LET'S EAT PT. 6 - THE COLLINS QUARTER

2015 seems to be the year of the restaurant here in Savannah.  We have had some seriously heavy hitters come into the area and they are taking our once standardized southern food scene and elevating it.  One such place is THE COLLINS QUARTER. Located downtown on the corner of Bull and Oglethorpe, The Collins Quarter seems to have been busy from day one.  After getting breakfast there over the weekend I can see why.  

My friend Caila and I decided to go try it out for Saturday breakfast.  At 9:30 we were able to get a table, but quickly after we arrived the place filled up so make sure you arrive early or be prepared to wait.  For once in my life I wasn't overwhelmed by the menu which was a huge relief.  I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of menu items and that it wasn't just 'eggs-meat-toast' presented 15 different ways.  While the menu isn't overwhelming, there is a great variety to choose from whether you've got a sweet tooth or you crave the savory. 

Being that we were enjoying a girls morning out, we both decided to get cocktails to go along with our coffee and eggs.  Caila had the Bondi Sunrise Mimosa and I enjoyed the Drunken Berry Mimosa.  They've got an extensive drink menu, both alcoholic and non, favoring the coffee lover with a full page of menu items from their ESPRESSO BAR. 

For the breakfast, Caila had the Biscuits and Gravy and I chose Leo's Aussie Breakkie. One thing that I really enjoyed was the chorizo sausage with my breakfast as opposed to standard breakfast sausage.  I had more than enough on my plate and they even served it with a nice little salad to trick me into thinking that I was eating a somewhat health-concious meal.  Caila also loved her biscuits and gravy, although she was a bit jealous of my chorizo - hers came with chicken sausage instead.  The meal was really delicious and the interior of The Collins Quarter just made me want to stay and hang out all day long.  

 LEO'S AUSSIE BREAKKIE

 BISCUITS AND GRAVY

While the price points are higher than some other breakfast spots in town, the setting, service, and quality of the food completely made me fine with the price.  What I look forward to trying next is their walk-up window directly to the right of the main entrance.  If you don't have time for a sit down, you can still get an amazing coffee to take on a stroll through the squares of Savannah.  I will be heading back as soon as I can, possibly making this my new Saturday morning tradition.  

LET'S EAT PT. 4 - TREYLOR PARK

This past weekend was a very special one as it was my dear Wesley's birthday.  His mom was in town for the occasion which made it extremely special.  As she trolleyed around the city, Wes and I fasted at work.  By dinner time we were all sufficiently starving.  After hearing great things from friends we decided to try out Treylor Park for the first time - I know, I know we're wayyy late on that one - but we were really glad we finally did.  We had a great time enjoying dinner in the beer garden out back.

We kind of shared a bit of everything from each  others'  plates  to get a better idea of what Treylor Park has to offer.   I've  got  to  say  that the PB & J chicken wings were my runaway favorite.  This may come as a surprise, but I  honestly don't spend all too much of my downtime thinking about crazy chicken wing  combinations that I would like to try.  That being said, the few times I have daydreamed about sriracha honey sesame  fire  wings  and the like, neither peanut butter or jelly came to mind as a winner  for  a  drummette's perfect pairing.  For that I am truly ashamed, because these  were  RIDICULOUSLY  GOOD!   These wings came out super fresh from the fryer and dripping with their peanut butter sauce.  The peach jam comes on the side so you can add as much or as little as you like.  I went  for  it  being that I love my condiments.  I can tell you I will never look at a PB&J sammie the same way again.

For our mains, Wes got the Chupacabra burrito with eggs, sausage, onions, peppers, and a very spicy sauce on top; Mrs. Norvell got the Southern Sloppy Joe with venison and fried banana peppers, and I got the Treylor Park Nachos Grande because I obviously hate myself.  Those nachos were massive!  Yes, they were awesome, but there's no way those are meant for one person.  I'm just glad we all shared our plates because that was a terrifying mountain of spuds I was facing down.  The Sloppy Joe was definitely a winner as well.  Memories from summer camp for sure, but much better tasting.  The Chupacabra was a great breakfast  burrito to really wake you up; tons of heat and everything was cooked extremely well.  

Also on the menu is a huge list of house made cocktails and plenty of beer options for everyone.  The atmosphere inside seemed a bit loud, but if you can find a spot in the beer garden out back, it's a peaceful hideout in downtown Savannah.  Treylor Park is a great place to go try out southern staples with a modern twist. 

And you can't end a proper downtown night without a river view.  We watched the sunset up at Rocks on the River before walking off dinner.

LET'S EAT PT. 3 - CHIVE SEA BAR & LOUNGE

I'm glad to say I am finally back with another Let's Eat post.  Up this week is the ever-popular CHIVE SEA BAR & LOUNGE.  If you live in Savannah, there is a good chance you have encountered the ELE AND THE CHEF restaurant group.  With six different restaurants in the city and a seventh on the way, they've just about cornered the market for Asian fusion in the city and I'm not complaining.  The attention to detail they pay in each of their restaurants is amazing.  I always leave happy when I'm eating with Ele and the Chef. 
We decided to go to Chive with Mom and her two friends who were in town for the weekend.   *NOTE* They came into our dear city to continue on a nine-year tradition of an annual girls vacation.  I'll tell you a bit about it because I think it is the coolest idea out there.  Eight women take a trip every summer.  Two are tasked with planning the trip and the other six aren't allowed to know where they are going.  They are simply told when to be at the airport and are given their confirmation number that morning along with a packing list about a week before.  There are hints along the way but from what I can tell they seem to be used more to try and throw everyone off rather than actually help them with guessing where they are going.  Dinner was spent tweeting and "periscoping" (a new one for me) video chats to the girls so they could ask questions about where they would be flying in the following morning.  The two planners arrive a day early to set everything up, hence dinner at Chive.  That's definitely the shortened version of the whole tradition, but I'm sure you get the idea.* Now, back to the food.
Chive's got one of my favorite atmospheres and menus downtown if you're looking for a more intimate setting. Everyone got something different and we did a bit of sampling from each other's plates which is always my favorite way to go about things.  Everything really was amazingly on point. 

We started off with some oysters on the half shell and She Crab Soup.  Two local staples down here and some of the best you will get in town.  It's pretty much guaranteed that if She Crab Soup is on the menu, Wes and I are going to try it.  It's just kind of our thing to find our favorite in the city.  Chive is definitely in the top three, if not the reigning champion for us at the moment.  And how are you going to argue with something that comes in that bowl?  

On to the entrees.  Above is the tuna ceviche.  This was the winner for me out of everyone's meal.  I will say that if you don't like spice, steer clear.  It's pretty well packed with heat; that being said it is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! Take me back, take me back now, please.  It's listed as a small plate but is easily a full entree.  They do not skimp on the tuna or the avocado and the crispy bits on top are just perfect.  I've got to stop writing about it because now I'm just drooling on my keyboard.  

For my entree I got the prawn risotto which was almost as amazing.  The prawns were cooked perfectly and the serving was massive.  The risotto had a great flavor with asparagus and cherry tomatoes mixed in with a bit of heat creeping through as well.  

Above is the Wagyu steak with the same asparagus and cherry tomato risotto.  Having never had Wagyu steak before, I now understand the hype.  Yes, you really can cut it with a fork and yes, it really does melt in your mouth. 

Lastly we had the seared ahi tuna with spinach.  Honestly, I didn't try this plate as I was hogging all of the ceviche but I was told the spinach was wonderful and the ahi was good but a bit overcooked.  The flavor was all there though, so just a bit of a slip on the cooking time.  All together, the meal was top notch.  I've been there before and I will gladly go back again.  The crew at Chive know exactly what they are doing.  If you are downtown looking for a great meal and a cool setting, this is a must for sure.
The only thing better than the food was the company and the conversations over dinner.  Mark down another great Savannah night with great people.  I'll leave the periscoping to Regina from here on out.

LET'S EAT PT. 2 - SANDFLY BAR-B-Q

I'm not sure where to start, so I'll start by saying STOP READING NOW AND GO TO SANDFLY BAR-B-Q!  Or if you do feel inclined to read on, finish this post quickly then head straight over.  I've spent the last month taking some personal time to try and do a bit of re-centering and just enjoy what 's in front of me. I should have just gone to SANDFLY and gotten a beef brisket sandwich - boom : life centered.  This place is the ultimate experience in mouth-watering barbeque.  No frills, no complications, just amazing food.  

Wes got a pulled pork sandwich with baked beans and a SERVICE BREWING CO. COMPASS ROSE IPA (way to go supporting local breweries).  I decided to try the beef brisket, and baked beans. and we split an order of fries.  Brisket is always a good indicator of what a barbeque joint is really about; good brisket = good everything else .  It can go wrong in so many ways if it isn't treated well.  You can tell the people in the pit over at Sandfly really care about what they are doing.  Hands down best brisket sandwich I have had, bar none.  

Other than the brisket, another amazing thing that made me so happy was the choice of sauces.  Everyone has their favorite - be it mustard or vinegar; sweet or spicy; Carolina, Memphis, or Texas.  I usually like 2 of the 3 on the table but lean heavily towards a Memphis sauce.  The sauces at Sandfly are all true in their bases but every bit as special as the meat itself.  I couldn't decide which of the three to choose from so I had a bit of everything going down the line.  

We went to the original location off of Skidaway out by Isle of Hope, but they just opened up a downtown location on Barnard in the old Streamliner Diner.  This is great news if you are looking to stick around the historic district.  The prices are totally doable, the décor is great,  and the staff gets an  A+.  Bottom line, Sandfly Bar-B-Q is an absolute must if you are in the mood for barbeque and a definite MUST if you want food that makes you feel genuinely happy.

LET'S EAT PT. 1 - SLY'S SLIDER'S AND FRIES

We decided to start the weekend of with a bit of a treat.  Wes and I had seen that Sly's Sliders and Fries had moved in around the corner from us recently and taking a look at what they have to offer we wanted to try it as soon as possible.  

Let me tell you, they didn't disappoint.  So many options at a pretty great price.  Just $3 a slider and $2 for fries.  You can load everything up just the way you like it.  The employees were really welcoming and the whole place had a very chill vibe.  And everyone knows chill vibes are important when enjoying a good meal.

What love really looks like.

I got The Boardwalk and the Banh U Banh Mi with an order of fries with their homemade garlic sauce.  The Boardwalk was your standard burger slider with ketchup, mustard, pickles, and bacon.  There was a bit of heat somewhere in there which was a really pleasant surprise.  The Banh U Banh Mi definitely stole the show though.  Tempura shrimp with pickled daikon and carrots, cucumber and a cilantro mayo.  I went without the cilantro as I've got that annoying pallet that makes cilantro taste like soap, but that sandwich was ridiculous!  I could probably eat 4 and make no complaints.  The fries were nice and fresh and there were more than enough to share.

Wes went with the Pain Don't Hurt and the Soprano with a side of fries with fresh jalapeños and cheese.  We shared a bit of everything we had.  His Soprano was seasoned really well with a massive helping of mozzarella.  The man loves cheese, so there were obviously zero complaints on that one.  The Pain Don't Hurt only hurt when the last bite was gone.  Perfectly cooked brisket, smoked jalapeño BBQ sauce, fried onion straws topped with pepper jack cheese.  I would say behind the Banh U Banh Mi that was the runner up.  Fresh jalapeños on the fries made them extra hot and extra delicious.  

Adding to the amazing taste of the food, the fact that it's an a la carte menu just makes it that much easier to swing by for a snack whenever the craving hits.  I can say without a doubt that we will be back - and soon.  Better yet, next time you decide you want to go, give me a call and I'll come with.  We can share fries, just stay away from my slider.