To our surprise, a lot of people don’t think there’s much around the Forsyth Park area. But we’re here to tell you that’s not true! Just because you’re not downtown, it doesn’t mean the great places in Savannah end. Here’s where to go in the Forsyth Area:
The Sentient Bean
Spacious with high ceilings and outside seating both in the front and back, The Sentient Bean, one of Savannah’s few vegetarian establishments, is a great spot to stop for a drink, breakfast, lunch, or dinner for a light fare. The name, The Sentient Bean, is more than just a play on words, it is an expression of ethic.
The coffee is all fair trade and organic, which guarantees that low-income farmers and artisans receive a fair price for their products so they may feed, educate, and care for their families. The beverages include a wide range of iced and hot coffees and espressos. There are also smoothies, teas, ciders, beer and wine served.
The food ranges from panini sandwiches, home-baked scones, breakfast burritos and scrambles, and salads, using mainly organic ingredients and lots of local produce. One of the most popular items here is the Zesto Pesto Panini, made with mozzarella, red onion, tomato, spinach, and homemade pesto.
On most nights, the coffee shop is also converted to a performance space for music, spoken word artists, or show openings. They also host a wide array of events from indie movies & cult films, literary readings, and educational and community forums.
13 E. Park Avenue
For more information call: (912) 232-4447
Local 11 Ten
Just a block south of Forsyth Park sits Local 11 Ten. The restored 1950’s-era bank is now home to an elegant, and modern restaurant that always uses local and seasonal ingredients, like fresh Georgia Coast seafood and vegetables from Savannah’s own local farmers. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and the seating is intimate and cozy.
Try the Prince Edward Island mussels as a starter, served with house-made chorizo, tomato, cherry peppers, basil, garlic, white wine, and a grilled baguette. Next, enjoy the braised lamb and lamb t-bone, with brussels sprouts, shaved apple, and root beer bbq sauce. Hit the grand finale with the pecan-lavender marinated duck breast, serve with greens, haricot vert, mushrooms, sunflower seeds, and plum jam. The menu also boasts a grilled filet mignon, shrimps, scallops, and grilled cauliflower for you veggies out there.
The desserts also vary daily, and after the meal. Be sure to check out the rooftop bar, Perch, for great cocktails, beer, and an extensive array of wines. It does get busy in the evenings so make sure you grab reservations a day or two in advance!
1110 Bull St.
For more information call: (912) 790-9000
Brighter Day Natural Food Market
Brighter Day is an independently owned natural foods Market, owned by Janie and Peter Brodhead since 1978.
As an independent, locally owned market, they’re not only concerned with bringing their customers the best and healthiest products available, but place integrity, the promotion of healthy living, and sustainability for the planet at a top priority. The store carries fresh local produce, holistic products for body care, like soap, toothpaste, shampoo, and face wash, as well as cosmetics. Brighter day offers a very wide range of vitamins, powders, supplements and pet products. It also has a café/deli where you can stop for healthy snack foods, beer and wine, a smoothie or sandwich. There’s seating out front and a little bar to relax inside. It’s a one stop shop for everything on your grocery list, but it will keep you a little healthier while doing it.
1102 Bull Street
For more information call: (912) 236-4703
700 Drayton
700 Drayton, the restaurant affiliated with the Mansion hotel, opened April 11, 2005, and has been a big name in Savannah ever since. The atmosphere of the restaurant is a great historic one filled with eclectic art, and the molding, wooden veneers, and pocket doors are all original to the house. All the floors have also been refurbished in Brazilian walnut, Brazilian marble walls, Venetian columns, and Italian marble in the courtyard. The glass in the windows upstairs is also hand-poured. But let’s get to the food!
700 Drayton is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
You have all your typical southern spread available for breakfast and brunch. Consider stepping out of the box with the Crab Cake Sandwich or Kessler Benedict. The Kessler Benedict is served on an English muffin. Poached eggs, with Black Forest ham, grilled tomato, spinach, hollandaise, and Lingonberry Sauce are layered on top. For lunch, consider the Escalope of Chicken Citron, a chicken breast with lemon, vermouth, garlic, orzo and mascarpone. Or if you’re feeling something lighter, the She Crab or Thai Coconut Ginger Soup are both great options. But if you’re looking for the big affair, the dinner menu is king. Try the Bronzed Local Wreckfish served with boursin grits, smoked tomato coulis, sugar snap peas, and tomato jam. Maple-Molasses Glazed Scottish Salmon, served with pumpkin ravioli, confit parsnips, and spinach is another favorite.
Make sure you save room for drinks and dessert!
Try the specialty Sea Glass Martini made with dragon berry, Midori, Malibu, and Chambord, and for dessert consider either the Peach and Cranberry Clafoutti with peach ice cream or the Frozen Grand Mariner Mousse with Limoncello sauce and blueberry compote.
700 Drayton Street
For more information call: (912) 341-0700
The Forsyth Farmer’s Market
Okay, so we know this isn’t a restaurant or a shop, but every Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the south end of Forsyth park be sure to check out the local vendors at the Farmer’s Market. Some of the best fruits and veggies grown locally are here. Ever had a canary melon or summer squash? This is a great place to broaden your horizons (and your cabinets) to try something new. There are locally harvested eggs, homemade bread and cheese sold by wonderful women from France, craft beer ice cream.
Don’t have any cash? Fear not! At the front of the market you can scan your card in exchange for wooden tokens to use at any of the booths. All vendors have to be producing at least 75% of the products they sell. So come on down and buy the fresh local ingredients to make your own meal. Don’t forget to cool off with a King of Pops freshly made local popsicle!
Prices range $10 and under
1 East Park Avenue
Le Chai
Christian Depken is the sole proprietor of Le Chai, dealing exclusively in the wines of the Old World (Europe), with a primary focus on France – though Italy, Germany, Spain, Austria, Hungary, and Portugal round out the rest, respectively. The cellar stores the entire inventory, unlike others that leave their bottles under fluorescent lights. All the wine at Le Chai is continuously temperature and humidity controlled at 55 degrees and 70% humidity. Le Chai sells wines for around $18-$40 a bottle.
Depken is a very knowledgable man who is very passionate about his wines. So if you’re searching for the perfect bottle of wine to pair with a meal, or just want to learn a little but more about wine, stop in. Depken is also available for personal or corporate consulting and cellar construction. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions about all things wine!
15 E. Park Avenue
For more information call: (912) 713-2229