Friday for lunch we visited Rancho Alegre for some Cuban fare. The first time we ever went to Rancho was to their original location on Posey. Since then we have been frequenting their new MLK Jr. downtown eatery. The bright, colorful tile and pillows compliment the bustling atmosphere of this restaurant. While the Posey location is a more intimate, quieter setting.
Order a round (or pitcher) of mojitoes...very refreshing on a steamy Savannah summer day. As for food, I have a hard time ordering anything but the Lechon Asado (Roasted Pork) due to it's melt in your mouth qualities. It is, by far, one of my favorite meals in the SAV. Let's not forget the sides - buttery yellow rice, a bowl of black beans and sweet, sweet fried plantains. While I always gravitate toward the pork, the menu does feature an array of other delicious cuban specialties. I have tasted the Ropa Vieja (shredded beef cooked in a creole sauce) and Pollo Asado ( 1/2 roasted chicken). Both were delectable. I am dying to try the Paella Valenciana, but I have never thought ahead in time to order it (it must be ordered 2 hrs. ahead). Maybe next time!
Rancho also features live music some nights. If you have never had Cuban food, you have been missing out. This is a must eat!
Another oldie we chowed down at this weekend was The Crab Shack. We have been visiting Savannah for almost 7 years before we actually moved here. The Crab Shack was one of our first restaurants we ever ate at in Savannah. It seems to have evolved into a tourist trap. The poor little alligators all crammed into the enclosure. The seafood is average (except I do really like the sausage). Parking can sometimes be tough. I do have to commend them on the unique atmosphere- on the water, bushel baskets for lamps, in the trees. It does paint a pretty picture. If you can get a table close to the water and the bugs aren't bad, you are in luck!
Of course we got the platters of the mixture of seafood. Very easy for a big group like we had and in my opinion the best way to go. Our service (Bridget) was GREAT! Serving as a refueling spot after the beach and with good friends - overall, we had a really nice time.
To round up our weekend, we visited J. Christopher's. I think most Savannahians would agree, J. Christopher's is one of the best breakfast places downtown. I know, I know I said no chains...Let me explain. J. Christopher's doesn't seem like a chain to us because it is a very small chain, we didn't have one in NJ, and had never heard of it until living in Savannah.
Located in an old garage, this place is a staple for many downtown church- goers on Sunday. So, you have to get there early or it can be quite a wait. As many breakfast locations downtown, they feature a shortened menu on Sundays due to the crowds.
J. Christopher's is fresh, not greasy. Their menu runs the gamut of breakfast foods from traditional eggs, bacon and grits to omelets to signature skillets (one of my favs) to crepes to a bagel and lox. Pancake lover? Try their spin on the flapjack - A crunch cake. Blueberry pancakes made with crunchy granola...YUM!
We used to live a 1/2 block from J. Christopher's. Needless to say I have eaten there more than a few times. My usuals are the ham and mushroom skillet or the Billy Goat omelet. I will say I have never had a poor meal there. This time I tried something a little different - the San Bernadino, an omelet with chicken, avocado, cheddar & Jack cheese, and pico de gallo. While I imagined it to be a little more spicy, it was nothing a little Texas Pete couldn't fix. I also had a few bites of my husband's crunch cakes, and just as I remember, they were super yummy.
So, no new places for us this weekend, but new to the blog since this is the first food post. Hmmmm...I need to set my sites on next weekend.
