Savannah has its own style and rhythm, a street plan like no other city, and a distinctly delicious cuisine that blends Southern with coastal.
Savannah chefs are bringing a wealth of tastes and treats to the city.
In Savannah's riverfront neighborhoods, the tree-lined streets are a pleasure to stroll—every few blocks, you'll encounter a small park. These are Savannah's famous squares, and each one of the 21 historic common spaces anchors eight residential and commercial blocks. This unique street plan was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Grander still is historic Forsyth Park, home to Mansion on Forsyth Park, a Victorian residence turned into a Southern luxury hotel, and 700 Drayton Restaurant. The restaurant wears its Southern hospitality proudly, and there’s not a heartier welcome than the one from Chef Justin Walker.
Walker serves superb Southern food: fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese, walnut-crusted Georgia-raised chicken and Savannah purloo, a dish of grilled local seafood in a tomato fennel broth. The presentation turns the meal into a feast for the eyes as well.
Get a lesson in cooking the regional cuisine, know as Low Country, at the 700 Kitchen Cooking School. Chef Darin Sehnert offers evening lessons on preparing angel biscuits, Chicken Country Captain and Low Country crab stew.
At the Bohemian Hotel on the Savannah riverfront, Chef Zachary Martin of Rocks on the River Modern Grill tips his toque to Savannah’s waterfront heritage with crab cakes, she-crab bisque and a weekly shrimp boil. His fresh rendering of chicken and dumplings includes mushrooms and spinach, shredded chicken and firm, tender handmade dumplings. Two Southern ingredients, bacon and pecans, appear in dishes from salads to dessert.
A visit to Savannah is an excursion through history. Just be sure you get a taste of its dining as well.
—By Mark Boughton
Looking for somewhere to stay? Check out these Kessler Collection hotels:
Bohemian Hotel, Savannah, Geogia