Discovering Savannah's Culinary Diversity – One Bite At A Time

Clary’s Cafe

Posted on May 30, 2012 by friedgreensavannah

Clary’s is on the corner of Abercorn and Jones St.

“I had seen this man several times before, right here in Clary’s drugstore. He was one of the regulars who came in for breakfast every morning. Although we had never spoken before, I knew who he was. That was one of the main things about Clary’s drugstore. It was a clearinghouse of information, a bourse of gossip.” -Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

Made famous by John Berendt’s bestselling book and the movie adaptation, this quaint southern cafe (formerly a drugstore) still stays true to its roots. Clary’s Cafe is a Savannah tradition, beloved by locals as well as visitors. It’s not fancy, but its quirkiness is all part of its charm.

Paralleled with Savannah’s own unique personality, Clary’s is a classic diner but with even more flair. The atmosphere (complete with stained glass decor and a giant jukebox), the patrons (who range from art students, to old regulars, to those just stopping by for the weekend) and the waitstaff (with their southern friendliness) all make the restaurant an experience in and of itself. The food is good as well, but at Clary’s it’s not only about the food.

the bird girl statue, a symbol of the Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, looks down from the cafe’s brick walls

the restaurant is within easy walking distance of nearly everywhere downtown

With a menu consisting of breakfast and lunch, though, you can get almost anything you crave at Clary’s Cafe. For breakfast, the restaurant has a large assortment of savory egg dishes (including omelets and egg and meat combos), as well as the sweeter meals of French toast and pancakes. Lunch features a large selection of sandwiches, croissants, burgers and salads. The famous house specials boast a surprisingly diverse selection, including Hand Carved Norwegian Smoked Salmon, Crab Cakes Benedict, and a hoppel poppel dish.

the Eggs Benedict Florentine is served with fresh spinach and your choice of potatoes or grits

side of breakfast potatoes

“Our Special Creamy Oatmeal” is topped with chopped dates, apricots, golden raisins, cranberries, pecans, sliced banana and a dollop of light brown sugar and splash of cream

the Stuffed French Toast is made from sourdough bread and is filled with strawberries and cream cheese and sprinkled with powdered sugar

the Stuffed French Toast was ordered with a side of bacon

Caramel Pecan Sticky Bun

Clary’s Cafe also has a location at 4430 Habersham for those in midtown Savannah

The Dishes: Eggs Benedict Florentine with breakfast potatoes, Stuffed French Toast with bacon, Our Special Creamy Oatmeal and Caramel Pecan Sticky Bun (the latter two ordered by our husbands)

What’s Special About It?

Kenda: “I love that you can go enjoy a nice breakfast with your husband and friends and always get great service and food here – with a Savannah smile.”

Eleanor: “Sitting in this restaurant gives you a sort of feeling of belonging. Established in 1903, Clary’s Cafe is as much a part of Savannah as grits and seersucker suits, and whether you’re a local or just visiting for the day, this place will give you a feel for the city and welcome you to share in its secrets.”

What Did It Taste Like?

Eleanor: “The Eggs Benedict Florentine was presented beautifully, with its two poached eggs topped on English muffins and lightly layered with “absolutely fresh” hollandaise sauce and sautéed spinach. It was creamy but a still somewhat light breakfast (especially when split between my husband and me), and the breakfast potatoes (like little ‘French fry cubes’) made it a complete and filling meal.”

Kenda: “The Stuffed French Toast was pleasantly sweet, topped with fresh whipped cream and sandwiched between layers of cream cheese and strawberries. It was not overly sweet, though, even when I added syrup on top, but then again, I do have a bit of a sweet tooth. It contrasted well with the crispy side of bacon.”

What Did We Say About It?

Kenda: “Whether you are a fan of Midnight in the Garden and visiting Clary’s for that reason or whether you simply want a good dining experience, give Clary’s a try and let it charm you with its delicious food and eccentric atmosphere.”

Clary’s Cafe

404 Abercorn Street

Mon-Fri 7 am to 4 pm

Sat-Sun 8 am to 4 pm

912-233-0402

Website

Cafe Gelatohhh

Posted on May 23, 2012 by friedgreensavannah

Cafe Gelatohhh is located in the heart of the City Market

Summer is just around the corner, and what better way to welcome it in than with an ice-cold treat! We met up with the owner and gelato king himself, Joel Caplan, for a peek inside the operations at Cafe Gelatohhh. All-natural and often locally-sourced, the gelateria serves up authentic Italian gelato and sorbet – with a southern twist.

Joel Caplan, owner of Cafe Gelatohhh

Gelato, an Italian-style ice cream, differs from typical ice cream in both its production and ingredients. “The machine doesn’t pump air into it,” Caplan explained. “Gelato is very dense… And we serve it a higher temperature so it has a better feel to it.” Gelato is also made without the addition of egg yolks and with minimal heavy cream, creating a more low-fat and flavorful, rich dessert. “By using very little cream, milk and no eggs we remove about 90 percent of the fat that would be in regular ice cream,” he said. In this way, “you get to taste all the favors you aren’t used to tasting.”

Flavors such as Tiramisu, Banana Pudding, Strawberry/Basil and Death by Chocolate. Cookies and Cream, Green Tea, Amaretto and Cheesecake. Peanut Butter Cup, Honeycomb Crunch, Green Apple and Kiwi. Cafe Gelatohhh strives to carry organic and local ingredients to make their product, and thus the flavors often change with the season. “We always have 24 flavors out and have 60 total, but I’m always rotating them,” Caplan said. “There are certain ones I like to have all the time, but in the fall I make pumpkin, sweet potato and pecan and peppermint in the winter. I’m thinking of doing a mint julep gelato for summer.”

Along with serving up gelato, the cafe also makes its own sorbet, which also contains organic ingredients and a multitude of flavors from which to choose.

Caplan uses a large immersion blender to combine the fruit for his sorbet

sorbet is a type of gelato made with fruit and without dairy

Caplan pours the fruit mix into the gelato machine

the finished product: Wild Berry Sorbet

there are always 24 flavors in the case

seating is available inside the brightly colored restaurant and outside in the City Market

the cafe offers sandwiches, salads and hotdogs as well – also made from all-natural and organic ingredients

as a way to support other Savannah businesses, Cafe Gelatohhh sells locally-made goods, including the famous Byrd’s cookies

Chocolate Hazlenut, Strawberry/Basil and Tiramisu; the perfect combination!

The Dish: authentic Italian gelato and sorbet

What’s Special About It? - Joel Caplan: “I have the only organic gelato in the area. Our gelato tastes better because it’s made with good ingredients,” Caplan said. “We’re almost 100 percent organic. And the food is, too. All the meat and vegetables are all organic with grass-fed beef.”

How Is It Made? - Joel Caplan: “I am constantly thinking about flavors. What can I say? I look at both Italian and American desserts for inspiration. Savannah is rustic, and people want what they want and what they’re used to. Hazelnut, pistachio, chocolate hazelnut, ricotta and fig – I make the classic Italian flavors, but I also come up with other things and what southern flavors are expected, like butter pecan.”

What Do People Say About It? – Joel Caplan: “Getting them in the door to taste it – that’s great. They walk out and will come back and tell us it’s the best ever… Sometimes people are standoffish at first and sometimes they embrace it. Like the ricotta and fig? They love it. You never know what will sell in Savannah.”

Cafe Gelatohhh

202 West Julian Street

912.234.2344

Website

Local 11 Ten

Posted on May 16, 2012 by friedgreensavannah

as the name implies, Local 11 Ten is situated on 1110 Bull Street

Local 11 Ten is dictated by the seasons. Though its menu has some staples, most of the dishes vary with what’s available in the local farms. In celebration of the completion of the Savannah Tall Ships Challenge (for which we worked up an appetite!) we brought our core festival volunteer team to Local for a spring-inspired bon voyage dinner.

The restaurant is the perfect place for a night out, with its contemporary modern interior, which features accents of southern decor. Local feels both upscale and laid back, a combination that really reflects the atmosphere of Savannah.

the main dining room has low lighting for a chic and relaxing ambiance

as well as the bar downstairs, Local 11 Ten has a special rooftop bar called the Perch

As mentioned before, the menu is heavily dictated by the season. But despite such restrictions, the food is creative and innovative, with unique combinations and perfect pairings. Local 11 Ten’s spring dishes include an Indian Masala Rubbed Ashley Farm’s Chicken Breast with Green Lentils, Carrots, Turnips and Tztaziki and a Grilled White Marble Pork Chop with Bacon Braised White Beans and Grilled Squash served with Mojo sauce. But along with the regular entrees they also offer an extensive a la carte menu, in which patrons can choose a meat, any (or all) of the sauces and a seasonal side.

a fresh loaf of bread with butter for the table to share

prince edward island mussels, house-made italian sausage, madeira, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and lavender cream

seared pekin duck breast, radishes, couscous, cherry peppers, mushrooms, arugula and strawberry gastrique

a la carte option of Ashley Farms chicken breast with garlic-herb butter and sriracha vinaigrette and a side of grilled asparagus

another a la carte Ashley Farms chicken breast dinner with garlic-herb butter and demi glace sauce and a side of the Brussels sprouts with chorizo

a la carte filet mignon with the spicy soy sauce and a side of herb roasted fingerling potatoes

a la carte option of wild atlantic shrimp with a grilled lemon and spicy soy sauce and a side of Benton’s bacon mashed potatoes

The Dishes: Prince Edward Island Mussels, Seared Pekin Duck Breast, Ashley Farms Chicken with Brussels Sprouts, as well as samples of the other meals

What’s Special About It?

Eleanor: “Local 11 Ten is my first choice for an upscale dinner. I can feel good about eating there, with their local and sustainable foods, and since the menu changes every season, it’s fun to go in and taste what’s new. I also love the modern feel in the restaurant, which is a little unique from other Savannah establishments. This restaurant would feel equally at home on its little Savannah side street as it would in a larger metropolitan.”

Kenda: ”Local 11 Ten is the epitome of green dining in Savannah. This was my first time eating here, and it won me over entirely. I love that they source the majority of their produce from local farms, including Sweet Grass Dairy in Thomasville, Georgia and Ashley Farms in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.”

What Did It Taste Like?

Kenda: ”The Ashley Farms chicken was extremely tender and juicy. It went perfectly with the demi glace and garlic-herb butter. I had a hard time choosing which side to get, since there are eight total, but I went with the Brussels sprouts with chorizo and was not displeased. I sampled some of the Benton’s bacon mashed potatoes from our dining companion’s plate, and it was a surprising and yet satisfying new take on mashed potatoes. The herb roasted fingerling potatoes were also very flavorful. Next time I’m trying the mac and cheese!”

Eleanor: ”The seared pekin duck breast was done medium-rare and was wonderfully tender. It was well highlighted by the slight bitterness of the arugula and earthiness of the mushrooms and radishes, which, in turn, were complemented by the sweet cherry peppers and strawberry gastrique sauce. To round it all out, the dish was served with pearl couscous for a rich and filling dinner. But the mussels. Oh, the mussels. I could sing songs about the mussels! Shipped from Prince Edward Island, the mussels were still as fresh as if they came off the boat. They were served in a madeira and lavender cream sauce with Italian sausage, all of which served to ground the dish and make it a meal in itself. And the bread, when dipped in the sauce and topped with the mushrooms and cherry tomatoes, was divine.”

What Did We Say About It?

Eleanor: ”I could really go on and on about Local 11 Ten, but to sum it up, this restaurant is a true Savannah treasure.”

Local 11 Ten

1110 Bull Street

Savannah, GA 31401

(912) 790-9000

Seven Days a Week, 6 pm-10 pm

Local’s Website

J. Christopher’s

Posted on May 9, 2012 by friedgreensavannah

J Christopher’s is located on Liberty Street in downtown Savannah

Psst! Pass it on! There’s a little-known fact you might not be aware of: J. Christopher’s serves lunch. Famous for their delicious breakfasts (which, on a Saturday or Sunday morning can create lines that file down the street), the regional chain also has an equally first-rate lunch menu.

the interior of J Christopher’s is filled with artwork on the walls and a fun, diner atmosphere

The lunch menu at J. Christopher’s is divided into Soups, Salads, Sandwiches, Fresh Grill Quesadillas, Burgers, and Signature Lunch Skillets. To many of the dishes there is a southern twist, such as the house-made southern potato salad that can come with any of the sandwiches and burgers or the pimiento cheese served on several of their dishes. Their breakfast menu is also served all day, so, if the mood strikes, you can still enjoy their famous Blueberry Crunchcakes and Eggs Christopher for lunch.

We thought about taking our food to a park, but the dining area outside the restaurant was so nice we stayed. Situated a little to the side of the more bustling area of Liberty Street and with its seating right on the sidewalk, it’s both a great people-watching location and a peaceful lunch setting.

J Christopher’s outdoor dining

the Bistro Salad has a mix of fresh baby salad greens topped with strawberries, dried cranberries, sweet & spicy pecans and goat cheese – Eleanor added grilled chicken to hers

the Bistro Salad is generally tossed in a low-fat raspberry vinaigrette dressing, but Eleanor opted for a balsamic vinaigrette instead, which complemented the flavors well without overwhelming them

the Turkey Dijon sandwich has sliced roasted turkey, crispy bacon and melted swiss served with lettuce and tomato, and it is drizzled with honey dijon on grilled wheat and served with a side of roasted potatoes.

The Dishes: Bistro Salad and the Turkey Dijon Sandwich

What’s Special About It?

Kenda: “J Christopher’s is centrally located downtown, and it’s a great locale for either breakfast, brunch or lunch.”

Eleanor: “For all its community atmosphere and good food, my patience still balks at the line for breakfast in the morning here. A late lunch, served on the sidewalk under the trees, was the perfect solution.”

What Did It Taste Like?

Eleanor: “My appetite is largely dictated by the weather. Whenever it rains I find myself craving creamy soups, when the temperature drops I instinctively seek out root vegetables, and in the heat of the summer all I want is a fish taco and a mint mojito. In the spring, though, I dream of fresh lettuce, and light cheeses and lots and lots of strawberries! It’s still a little early for strawberries here, but this salad, with its wedges of chèvre, baby mixed greens, and generous slices of strawberries was an enticing preview of what’s to come.”

Kenda: “My husband, Nate, and I like J Christopher’s for their awesome breakfast menu. After observing their full menu, I just had to try their lunch options. The Turkey Dijon Sandwich has layers of turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, swiss and honey dijon. It all goes perfectly along with roasted potatoes.”

What Did We Say About It?

Kenda: “I was already hooked on J Christopher’s breakfast offerings, but after trying their lunch menu, too, they got me hook, line and sinker!”

J. Christopher’s

122 East Liberty Street

Savannah, GA 31401

(912) 236-7494

7 days a week 7 am-2pm

Web Site

Moon River Brewing Company

Posted on May 2, 2012 by friedgreensavannah

Moon River, located on West Bay Street, is Savannah’s one and only brew pub

We are busy gearing up for the Savannah Tall Ships Challenge (where we are working as volunteer coordinators), so our husbands took over the blog this week! Both beer aficionados (Nate writes The Distillery‘s monthly newsletter and Scott brews his own beer at home), we sent them to Moon River Brewing Company for today’s feature.

Savannah’s only brewery, Moon River was named one of the Top 50 American Brewpubs by BeerAdvocate.com, and it holds its own in a city full of great bars. A popular tourist destination as well as a locals’ hangout, the restaurant is known for its above-average “pub food” (they are now serving local grass-fed burgers!) as well as its beer. Moon River currently offers six of its own brews on tap: Swamp Fox India Pale Ale, Apparition Ale, The Bomb: Irish Dry Stout, Dixie Chrystal, Bellywasher Golden Ale and Wild Wacky Wit. Cask-conditioned ales are also served every Wednesday starting at 6:00 pm.

along with its large three-sided bar, the brewery offers a spacious dining room and a family-friendly feel

But Moon River isn’t just famous for its beer and food; the brewery is considered the most haunted place in Savannah – quite a title in America’s most haunted city. Almost 200 years-old and harboring a storied past, the restaurant’s building is said to be inhabited by multiple ghosts, including a woman in white, Toby the Trickster and children who are heard but never seen. The Travel Channel show, Ghost Adventures, covered Moon River in 2009 and confirmed there were indeed paranormal spirits in the building.

Moon River’s menu is diverse, even offering separate vegetarian and vegan menus

the brewery’s kettles can be seen through a glass window in the restaurant

Wild Wacky Whit – an old-style Belgian wheat ale, spiced with curaçao bitter orange peel and coriander

Swamp Fox India Pale Ale – “like its namesake, this ale is known for its sneak attack; hop-heads will enjoy its assertive bitterness and huge floral, dry hop aroma”

Nachos Rio Luna was made up of try-colored corn chips topped with sliced jalepeno peppers, black olives, diced tomatoes, back bean and corn relish and cheddar cheese

The Drinks/Dishes: Wild Wacky Wit, Swamp Fox India Pale Ale and Nachos Rio Luna

What’s Special About It?

Nate: “When you walk in, you’re immediately greeted by the beautiful bar with its twenty tap handles serving Moon River’s beer, as well as several other microbrews. It’s a wonderful welcome.”

Scott: “The whole place has a very understated atmosphere, but the kettles behind the glass stand out in the midst of it. There’s something very cool about seeing a physical manifestation of what you’re drinking.”

What Did It Taste Like?

Scott: “My IPA was copper-hued in color and cloudy, with a bold citrus aroma. That citrus flavor cut through what would normally be a strong hop perfume in most IPAs, and the beer was well-balanced with malts so that the typical bitterness was also toned down. It’s comparable to a Dogfish 60-Minute, but softer – a great choice for someone who doesn’t like the intense hops. With all that citrus, I wanted a spicy counterpart, so I paired it with the Nachos Rio Luna. The spice from the jalepenos on those and the gooey, cheddar cheese went perfectly with the beer.”

Nate: “The Wild Wacky Whit had a kind of classic-wheat taste upfront and then finished very dry and malty. It was a cloudy beer without a lot of effervescence, and my favorite part was the dry finish, which was almost chalky and stuck to the mouth a little.”

What Did We Say About It?

Scott: “A satisfying night out at a classic Savannah establishment.”

Moon River Brewing Company

21 West Bay Street

Savannah, GA 31401

(912) 447-0943

Monday-Thursday, Sunday 11am-11pm

Friday-Saturday 11am-12am

Web Site

Savannah’s Best Sandwich

Posted on April 25, 2012 by friedgreensavannah

And The Winner Is…

The Elvis (from Butterhead Greens Cafe)!

"Peanut butter, bacon, bananas and honey grilled to perfection"

It’s seems fitting that the best sandwich would be the most classic one. Sure, there is a certain uniqueness to The Elvis. The saltiness of the bacon is complemented by the sweetness of the drizzled honey, and the creaminess of the banana is contrasted with the crunch from the grilled panini. In the same way, there is a spin on the fruit salad, with mint leaves sprinkled on top of the melon and grapes to bring out the sweet freshness of the fruit. But despite these noteworthy additions, The Elvis still brings to mind brown bag lunches, and moms and the comfort of an easier time. And ultimately, after trying all the other delicious sandwiches, the peanut butter one is still the best.

2nd Place (a very, very close second):

The Conquistador (Zunzi’s Express)

the locally-famous Conquistador sandwich is made with grilled chicken breast, lettuce, tomato and "special" sauce

The Conquistador got the majority of votes for our sandwich search, and it’s easy to see why. One of our first posts, we couldn’t say no to trying it again. Served on French bread and heaped with grilled chicken breast and Zunzi’s “special sauce” (a sort of thousand island-like dressing), this sandwich is full of flavor despite its few components. The sauce is tart and spicy, and the chicken too has an almost acidic lemony taste, with the mild French bread keeping the whole thing in check. Some days, this really is our favorite sandwich in Savannah.

3rd Place:

Crab and Shrimp Sandwich (Fire Street Food)

the sandwich is made with shredded crabmeat and crispy shrimp and is served with avocado, lettuce, chipotle sauce and a side salad

A new establishment in Savannah, Fire Street Food is already getting rave reviews for their inexpensive sushi, bubble teas, and Crab and Shrimp Sandwich. An asian-style po’boy, the cooked-to-order sandwich boasts a generous helping of fried shrimp and soft crab served atop French bread, with chipotle sauce instead of gravy and avocado in place of sliced lettuce, for a dish that feels both unique and familiar. Even the salad was more complex than a typical side, with spicy ginger dressing lightly covering the cherry tomatoes and fresh mixed greens.

4th Place:

California BLT (Green Truck Pub)

"Bacon makes it good; avocado makes it rock. Then we add house-made ranch and serve it on toasted wheat."

Best known for their gourmet burgers, Green Truck Pub also offers a wide variety of equally delicious sandwiches. Their California BLT is a great example, mixing smoky, crispy bacon with soft and sweet avocado for a combination that seems so simple and yet so surprising. The ranch dressing adds a tanginess ordinary mayonnaise can’t. And it doesn’t hurt that each of the sandwiches is served with a side of their French fries and famous homemade ketchup.

Honorable Mentions: Savannah Cheese Steak (Vic’s on the River), Pa’s Pimiento Cheese (Starland Cafe)

Thanks to all who voted – we loved tasting your choices!

Fried Green Savannah’s Sandwich Contest!

Posted on April 18, 2012 by friedgreensavannah

Every week we visit a different restaurant and review our favorite dishes. But now we want to hear from you!

Fried Green Savannah is announcing its search for the best sandwich* in town. Tell us which grilled cheese, po’ boy, or other creation is your go-to for lunch in Savannah. Vote for your favorite here on the blog, on our Facebook page, or on Twitter by next Monday the 23rd, and we’ll attempt to try them all and come up with a winner!

*We’re defining sandwich as a meal between two pieces of bread. Hamburgers and hotdogs are out, but – hot or cold, classic or one-of-a-kind – anything else goes!

Butterhead Greens Cafe

Posted on April 11, 2012 by friedgreensavannah

Butterhead Greens Cafe is located at the corner of Bull and Brady streets at 1813 Bull

Spring is officially here. Whether you go by the calendar date, the blooming of the azaleas, or the increased frequency of sunshine and showers, a new season has indisputably arrived in Savannah. To celebrate, Fried Green Savannah went all “green” for this week’s restaurant feature with salads from Butterhead Greens Cafe.

Butterhead Greens Cafe serves up simple, fresh foods with a lot of flavor. Headed by the culinary team of chefs Patrick Zimmerman and Seth Musler (also the owners of Betty Bombers), the restaurant stands by its motto of “Fresh, Local, Fast and Affordable!” Butterhead Greens is renowned for its grilled cheese sandwich (customized with your choice of two cheeses), and the rest of its menu is similarly uncomplicated yet fun, with selections such as The Elvis on their breakfast menu (a grilled sandwich of peanut butter, bananas, honey, and bacon), The Rich Fish (their take on a tuna sandwich, with red onion, chives, house-made aioli, lettuce, and sliced tomato) and a water infusion of the day (ours was Pineapple/Mint). The cafe is located in the Starland District across from SCAD’s Richard Arnold Hall and is a popular spot when classes let out.

the cafe offers both indoor and outdoor seating

the outside windows are painted the same electrifying green as much of the interior - you can easily spot Butterhead Greens!

the daily specials menu features a combo, a water, and an ice tea of the day - keep updated on their Facebook page!

The modern interior of Butterhead Greens offers lots of comfy seating and free wifi, but in further commemoration of the spring weather, we took our food across the street to the Savannah Public Library to enjoy a light lunch and new books under the sun.

the Savannah public library

there are benches and picnic tables set up outside the library, and the fountain made a beautiful backdrop for our lunch

we brought our books (and Kindle) to read during lunch

the I Surrender salad is made with sliced roast chicken breast, chopped bacon, blue cheese crumbles, sun dried tomatoes, avocados, candied spiced pecans and creamy herb dressing

The Centurion salad includes chopped romaine lettuce, sliced roast chicken breast, parmesan cheese, "BHG" croutons and a lemon-herb dressing

the Sweet Potato side salad is served with pecans, red onion and sherry vinaigrette

The Dishes: I Surrender Salad, The Centurion Salad and Sweet Potato Side Salad

What’s Special About It?

Kenda: “Butterhead Greens Cafe is conveniently located just south of downtown Savannah. It’s within biking distance from my house in midtown, and it’s across the street from my local library! It’s the perfect hangout spot and has a fresh, unique and healthful menu.”

Eleanor: ”I would have loved a Butterhead Greens across the street from one of my halls in college! The food, though straightforward, is anything but boring, with combinations I never thought to put together and flavors I sometimes couldn’t even pinpoint.”

What Did It Taste Like?

Eleanor: ”I usually ask for dressing on the side when ordering a salad, because restaurants can sometimes drench it in an attempt for more flavor. I forgot to do that here, but didn’t regret it! The Centurion Salad was creamy and yet still light, its lemon-herb dressing gently clinging to the romaine leaves and roast chicken. Each of Butterhead’s main salads comes with a baguette, but that was just an extra treat in this case, as the homemade and delicious croutons were generously spread throughout the salad.”

Kenda: “I have a weakness for candied spiced pecans in salads. The I Surrender Salad not only has deliciously-flavored pecans but also a wonderful medley of other flavors, like the combination of sun-dried tomatoes and blue cheese crumbles. The salad was served with a hearty baguette wedge. For a fun extra side, the sweet potato salad we ordered was something completely new to me, and the concept for the side was very original. It was sweet, without much filler or dressing at all.”

What Did We Say About It?

Eleanor: ”Butterhead Greens Cafe is a fresh (in flavor, ingredients and ingenuity) breakfast, lunch and early dinner spot for students and locals alike.”

*What Books Are We Reading?

Kenda: ”The book I brought to our library picnic was Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey by The Countess of Carnarvon. I absolutely adore British literature and the British television show, “Downton Abbey,” currently being aired on PBS here in the states. I recently read The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins, and it was incredible (so was the movie)! I just started reading The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis, which seems to be an amazing read so far.”

Eleanor: ”I just finished Bringing Up Bebe by Pamela Druckerman (but I’m not having a baby anytime soon – I was just curious!), and now I’ve started Blood, Bones and Butter by Gabrielle Hamilton, a beautiful memoir about the acclaimed chef’s journey in and out of the kitchen. In terms of fiction, I’m trying to get through all the free Kindle classics, and I’m currently reading The Mysterious Affair at Styles, the first Hercule Poirot novel by Agatha Christie.”

Butterhead Greens Cafe

1813 Bull Street

Open Mon-Thur 7am-7pm; Fri-Sat 9am-5pm

(912) 201-1808

Butterhead Greens Cafe Facebook Page

The Diner on Abercorn

Posted on April 4, 2012 by friedgreensavannah

The Diner on Abercorn is located at 7202 Abercorn Street, north of Eisenhower Street in midtown

Rewind the clock at The Diner on Abercorn. Styled as if the last 60 years never happened, The Diner is a slice of true Americana. In further keeping with tradition, the restaurant serves classic American meals (everything from hamburgers to hotcakes), and as you slice into your coconut cream pie, you can almost pretend you’re dining in a different era. The 1950s-inspired decor definitely enhances the whole atmosphere, making it a fun and enjoyable dining experience.

the interior at The Diner on Abercorn harkens back to the 1950s

Once called “Pankake Palace,” the diner recently underwent several renovations. It is under new ownership, and it now also features an authentic Greek menu along with its more classic American offerings. Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast, a burger or pasta, you’ll be sure to satisfy your cravings. Along with having a wide variety of delicious food items on the menu, the service at The Diner on Abercorn is spot-on with southern hospitality at its core.

the diner's menu is huge!

from the special menu: the Greek side-salad complete with kalamata olives, feta cheese, mixed lettuce, tomatoes, onion, banana pepper, diced bell pepper, radish and a vinaigrette dressing

from the special menu: moussaka "chef's delight" with layers of grilled eggplant, potato, ground beef, and topped with bechamel sauce

from the breakfast menu: French toast with cinnamon crust and powdered sugar

from the breakfast menu: eggs to accompany the French toast

the dessert case at The Diner on Abercorn is full of freshly-made pies and cakes

we chose coconut cream pie from the dessert case

more desserts are also available at the bar table

several of the desserts even include traditional Greek treats

The Dishes: French Toast and Eggs, Moussaka and Greek Side-Salad, Coconut Cream Pie

What’s Special About It?

Kenda: “Diners are such fun, laid-back places to have a hearty meal with friends at any time of day or night. The Diner on Abercorn is not only adorable but is also a quality dining establishment. It’s also conveniently located in midtown Savannah.”

Eleanor: “This place is absolutely wonderful for its overall convenience! Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, The Diner has free wi-fi and reasonably-priced meals. Perfect for a college student – or a newlywed couple on a budget!”

What Did It Taste Like?

Eleanor: “Both the French Toast and the Coconut Cream Pie were classic American cuisine. No frills, and exactly what you’d expect, but also exactly what you’d want.”

Kenda: “This was my first experience having Moussaka, and I was really impressed! It tasted like a Greek version of Italian lasagna. It was both filling and flavorful, and it went well with the Greek side-salad. The pie was creamy but not runny like so many pies can be. It was enormous; definitely get the dessert for multiple people to share!”

What Did We Say About It?

Kenda: “Savannah is lucky to have The Diner on Abercorn! From the food to the service and the atmosphere, it is definitely something to experience.”

The Diner on Abercorn

7202 Abercorn St.

Savannah, GA

(912) 356-5877

Hours: 24 Hours/Day, 7 Days/Week

Web site

The Sentient Bean

Posted on March 28, 2012 by friedgreensavannah

The Sentient Bean is located on the south end of Forsyth Park

The Sentient Bean attracts customers of all ages and walks of life – from SCAD students to local businessmen and women to tourists visiting Forsyth Park. Their coffee is all fair trade and organic, and the large interior is filled with couches and big tables, perfect for spreading out and studying. But they are more than just a coffee house; The Sentient Bean offers a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan meals.

the furniture inside provides a cozy ambiance

the coffee is available for purchase in bulk

The Sentient Bean has live music and poetry readings throughout the week

the menu features breakfast all day, as well as sandwiches, wraps, and salads

the Greek Isles Panini has lettuce, feta, hummus, spinach, tomato, kalamata olives and tzatziki on grilled artisan ciabatta, with a side salad

the Curried Tofu Salad was served with cashews, peanuts, cucumbers and carrots served on a bed of mixed greens with bread

the pastries are all homemade and entirely organic, with many vegan offerings

the Peanut Butter Sunflower Bars have peanut butter, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries and oatmeal

The Dishes: Greek Isles Panini, Curried Tofu Salad and Peanut Butter Sunflower Bar

What’s Special About It?

Kenda: “I love the cafe’s proximity to Savannah’s beautiful Forsyth Park. My husband and I live in midtown, so it’s a short bike ride from our house. We often like to visit after going to the farmer’s market on Saturdays to grab a cup of coffee and something to eat. The staff is always really friendly, and it has a comfortable Savannah vibe that draws us there time and time again.”

Eleanor: “The Sentient Bean is the only entirely vegetarian restaurant in Savannah, and they do it right! My husband and I try to eat vegetarian at least four times a week, but we often feel confined to the same old recipes. Sentient Bean manages to be vegetarian and still creative, with a unique selection of dishes, and fresh, organic and delicious ingredients.”

What Did It Taste Like?

Eleanor: “The Curried Tofu Salad was the perfect salad meal. The curry was creamy, but not spicy at all, and mixed with the bread and greens it was filling but not heavy. I also got a cup of their Nicaragua Medium roast, and it was full-bodied but not too strong.”

Kenda: “I ordered the Greek Isles Panini. The crostini was grilled nicely, and I liked the salty tang the kalamata olives provided to this sandwich, along with the feta cheese and fresh spinach and tomato. The side salad, with its balsamic vinaigrette, was also a nice addition. I’m not a vegetarian by any stretch of the imagination, but this was a very filling meal even without having any meat. We also ordered the Peanut Butter Sunflower Bar for dessert. It was chewy, sweet and full of complex flavors. It tasted like a soft, homemade granola bar packed full of energizing, scrumptious ingredients.”

What Did We Say About It?

Kenda: “The Sentient Bean is one of Savannah’s best coffee houses, but it’s also a lesser-known food destination. Try it out and fall in love with their amazing, diverse menu!”

The Sentient Bean

13 East Park Avenue

Savannah, GA 31401

open every day from 7am-10pm

912.232.4447

The Sentient Bean

Discovering Savannah's Culinary Diversity – One Bite At A Time

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