Kayak Kafe
Hmmm, hoofing it down Broughton Street ... looking for quick lunch with character. Burger, no. Hot dog, no. Kayak Kafe? What a serendipitous choice! I slipped in the door, honestly fueled by their Facebook status touting a Wild Georgia shrimp and sliced mango wrap. Man, it was crazy good and refreshing! Thin strips of bright orange mango added juiciness to the wrap, which was packed to overflowing with shredded greens and half rings of peppery red onion. The dressing, lime-cilantro vinaigrette, was present but not overwhelming. The sweet, coarse cut slaw was good enough to be an entrée.
Super attentive service, an apparently endless glass of sweet tea and lots of people-watching made lunch a pleasure.
1 E. Broughton St./233-6044
The Distillery
Craft beer geeks know The Distillery is THE destination. With 21 frequently changing taps and more than 100 beers in bottle, this not-quite-year-old has established itself solidly as the beer joint of choice. But hey, the food's good, too. Despite some fits and starts early on, the menu and the team have settled down to produce solid, satisfying bar chow to a crowd that's typically way more thirsty than hungry. The burger marinated in Stout is the keystone of the menu and I'm impressed by the authentic Maryland crab cake. Still, for comfort food, I gravitate to the Stout chili and grilled cheese -- or the hearty Club sandwich served on Texas toast cut into a pair of sandwiches stacked high with turkey, bacon ... you know, the usual Club suspects. Big and delicious!
416 W. Liberty St./236-1772
Jib-Jab...
* Watch for subtle menu changes and some reworks at Jazz'd Tapas Bar.
* Chef Erik Thoreson from Sapphire Grill is filling in during Sunday brunch at Lulu's Chocolate Bar. (Former Chef Troy Desjean recently moved to New York.) Brunch hours are 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
* On Saturday, Sept. 12, from 4-7 p.m. is the 7th annual Savannah International Food and Wine Festival uncorks at the Greek Orthodox Hellenic Center. More than 50 wines from around the world will complement signature dishes from some of Savannah's finest restaurants. $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets are available at area package stores. For more information, a list of participating restaurants or to buy tickets online, go online to /savannahfoodwine.bbnow.org/.
