Soulful Savannah

 

Parks like this dot downtown Savannah's landscape.

 

 Hi. 

It’s good to be back. I’ve been gone for awhile from the blogosphere. I’m in the second semester of journalism graduate school at USC and it’s a challenge. So the writing has been for class and not here. But for spring break my mom and I went to Savannah, Ga., and that’s what I’m here to tell you about.

My mom is a Paula Deen fan. A few years ago I got my mom a gift certificate to eat at The Lady and Sons, Deen’s restaurant in Savannah. So we finally went and, lest I say, didn’t eat at The Lady and Sons. We had three nights there and ate at Deen’s brother’s restaurant, Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House.  Shrimp lovers rejoice: Bubba’s gives plenty of the critters in the low-country boil. We had reservations at The Lady and Sons another night, but my mom had a craving for barbecue, so we opted for a spot close to the hotel.

We had our fill of Southern fare. I had my mind set on fried catfish and it didn’t take long before a plate with two thin fillets of the golden fish, some black-eyed peas and collard green sat in front of me. We ate dinner the first night at Sweet Potatoes, a charming, homey spot in a strip mall. Handwritten words and paintings decorate the sky blue-colored walls. The catfish was the best fried item I had on the trip. It was so light and had the most delicate crunch. There was no grease. And this place has outrageously affordable prices. The catfish, two sides and a biscuit cost $6.75. A half portion of peach-glazed barbecue chicken with two sides and a biscuit goes for $7.75.

I had grits one morning with a vegetable omelette at Sunnyside Up, another strip mall spot. But I enjoyed the breakfast more at J. Christopher’s, a downtown Savannah place with outdoor seating that welcomes bringing a dog and hanging out. We ate inside and I had a breakfast fit for a day of intense activity. A skillet filled with crisped potatoes, sausage, sauteed bell peppers and onions and a small dollop of country gravy formed the bed for two sunnyside up eggs. What a meal! The food comes out in an individual cast-iron skillet with an oven mitt wrapped around the handle. Make sure to get those potatoes and cheese crusted along the side of the skillet.

J. Christopher's in downtown Savannah serves this filling meal. Potatoes, sausage, peppers and onions lie under the eggs and English muffin.

Our “hike” after breakfast was a few hundred yards to the carriage ride stop. We spent the next 50 mintues touring Savannah and all it offers.