Midday, we came across the ice cream shop called Leopold’s.  The original shop was opened in 1919.  It is a beautiful store, designed by Academy Award nominated designer Dan Lomino. Dan used many of the original fixtures and applied his Hollywood magic to create the wonderful store you see today. There are props, posters, and signed photographs of actors Dan and Stratton have worked with over the years including items used in the movies Mission Impossible III, The Sum of All Evil and The General’s Daughter.   

Much of the décor is original including the original soda fountain, soda fountain cover, back bar, sundae holders, banana split boats, malted milk dispenser, etc., etc., are available and are still being used. Even the juke box and the wooden, interior phone booth from the old store are being used. Great place for sandwiches, ice cream and desserts.

We knew we only had one day left, so we decided to splurge and eat at Vics on the River which was a few doors down from the hotel.  There was an invting piano bar wth a great view of the river.  There was a good selection of seafood and a few steaks.  Several of the sides included Southern fare such as buttermilk mashed potatoes and gravy, collard greens and fried green tomatoes.  We tried the meatloaf ($14,) shrimp and grits ($22) and shrimp bisque ($8). Service was excellent and the food was good, but with so many great local restaurants in the area, there’s no need to spend the extra money to get good food.

Foodie Road Trip Day 6 is a post from: TasteForCooking

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!

Foodie Road Trip Day 5 is a post from: TasteForCooking