Remember terroir, that magical combination of climate, soil type and topography that make little grapes into bottles of delicious wine?

Firefly Cafe During the brief respite from cold weather last week, I went al fresco and stopped by Troup Square’s Firefly Cafe for a quick, quiet lunch. I was tempted by the restaurant’s signature corn chowder, but opted for the Blackened Chicken Breast sandwich. The huge mound of potato salad dusted with paprika caught may attention first. It was my choice of three side dishes that also included pasta salad or a small green salad. ...

I’m as happy as a little boy on Christmas morning when a new beer brand hits town. One of the newest, Founders Brewing Co. of Grand Rapids, Mich., brings to market a line–up that generally offers bigger flavors, bigger body and bigger character. Like so many of today’s craft breweries, Founders began as a dream for two college classmates. The idea was hatched in 1990, but it was not until 1997 that Founders launched as ...

The hilly country not too far north of Verona is home to one of my favorite everyday wines: Valpolicella. This pretty wine–next–door is made entirely, or predominately, from the Corvina grape. It doesn’t put on airs, and is comparable to Beaujolais or Côtes du Rhône in France – unpretentious regional table wines.

Leoci’s Trattoria I kept waiting for the crowd to subside at Leoci’s before highlighting my meal there – but there seems to be no let up in sight! This Sicilian–born chef has fired up his wood oven and single handedly drawn a crowd to this typically quiet stretch of Abercorn Street. The breads from the oven are fresh, hot and salt–crusted. Mussels are sweet and smoky; pizzas are rustic and infused with the taste of ...

Readers ask, “What wine should I buy?” Barring some special requirement — a menu or an occasion — the plain, honest–to–gosh truth is pretty simple:

Aqua Star at The Westin Savannah Harbor While I preferred to stay all warm and cozy in a car ride to this “other side of the river” destination, a couple of my lunch mates bundled up and used the free water taxi from River Street. Regardless of your transportation, Aqua Star is too often overlooked as a decidedly delicious change of pace dining spot. I immediately spied the honey roasted turkey cobbwich, a stack ...

One day, before we are both too wizened to care, I hope to meet Robert Oatley, to shake his hand, to listen to his stories, to continue this decades old story.

Nevaeh Soul Food I could throw a rock from my office window and hit the parking lot of this easy to access restaurant at the corner of Bull Street and Victory Drive. I remember when it was a cellphone joint, resplendent with an inflatable waving arm guy. The food here seems to be attracting far more clients than the prospect of unlimited minutes. I stopped in last week with my friend Joel and we ate ...

Two tips if you’re looking for a wine bargain: 1. Go the aisle marked “France.” 2. Look on the label, maybe even the back label, for the phrase “Vin de Pays.” Call this country boy biased, but man, can anything ever be simple in France? Vin de pays means “country wines.” Wines bearing this phrase are typically grapes blended from a region to create immediately drinkable, highly accessible and very inexpensive wines. Man, I wish ...

Tortuga's Island Grille This popular Thunderbolt breakfast and lunch restaurant is making changes. Breakfast is out –– except for Saturday and Sunday; lunch continues and dinner becomes a transforming experience for hungry diners who want a cozy, intimate get–away. At dinner, Ms. T.J. and I discovered last week, the lights go down, the Delta Blues come up and the food soars to heights far beyond this casual dining restaurant’s lunch menu. With the aid of ...

Back in the Day Bakery Yeah, yeah, the bread is awesome, the baby cakes cry out to be eaten and the sandwiches are towering treatises that pay homage to the sandwich-makers' art. But, dear readers, this Saturday morning, rush to this Starland District bakery and plan to moan with satisfaction as you work your way through one of the most decadent and praise-worthy cinnamon buns I've ever sampled. The big-as-a-dessert-plate bun is doughy and tender. ...

The Red Hills Appellation of California is wildly beautiful terrain. In addition to its natural beauty, it's a region known for some remarkably delicious Lake County wines.

The cool weather Pinot Noir of Oregon has long held the top spot among devotees of this rich and often spicy varietal.

Shane's Rib Shack I have not visited the new Shane's Rib Shack on Waters Avenue, but I did visit the Statesboro location of the Georgia-based location recently. From humble beginnings, this franchise has expanded to 12 states. My sincere hope is that this means consistency -- 'cause there's nothing worse than bad barbecue. The Statesboro location did not disappoint. In fact, a culinary road trip to Statesboro is very rewarding -- with a nice selection ...