‘Upscale’ Mexican coming to Savannah’s Victorian District

This has been in the works for a while. For nearly a year, the fit just wasn’t there. The ideas flowed. There were many discussions over glasses of wine, beers and dinners. There were even multiple ‘research and development’ missions to Mexico’s Yucatán region. Ultimately, this new project in Savannah wasn’t going to move forward until everything felt perfect.  Now, the guy behind putting it all together is ready to pull back the curtain.

“This is going to be great!” he says.

The “He” in this case is Steve Hamile. One of the principals in the project and co-owner of sister property Bella Napoli Italian Bistro on State Street downtown. Steve would agree with the term “Serial Concept Developer” to describe himself.  He says he is happiest bringing new restaurant ideas to life. This latest effort is fueled by his passion for the region where he actually calls home. Tulum, Mexico.

Tulum Cantina y Comida is the name. The location? 606 Abercorn Street in the Victorian District. Yes, the old Leoci’s Trattoria and more recently the old Cuoco Pazzo Cucina Italiana. Also owned by the same group behind Bella Napoli about a mile away.

The remodel at Cuoco Pazzo has been underway for weeks. St Patrick’s Day weekend they unveiled a newly remodeled bar area.  Signage is coming down.  Gone is the 4 seat bar in an awkwardly small space up front at Cuoco. It has been replaced by a U-shaped bar complete with 2 swings in the corner.  Yes, two seats at the bar are now rope swings.

“This space up here didn’t invite you to stay very long.” Steve admits about the bar area at Cuoco. Add to that, there was no AC in the back area.  That’s been addressed. The back deck has been closed off with a ‘barn style’ door. AC installed at the bar and a TV put up to welcome you to enjoy an evening.

What about the food? They’ve known what they’ve wanted all along and it wasn’t another ‘Tex Mex’ style Mexican restaurant downtown. It also wasn’t a taqueria-style place.

The menu needed to be different. They believe it is.

Yes, you will find ‘street style’ tacos, but you will also find dishes that Steve and his chef Sebastian pulled right off of the beach in Mexico during a scouting trip a few weeks ago.  You’ll find whole roasted fish, grilled avocado apps, octopus, skirt steak and much more. I tried a couple of beef empanadas recently and they were the best I’ve had in Savannah.

We are told there will be a handful of vegan and vegetarian options as well.

“I wanted to bring what they are doing in that part of Mexico to Savannah.” Steve says. “They are some of the most progressive menus in Latin America. I think everyone is going to love this.”

I’d love to go into more detail, but as of this writing, the menu isn’t finalized.

Yes, of course there will be an assortment of “munchies.”  Chips and a variety of salsas upon arrival plus housemade guacamole and chorizo queso as well. I haven’t seen them yet, but the nacho platter will be wood fired oven roasted. I’m told they will be huge.

The drink menu will be extensive. Their house tequila will be Herradura.  There will also be a heavy selection of Mezcal based cocktails.

If all of that wasn’t enough, the makeover of the space will continue out back. An extended outdoor deck is going in along the fenced in yard area that borders Huntington Street.  Right in front of that? Steve is having a regulation sized beach volleyball ‘court’ installed across the back of the property. With anyone welcome to get some teams together to play.

“There will be nothing like this in this area.” he promises. “It will be the perfect spot to hang out year-round, without having to drive all the way to the beach.”

Of course, no amount of bells or whistles will offer longevity if the food isn’t good. I have yet to try a lot of the items they have planned for this space, but I can tell you that based on what I have seen so far, they might just be on to something significant right in the heart of the city. Parking? Not an issue. Access to Forsyth Park? 1 block away.  Prices? Not an issue.

“Our highest priced dish is probably going to be $32.00” Steve says.

As we mentioned, the facelift has been ongoing. There were plans for a Cinco de Mayo celebration, but they decided to wait until after Mother’s Day in order to put their best foot forward once they open.

Look for a limited menu ‘soft open’ on Wednesday, May 15th.  We, of course, will keep you posted.  Maybe invite you to a little “Eat It and Like It” Party.

See you on TV

Jesse

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