Today we left for Savannah, hoping for better weather for our 3 nights there. About 5 miles heading out of Charleston, we found a diner to have breakfast, called Early Bird Diner. It was a small place, with a simple decor. There were both regular menu items and specials posted daily on a large chalkboard. We ordered shrimp & grits of course, as well as poached egg on corn cakes with hollandaise sauce. The grits were prepared with a tomato bacon sauce. The shrimp were perfectly prepared, and the sauce was not overpowering. On the other dish the egg was poached perfectly and the hollandaise sauce had excellent flavor. Biscuits are prepared fresh daily. The average price is $6 to $7, with the most expensive items running $10. Portions are generous.
Once we were settled into our hotel in Savannah, we began our journey to find restaurants we had read about on the internet. The first place I wanted to go was Lady and Sons. It was my 40th birthday, and I had made up my mind that was where I wanted to eat. Our hotel was only blocks away. I recognized the red and white awnings as we approached, so I rushed over to peak through the window. Sadly, I was not impressed. The buffet had a descent selection, and yes I realize you can order from the regular menu as well, but it just wasn’t what I expected. I am a Paula Dean fan and still went into the store to buy sauces and “butt” rub, but I passed on dinner. On that note, you don’t need to eat at the restaurant to buy Paula Dean, her products can be found all over Savannah in various gift shops.
We moved on to try some BBQ, over at Barnes. We tried the brisket, ribs and friend shrimp, with hush puppies and Brunswick stew as the sides. You walk up to the counter to place your order, and after a short wait they take it over to your table. There is a small bar with two good size flat screen tvs. The BBQ sauce was much lighter than back home. I had heard that in many places in the South they use mustard in the BBQ sauce and I am not a huge fan, so I already made up my mind the sauce wasn’t for me. I was wrong! The sauce was excellent. Everything was great except the fried shrimp – we found the shrimp a bit overcooked, but what were we doing ordering shrimp with all of the great BBQ items being served anyway?
We took a trolley tour of the city, and ended the days adventures with a slice of pizza ($3) at Sweet Melissa’s, right across the street from Lady and Sons.
Have I mentioned yet that I like Savannah more than Charleston? I’m looking forward to exploring more of the city tomorrow!
Ok I am waiting on Day 6. I have loved it all so far. All theses places should be paying you for the great write ups.