Some Kinda Good®

Happy Blog-iversary to Me: Year Two!

Published on November 24, 2013November 26, 2013 by Rebekah15 Comments

Some Kinda Good is two. Happy Blog-iversay to me! The year 2013 has been filled with amazing opportunities, complete with my local TV debut on Statesboro Cooks, lots of feature writing, live cooking demonstrations, volunteering and more. What a year!

To celebrate Some Kinda Good’s second birthday, my friends at Braswell Food Company have graciously donated a Gourmet Holiday Gift Set to one of YOU, my lucky readers! How awesome is that? Before we get to that, I’d like to take a look back at a few of my favorite moments from 2013, highlighting some pretty major accomplishments:

Urbanspoon Recognition

Some Kinda Good has held the #2 ranked spot on Urbanspoon’s Leaderboard of Top Georgia Food Blogs since April 2013.

Freelance Work

I became a guest blogger for Visit Savannah, and my local work is also featured on the Visit Statesboro website.

I got to write the November Cover Story for Moments Magazine, featuring Hunter Cattle Company’s Kristan Fretwell.

Newspaper Food Columnist

May 19, 2013 - A proud day. My first published food column. — May 19, 2013 – A proud day. My first published food column.

I became a food columnist for the Statesboro Herald in May 2013.

TV Appearances

Holiday Episode November 2013

Summer Episode June 2013

The best camera crew ever!

I had the opportunity to co-produce and host two episodes of Statesboro Cooks, a local, cable TV cooking program in June and November this year.

Live Cooking Demonstrations

I was invited to be the Celebrity Chef at the Statesboro Mainstreet Farmers' Market on August 17, 2013. What a blast! — I was invited to be the Celebrity Chef at the Statesboro Main Street Farmers’ Market on August 17, 2013. What a blast!

In August, I appeared as the Celebrity Chef at my local farmers’ market, where I performed a live cooking demonstration serving up Summer Bruschetta.

Future Happenings

Perhaps the most exciting adventure this year has been auditioning for The Taste on ABC in L.A., Calif. Premiering on Jan. 2, 2014 at 8 p.m., the cooking competition reality show is sure to be entertaining. I hope you’ll tune in to see how my Hollywood experience plays out!

Thank You
Since its inception in Nov. 2011, Some Kinda Good has reached nearly 37,000 hits. Though it’s a lot of hard work, blogging has proved to be a wonderful, creative outlet and platform for me. My success wouldn’t be possible without you, and my dishes wouldn’t be as delicious without Georgia Farmers! I sincerely thank you, my blog followers, for reading and sharing my little piece of the World Wide Web with your friends and family. Thanks for your encouraging comments, and all your “likes” and re-tweets. Not a single one has gone unnoticed. To my farmer friends, chefs and restaurant owners, thank you for making Southeast Georgia the finest place to exist.

I especially thank Julia Child who said, “Find something your passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.” As it turns out, that philosophy has served me well.

Giveaway Information

Braswell'sGiveaway — Braswell’s Gourmet Holiday Gift Set includes pumpkin, apple and sweet potato fruit butters, and Balsamic Sweet Onion Jam and Red Pepper Jelly. *Some Kinda Good* approved!

I couldn’t think of a better way to show my appreciation for your support than to share with you food products from one of Statesboro’s own gourmet businesses. Braswell’s has been making specialty preserves, condiments and sauces for almost 70 years. Valued at $35, the set includes an assortment of Braswell’s most popular fruit butters and hors d’oeuvre jellies, perfect for entertaining this time of year! For your chance to win, choose from the options below. You do not have to be local to participate, but must reside in the United States.

1) Comment on this blog post with your favorite and most memorable Some Kinda Good post, explaining why you chose it. If you’re new to Some Kinda Good, tell me how you came across my blog.

2) Follow me on Twitter @SKGfoodBlog and tweet “Win a Braswell’s Gourmet Gift Set from @SKGFoodBlog! wp.me/s20PUE-4197 .”

3) Like and share Some Kinda Good on Facebook (or just tell me you already do if that’s the case)!

Contest ends on Friday, Nov. 29 at 11 a.m. EST. I’ll email the winner and announce the recipient on the Some Kinda Good Facebook page. The gift set will be mailed directly to your home.

Disclosure: I received one Braswell’s Gourmet Holiday Gift Set valued at $35 to celebrate Some Kinda Good’s 2^nd Birthday.

Update: 11/26/13: In addition to the Braswell’s Gourmet Gift set, the winner will also receive one fresh baked loaf of bread from Sugar Magnolia Bakery & Cafe!

Lunch “A Latte” at The Daily Grind

Published on November 20, 2013November 20, 2013 by RebekahLeave a comment

The Daily Grind
Statesboro, Georgia

The first place to cross your mind when deciding on a lunch locale may not be a coffee shop, but when you visit Statesboro’s The Daily Grind, that Gingerbread Latte won’t be the only thing that tempts you. Serving up more than freshly roasted espresso beans, I’m totally impressed by the plates they produce out of that tiny little kitchen, like Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Smoked Gouda, Hot Ham and Cheese Croissants, Shrimp and Roasted Corn Soup and an array of other nutrient-packed wraps, inventive salads and flavored teas. Open since 2000, the quaint and cozy hideaway boasts a notable Noonday menu, but wait until you discover the 14-layer cakes, giant cookies and homemade muffins.

*Strawberry Salad with a Grilled Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap*

On the day I ordered this wrap, I remember tweeting this photo with the words, “This is the kind of pretty little lunch that inspires me to write.” Presentation is everything. At The Daily Grind, they take great care in plating. Whether it’s an over-sized coffee mug brimming with fresh whipped cream and steaming hot mocha or a cup of soup, when your order is up, it’s placed on a feminine and delicate doily and served alongside a single napkin-tucked utensil.

*Buffalo Chicken Sandwich; Shrimp & Roasted Corn Soup; Sweet Tea*

Cold beverages are served in faux, branded hurricane goblets. One guest commented, “I’ve never felt so elegant drinking Mountain Dew.” It’s these special touches and subtle notes of detail that add to the comfortable home-away-from-home vibe. Customers have their choice of fountain drinks, sweet or unsweetened tea, and flavored teas including raspberry, pomegranate, peach, mango, kiwi and my personal favorite–blackberry. Arabic coffee beans like Pumpkin Pie and Caramel are also roasted in small batch orders.

The atmosphere sets The Daily Grind apart. Large area rugs cover the cement floors, two wingback chairs sit directly in front of the fireplace and a mixture of round and square tables fill the dining room. You can also take a seat at the bar area and read the morning news, or catch up on your Facebook news feed. No matter where you chose to sit, it’s easy to slip into a corner with a good book and enjoy a cup of Joe.

Chocolate covered biscotti and caramel and chocolate cakes sit on the countertop.

Baskets of fresh baked muffins, and giant cookies call your name near the register.

A tip jar near the cash register reads, “Thanks a Latte.”

THE FOOD:

Hot Ham & Cheese Croissant with Roasted Red Pepper Soup

Wrap with side salad

Sweet tea in a faux goblet

Side salad featuring The Daily Grind’s house-made Italian dressing.

Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Smoked Gouda

The menu features soups, sandwiches, wraps and sides like chips, pickles and cookies. Lunch prices vary but average around $10. Open Monday – Friday from 6:45 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., live music happens every Friday night.

As a college student circa 2001, I was a regular at this unique spot. Twelve years later, that fact hasn’t changed.

Volunteer Perks Result in Lamb and Good People

Published on November 17, 2013November 19, 2013 by Rebekah4 Comments

One of my favorite things about volunteering at food & wine events are the people I get to meet. As a volunteer in The Local Palate Celebrity Chef Kitchen at the inaugural Savannah Food & Wine Festival this weekend, I helped greet guests, set up and break down the stage in between talents, collected trash and even got to be a sous chef for Food Network Star finalist, Linkie Marais. I got to interact with festival guests from neighboring coastal towns like Hilton Head S.C., culinary students at Savannah Technical College and Virginia College, and walked away from the event with a 4-pound leg of lamb, a package of mushrooms and one big red onion because I was in the right place at the right time.

Backstage with Food Network Star Finalist Linkie Marais (left) prepping ingredients for her cooking demonstration.

Linkie Marais cooks mushrooms and onions in the Big Green Egg for her Lamb Ragu dish.

Linkie was a finalist on Season Eight of Next Food Network Star. It was awesome to meet someone I had watched on TV last season. She was extremely personable and very friendly. I helped Linkie and her manager clean and chop mushrooms for her cooking demonstration. Plus, they gave me $40 worth of lamb that would have otherwise been discarded. Thanks for the meat and vegetables that you had an overabundance of Linkie…I will make great use of them. What an awesome, unexpected volunteer perk!

Martha Nesbit (right) and I worked together in the Celebrity Chef tent.

One of Martha’s cookbooks: Savannah Celebrations.

Mrs. Martha Nesbit is a long-time food writer in Southeast Georgia. I got to work with her in the Celebrity Chef tent, and later purchased an autographed copy of her cookbook, Savannah Celebrations. I have no doubt that it will become a favorite resource, and I can’t wait to dive in to her recipes!

I first met Culinary Producer Libbie Summers at the Inaugural Saint Simons Food & Spirits Festival in 2012. This year, she was signing her Whole Hog Cookbook in the Celebrity Author’s Tent. We couldn’t see my phone screen and didn’t know if we were getting a good picture or not, but looks like we did pretty good Libbie! Ha. It was great to see you again! We’re officially old pals.

I also ran into local Brooklet farmer, Del Ferguson of Hunter Cattle Company at the event. It’s always good to see a familiar face when you’re out and about. Way to represent Statesboro in The Hostess City Del!

Stylin’ in my Savannah Food & Wine Festival volunteer apron

A random plate of food during the event.

My favorite! Head Chef from Savannah Technical College’s Culinary Program

Anthony Lamas; Food Network’s Extreme Chef Winner moderated by Editor in Chief Maggie from The Local Palate

Virginia College Presentation

Other presentations included Executive Chef Shaun Doty from Atlanta’s Bantam & Biddy, Savannah Technical College, Virgina College and Food Network’s Anthony Lamas from Extreme Chef. My favorite presentation of the day was Chef Jean Yves Vendeville from Savannah Technical College’s Culinary Arts program. He and his team operated like a well-oiled machine and in his 40-minute cooking demonstration, cranked out three different dishes for the audience to try. He was funny, engaging, educational and entertaining. When his presentation was complete, I told him I wanted to be his student one day.

For Savannah’s first ever food & wine festival, the turn out was impressive. Nearly every event during Nov. 11 – 17 was sold out. The Southern, culinary shin dig was definitely a team effort and took the hard work of many. I am confident that it will only get better with time. I was honored to be a part of the experience and fortunate to have made such great connections while volunteering! Thanks to everyone who made it happen.

*Special thanks to my awesome boyfriend Kurt, who brought me my blog business cards that I forgot at home during the event.

Savannah Food & Wine Festival to be An Epicurean Celebration of the Senses

Published on November 11, 2013November 21, 2013 by RebekahLeave a comment

Today kicks off a week-long celebration of Savannah’s first ever Food & Wine Festival. I’m volunteering this Saturday, Nov. 16 during the main event, Taste of Savannah! Not only is the inaugural event being held in one of the most beautiful Southern cities in the world, but all of the proceeds benefit local charitable organizations.

Throughout the week of Nov. 11 – 17, festival attendees will enjoy dinners prepared by award-winning chefs and sample rare wines from around the world. Saturday’s Taste of Savannah features a Culinary Court, Artisan Market, Celebrity Chef Kitchen, Cookbook Author Signing Tent, a Silent Auction and more.

Check out the impressive line-up of local and celebrity chefs making special appearances during the seven-day festival:

James Beard Foundation’s Hugh Acheson, Chris Hastings, Steven Satterfield and Elizabeth Terry
Food Network’s Extreme Chef winner, Anthony Lamas
Award-winning chefs Kent Rathbun from Dallas, TX and Shaun Doty from Atlanta, GA
Master Sommeliers Robert Jones and Michael McNeill
James Beard Foundation’s award-winning cookbook authors, The Lee Brothers from Charleston, SC
Artist, Thomas Arvid
Vintners, Rob Mondavi, Jr., with Michael Mondavi Family Estate and Joe Shirley, with Napa Cellars

I’ll be helping out in The Local Palate Celebrity Chef tent at Ellis Square from Noon – 4 p.m. You can also catch me attending the River Street Wine Stroll this Friday night, and at the Official After Party at City Market on Saturday. Y’all stop by and see us! Fantastic food and spirits on the Georgia coast in November? Sounds like a plan to me!

For tickets and the most up-to-date information on Savannah’s inaugural food and wine festival, visit SavannahFoodAndWineFest.com.

A Stylish Steed Christmas – Day 1

Published on November 11, 2013November 19, 2013 by RebekahLeave a comment

A very dear friend of mine has provided some delectable and quick appetizer recipes for holiday entertaining on his blog, The Stylish Steed. I think these sound delicious, and I can’t wait to try them!

The Stylish Steed

It’s almost THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!!! I hope you are as excited about this as I am! Christmas is such a fun time of family togetherness, holiday parties, gift giving, and beautiful decorations that adorn our homes. As excited as I am about the upcoming holiday season, I am equally excited about this blog series that begins today. For the next twelve days I will be posting daily to give you a myriad of ideas for the season. I have (not so) creatively entitled this….

The12 Days of Christmas!

On the first day of Christmas The Stylish Steed gave to me, Food for my Holiday Party!

Nothing says HOLIDAYS like a great party. As you already know, I love to entertain at my home. Not to be boastful, but I’m known for throwing quite a shin dig…and it’s always a themed party at The Stylish…

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A Holiday Menu Featuring Pastured Pork Tenderloin

Published on November 1, 2013November 18, 2013 by Rebekah4 Comments

It’s officially holiday season. Let the menu and party planning begin! I’ve put together a holiday inspired meal including a classic combination of flavors, along with some of my family’s traditional recipes that are impressive on the table but simple to execute. These dishes are special enough for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, but delicious year ’round. Here’s what’s cookin’: Herb-Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Sautéed Cinnamon Apples, Mama’s Sweet Potato Casserole, Farm-Raised Green Beans and Grandma’s Made-from-Scratch Buttermilk Biscuits. We couldn’t celebrate the holidays without incorporating pumpkin, so for dessert, the Pumpkin Spice Trifle will make its debut appearance.
The star of this show is the Herb-Roasted Pork Tenderloin. This time of year, I think folks get ham and turkey’d out. So, now is a great time to allow pork to step into the limelight. To accomplish that gorgeous golden brown exterior and moist meat, I use a combination of dried and fresh herbs and Georgia olive oil. Season the meat liberally with kosher salt and black pepper. Drizzle it with olive oil, then massage in a healthy amount of fresh basil, fresh rosemary and about a two teaspoons of dried oregano. Here’s a tip: Cook the tenderloin in a 9 x 13 dish, and just before putting it in the oven, add about an inch of water to the pan. Roast the meat at 425 degrees for 25 minutes per pound. Another reason this tenderloin tastes amazing, is because it’s pasture-raised. This little piggie wasn’t given any antibiotics or steroids, and was free to roam and eat Georgia grass. The result is a much more nutritious animal that’s healthier to eat and healthier for our environment. Thanks to my friends at Hunter Cattle Company for raising it.

Nothing compliments pork like a side of delicious cinnamon apples sautéed in butter. This is as simple as it gets. Slice 5 to 6 medium apples about a 1/4 inch thick and saute in four tablespoons of unsalted butter. Allow them to cook down, then season with cinnamon and keep them warm. You don’t even have to peel them!

Green beans may be a popular side item, but served this way you can’t go wrong. My Farm-raised Green Beans also feature Hunter Cattle’s smoked bacon and sweet Vidalia onions and homegrown tomatoes from the Statesboro Mainstreet Farmers’ Market. Cook the bacon and set aside to drain on paper towels. Saute diced onion and tomato in the remaining bacon fat, season with salt & pepper and add to cooked green beans with a pat or two of butter. Top with crumbled bacon. On the left above, Mama’s Sweet Potato Casserole is a regular at every family function. It adds a wonderful pop of color to the plate. The topping, made of chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour and butter–is like candy.

Finally, no meal would be complete without Southern, made-from-scratch Buttermilk Biscuits. With a dollop of blackberry jam, bread never tasted so good.

After a mouth-watering meal, a 14-layer cake or heavy pie is overwhelming. My Pumpkin Spice Trifle hits the spot. Complimented by soft spice cake and crunchy gingersnap cookies, it’s like a pillow-y cloud of light fresh whipped cream and vanilla pudding bursting with fall flavors. Plus, it makes a stunning presentation.

The best camera crew ever!

For the complete recipes to these dishes and to watch me cook them in action, tune in to my next episode of Statesboro Cooks, premiering in mid-November on local cable Channel 99. Be sure to watch the show to discover my secret to the best buttermilk biscuits you ever tasted! For those outside of the area, I’ll be sure to post the episode right here on Some Kinda Good, so you can watch too. Wishing you and your family a very happy holiday season. Eat well!

Gnat’s Landing of Statesboro: A Hometown Front-Runner

Published on October 13, 2013November 21, 2013 by RebekahLeave a comment

Gnat’s Landing Bar & Grill
Statesboro, Georgia

When a single place comes to mind for lunch, going out on a Friday night and entertaining company, it’s a winner. That’s Gnat’s Landing of Statesboro. The versatile bar & grill is family friendly and college town worthy. It’s a natural choice for lunch before a Saturday afternoon football game in the Eagle Nation, or place to catch a good band and go out dancing on a Friday night. It’s that hometown joint you can hardly visit without running into someone you know. Christmas lights year ’round. Live music every weekend. Beer can and chicken wire decorum. What’s not to love? The local favorite boasts a wide selection of American food with a Southern, coastal vibe in a casual and bright atmosphere.

THE FOOD:

The Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad is a flavorful and light option.

The BBQ Sandwich is served with a vinegar based sauce and Gnat’s signature battered fries.

My staple: Shrimp & Grits.

Gnat’s is my all-time favorite spot for lunch in the ‘Boro. My friends and I call it “Ol’ faithful.” Nowhere else in town offers lunch for $7.47. Spending $15 going out to lunch can get expensive, and unfortunately, that’s easy to do in a lot of places when you consider tax and tip. I have two lunchtime standbys at Gnat’s and they never fail me: 1) Shrimp & Grits and 2) the Crab Cake Sandwich with Sweet Potato Fries. The food is always on point. The Shrimp & Grits is served with andouille sausage and bacon surrounded by toasted bread. Seasoned just right, it’s warm, comforting and takes me to the coast. Served with cocktail sauce, the Crab Cake Sandwich features a large crab cake that’s seared to perfection and served on toasted bread with tomato and lettuce. On occasion, I branch out and try something new like the BBQ Sandwich or the Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad pictured above. The menu also offers wraps, a great grilled chicken sandwich and unexpected side options like grits. I enjoy the cook’s attention to detail and presentation…they always sprinkle the rim of each dish with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.

THE ATMOSPHERE:

Seating includes booths and tables with checkered flooring.

Beer cans from around the world decorate the walls secured behind chicken wire.

Open more than seven years, Gnat’s Landing of Statesboro is one of only two locations in Georgia. I’ve also visited the St. Simons Island restaurant in Red Fern Village. Though the weather is rarely cold enough to use it, Gnat’s dining room in Statesboro even has a fireplace which creates a wonderful ambiance in the winter. Located on South Main Street in the heart of town, the restaurant also offers ample parking. Depending on when you go, the environment at Gnat’s is bustling. Visit for Trivia on Tuesday nights, Karaoke on Wednesdays and Happy Hour all day on Sunday and Monday. No matter the time of day, they’ll always have affordable drinks, daily lunch specials and a football game on the big screen.

THE GOOD TIMES:

My friend April (right) and I enjoying the Daniel Johnson Band on the dance floor at Gnat’s on a Friday night.

Hanging out on the patio with April (right) at Gnat’s on game day. Go Eagles!

A lunch date with my friend Jennifer, and her sweet baby Lily.

My friend Tori (right) and I after another great meal!

With a name like Gnat’s Landing, this Statesboro front-runner is right at home in the “Gnat Capitol of America.”

Breakfast Locally Inspired

Published on September 23, 2013September 25, 2013 by Rebekah4 Comments

Cinnamon Sugar Pecan French Toast with Smoked Bacon

Food tastes better when you buy local. For Sunday morning brunch recently, I made french toast and bacon, but not just any french toast and bacon. On Saturday, I visited the Statesboro Mainstreet Farmers’ Market where I purchased a pecan loaf from Sugar Magnolia Bakery and Cafe and a pound of smoked bacon from Hunter Cattle Company. The sweet bread was the perfect thickness when sliced just right, and the Georgia pecans provided a nice crunch and texture that regular loaf bread lacks. Dusted with a touch of confectioner’s sugar, it was all I could do to take one picture before I savored every bite. And the pig. Never have I tasted the flavor of hog meat so profound and assertive.

Only available on Saturdays, the $4.50 pecan loaf at Sugar Magnolia Bakery and Cafe is hand-shaped into a round and baked. When the bread comes out of the oven, the top is sliced into what resembles a tree to allow steam to escape. When purchased, the bread is so fresh, you can still see the white flour on top in its brown paper sack. It’s so rustic and fun. For french toast, slice the bread about a 1/4 inch thick.

French toast is awesome for a few reasons: 1) It breaks up the monotony of pancakes and waffles, 2) Everything you need to make a batter for it is usually readily available on-hand or easy to get, and 3) It takes no time! For the batter, beat two eggs, whisk in a cup of milk or half & half, cinnamon sugar and a pinch of salt. Soak slices for about 30 seconds on each side.

Melt half a stick of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toast slices about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown and beautiful like the one in the center. Flip. Repeat.

Meanwhile, cook your bacon. For one pound of Hunter Cattle Company smoked bacon, you’ll pay a little less than $10, and when you think about what you’re getting, you can’t put a price tag on your health. Learn how choosing pastured pork can benefit your well-being. You’re guaranteed to taste the difference.

Drizzle it with syrup or eat it without. You decide. There you have it. Breakfast locally inspired.

Fiddlers Seafood Knows Attention to Detail

Published on September 13, 2013September 13, 2013 by RebekahLeave a comment

Fiddlers Seafood Southside
Savannah, Georgia

Attention to detail is unmistakable. Nine times out of 10, if a restaurant understands how to be great in the little things, that trait is going to carry over in the taste and presentation of food, as well as the quality of service and atmosphere. Fiddlers Seafood in Savannah, Georgia nails it. From the coastal beach-shack vibe to the seafood inspired menu, stepping through the front door is like stepping back in time. Maritime, that is. Black and white photographs depicting generations of happy fisherman families fill the walls, while char-grilled oyster platters and steam pot shrimp dinners come barreling out of the kitchen.

The menu is posted outside on the patio, so you can get an idea of pricing and a jump-start on what you’d like to order. Once seated, you’ll receive a tangible menu that opens up like a window (It’s these little nuances that make my heart sing!). It’s full of colorful, enticing and tempting pictures that will prolong your decision! After careful deliberation, I decided on the Lobster Sliders for $14.99–a trio served three ways: lobster salad, lobster sautéed in a garlic wine sauce and fried lobster. I also ordered a Caesar salad for the sake of something green.

THE FOOD:

Beautiful presentation served up with sweet iced tea.

The Lobster Salad was creamy and not too heavy.

Fried lobster was the most interesting. I liked the texture and crunch paired with the succulent meat.

The Lobster Trio is served with house made tarter sauce.

I enjoyed the unique spin on the popular lobster roll. The bread was toasted and each filling provided a different flavor. The shape of the white plate was also a nice touch. I liked the fried lobster best. The crunch of the light batter with the succulent meat worked well. The menu is broken down into a few themed categories: Oyster Bar, Beginnings, Soups & Salads, Fiddlers Finest and Steam Pot. You can also choose from Fried, Land and Sammies selections. I plan to try the Seafood Nachos and blackened Fish Tacos on my next visit. Not to worry, Fiddlers Seafood doesn’t forget dessert. Key Lime Pie, Pecan Pie, Chocolate Brownie A La Mode and Clemmie’s Peach Cobbler range from $5.99 – $6.99.

THE ATMOSPHERE:

The hostess stand sits under a large image of sail boats, making a huge statement and first impression.

How cool is this? Seashells and beach sand are layered under the table tops.

Framed oceanic wall art.

Take a seat at the bar and try a signature cocktail, like Captain’s Mast.

The bar area is filled with ample seating.

The decor pays tribute to Savannah’s rich history and families that drove the seafood industry.

Each booth seats four comfortably.

I visited during lunch on a Wednesday afternoon. The atmosphere was friendly, upbeat and coastal. In other words, my kinda party. Our waitress couldn’t have been more pleasant. We shared a few laughs and had everything we needed throughout the meal. Open seven days a week, with daily Happy Hour specials from 4 – 7 p.m., attire is casual and no reservation is needed. Live music happens every Friday beginning at 7 p.m. I can’t wait to visit again!

A fish pond flows around the restaurant.

With two locations, Fiddlers Seafood has been around for over 22 years. I visited the Memorial Drive venue, but if you’re in downtown Savannah, be sure to check out the Fiddlers Crab House River Street location too. Either way, you’re guaranteed a great food escape!

The Transcendent Lobster Roll: A Worthy Splurge

Published on August 25, 2013August 25, 2013 by Rebekah4 Comments

For months now I’ve been reading and hearing about the ubiquitous lobster roll–in Bon Appetit and Cook’s Illustrated magazines, and on TV shows like the Cooking Channel’s Eat Street. I must admit I’ve only eaten lobster on a cruise ship vacation; it is not something I can often afford. Plus, I live in the South and have always associated the lobster roll with Maine and seaside towns like Portland, Oregon. The concept of pairing lofty lobster with the all-American lowly hot dog bun, well, that’s just not something you see every day. So, over the weekend I sequestered myself in the kitchen and set out to make this mystery. I may be in Georgia, but with one bite, I was at a seaside shack on the upper East coast, toes in the sand.

With a little help from the July & August edition of Cook’s Illustrated, the recipe was actually very simple. The most difficult part is getting the meat out of the lobster tail, but no worries. I’ll share a tip that makes it easy. I purchased two lobster tails for $18.95 from Ellis’ Meat Market here in Statesboro, then cooked them for 12 minutes in boiling salted water.

Meanwhile, I toasted two good ol’ Sunbeam white bread hot dog buns in butter and seasoned them with salt and pepper on each side. They didn’t know what to think.

I managed to get all my ingredients locally, which can never hurt. I picked up some lemons, green onions and celery from L&D Produce. Chop about two tablespoons of celery and a teaspoon of the onion. A little onion goes a long way, it shouldn’t overpower the lobster.

Once the lobster is finished cooking (you’ll know when a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the tail registers 175 degrees), drain and let it cool. Be sure to take them out of the hot water. I forgot to do this and nearly burned myself cracking the shell because I was so excited to get to the meat. There is more than one way to skin a cat, but to keep the tail meat in one piece, Cook’s Illustrated recommends removing the meat by turning the lobster on its side, and pressing down with both hands until the shell cracks. Then, with the flippers facing you and shell facing down–thumbs on opposite sides–pull back to crack the shell and remove the meat. Works like magic. See? Dice lobster into 1/2 inch chunks.

Next, mix two tablespoons of mayo with a pinch of cayenne pepper, salt and pepper, and a splash of lemon juice. Toss in the green onion and celery. Mix well and add lobster meat. Toss to coat.

And now for the assembly. I used a lettuce trio including green leaf, iceberg and radicchio. Line the hot dog buns with lettuce. Then spoon lobster salad into the buns, until it’s spilling out and looking irresistible. Finish with a drizzle of melted butter and a final sprinkle of salt and pepper.

The lobster roll is really the perfect, down home dinner party food around. It’s so approachable and unpretentious. That is of course, if everyone brings their own lobster. Ha! Serve it with potato chips or fries, whatever suits your fancy.

The crunch of that toasted bun with the creaminess of the lobster salad is something to write home about. The lemon juice really brightens the flavor.

Bon Appetit contributor Michael Paterniti says, “For me, the lobster roll is more than just culinary transcendence or proof that simple food made simply is the most soul-satisfying of all. It is summer itself, the baptismal rite after winter and mud season, a diary of days.” That sums it up.