“Over the years since I left home, I have kept thinking about the people I grew up with and about our way of life. I realize how much the bond that held us had to do with food.”

Edna lewis

I arrived in Atlanta close to midnight from a four hour flight – as my friend and I drove through the city, in search of food, nothing was open except for Waffle House, the iconic 24/7 diner that is used to gauge the extremity of a hurricane, nothing shuts down the Waffle House. And lucky for me, there was no hurricane in sight to stop me from ordering a cheeseburger.

After a short 6 hours of sleep, I was on my way to Savannah. Savannah lives in its past and yet, it boasts a lively and progressive culinary scene. Local agriculture, seafood caught from the surrounding rivers, and techniques passed on form generation to generation, kitchen to kitchen From The Grey to Husk, Savannah is a culinary adventure combining its past and present; quietly, reminding you of its roots while persuading your palate to reconsider what you may have thought was southern cuisine from the beginning.

Interested in reading more about Savannah? Photographic essay located here –> America in the South

SAVANNAH & ATLANTA | GEORGIA

ST. NEO’s | SAVANNAH

St. Neo’s is located in the stylish Drayton Hotel in the historic district of Savannah. Its menu boasts of southern accents with local seafood including oysters, lobster, scallops, and shrimp. Hues of blues with white tile envelop the soft light that enters from the street with murals of trees overtaking the large walls. If you’re looking to be transported to 18th century lowcountry, head over to St. Neo’s.

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Oysters on the half shell and Pickled Vegetables
Deviled Crab
Simple Salad with Radish, Bartlett Pear, Pecan Dressing
Charred Rustic Bread with Trout Dip, Salmon Mousse, Deviled Egg
Fried Green Tomatoes with Pickled Prawns and Goat Cheese
Grilled Octopus with Romesco and Crispy Garlic

RISE & SHINE BISCUITS | SAVANNAH

Buttery, flaky biscuit slathered with pimento cheese (not a fan but will accommodate) and a salty, tangy, crunchy, fried green tomato wedged inbetween completes my idea of a good start to the morning. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a photograph of the perfectly fried okra that accompanied that delicious morning biscuit! Lets not forget the cinnamon roll donut…

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Fried Green Tomato Biscuit w/pimento cheese
Cinnamon Roll Donut

CRAB SHACK | TYBEE ISLAND

If you’re looking to have a good time on an outdoor deck with a decadent array of cocktails and seafood – look no further than Crab Shack on Tybee Island. Interested in seeing alligators as well as feeding them lunch? That is possible, too. Or may be you’re into animals less predatory and more talkative – you can visit their bird sanctuary across from the Tiki Bar with views of Lazaretto Creek overlooking the marsh waterways.

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Crab Shack outdoor seating
Lowcountry Boil, Shrimp, Deviled Crab, Corn

THE GREY & THE GREY MARKET | SAVANNAH

Of all the Savannah dining experiences, none were anticipated as much as dining at The Grey. After seeing Mashama Bailey’s narrative on Chefs Table (Netflix) as well as her journey as a chef, I couldn’t wait to experience her cuisine. Over the next three hours and seven courses, I was absolutely mesmerized by the beauty crafted on each plate. This culinary journey warrants its own photography essay –> The Grey. The chefs tasting left such an impression, I visited The Grey Market for a dish of grits the following afternoon.

THE COLLINS QUARTER | FORSYTH PARK

When in Savannah, a traditional chicken and waffle breakfast with a cup of black coffee is mandatory

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Chicken and Waffles
Black Coffee
Chia Seeds with Fresh Fruit
Forsyth Park Fountain
Pork Belly Benedict, Smothered Sweet Potato Fries, Avocado Toast, Chicken and Waffles

HUSK | 12 WEST OGLETHORPE

Farm to table dishes with southern fashion is the theme at Husk. Georgian Farms are proudly displayed on the wall as you enter the the historic, and haunted, 12 West Oglethorpe manor. The main dining room is softly lit through the large, French windows – filling the high ceiling room, accenting the natural wood tables.

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HUSK Breakfast: Biscuits and Gravy, Pears and Brie, Fried Green Tomato, Scrambled Farm Eggs, Country Sausage
Kale Salad with Parmesan Crisp,
Cheeseburger and Fries
Blue Indigo Grits with Butter

ADAM TURONI CHOCOLATIER | BROUGHTON

Chocolate sculpted into bees, cacao pods, beehives, and truffles. Turoni’s chocolates are carefully decorated and displayed with silver teapots, miniature chairs, and cabinets lined with delicate truffles. Empty, ornate frames line the walls with chandeliers adorned with butterflies. Make sure to visit the steel grey shoppe on Broughton.

Dark and Milk Chocolate Bar
Honey filled Dark Chocolate Bar
Crunchy Dulce de Leche Truffle
Honeycomb Dark Chocolate Bar

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EIGHTHREE MEDIA would like to thank:
St. Neo’s at Drayton Hotel
Rise and Shine Biscuits
Mashama Bailey
The Grey Restaurant
The Grey Market
The Collins Quarter at Forsyth Park
Husk
Adam Turoni Chocolatier
Savannah, GA
Savannah Historic District

Copyright 2002-2022 ERICA HILARIO
Copyright 2002-2022 EIGHTHREE MEDIA