s also a window into the heart of this community and our maturation as a ‘foodie city.’ I mean, really. It’s a Chinese restaurant. (Insert shrug emoji).
I think Savannah has craved great Chinese since about 3 days after James Oglethorpe pulled up on the bluff. That alone will make news, fair enough. Those of us that love Chinese food will not say ‘Flock’ is the best we’ve ever had. Not even close. But for now, it’s the best we’ve got. So we flock, right? If you haven’t, you should.
2) Pizzeria Vittoria anchors Starland Yard
I’ve said it before, and I will take this opportunity to say it again. Savannah’s food scene got lucky when Kyle Jacovino decided to make this city his home after The Florence closed up shop in Summer of 2018. Kyle’s passion for perfect pizza is one reason why. The opening of Pizzeria Vittoria at Starland Yard is the kind of leap of faith we need more people/chefs to come to Savannah and take. One reason why they don’t? They don’t believe enough of you will be willing to pay what it costs to execute “big city” food around here. We are crawling in that direction, but…
Starland Yard is by all accounts a huge hit. How can it not be? Everything you need in one playground. Supported by rotating food trucks, a large enough bar and play area, it is the perfect complement to Savannah’s hottest neighborhood. The Starland District.
1)Mashama Bailey wins James Beard Award
Speaking of ‘big city’ food and leaps of faith, The Grey and Mashama Bailey were rewarded for theirs in May of this year when Chef Mashama was given a James Beard Award. America’s highest culinary honor. Mashama and her business partner John Morisano have been exceptional stewards of Savannah’s culinary flag since they opened in December of 2014. Still, they’d both likely tell you that it’s how we continue to progress as a culinary destination that is most important.
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