FROM THE ground floor to the rooftop of the newly constructed Perry Lane Hotel, the Sage Restaurant Group has infused this luxury boutique with its own brand of charm and […]
Maria Whiteway
I’m a vibrant Italian-American with a zest for life and a glutton for all things food. By day, I’m a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, working with children and adults who have autism. By night, I am a food writer, creator, stylist and photographer for my personal blog. Although my strong work ethic has lead me to a fulfilling profession, my forever passion has always been and will always be FOOD. I am on a persistent trek to gratify my taste buds.
So, here’s a little bit about me. I was born and raised in Syracuse, New York by my mom and large supportive Italian family. My story and love for food dates back to the 1940s, when my brave Grandma, Theresa, rode a boat from Sicily, Italy to Ellis Island, New York. With her she brought her rich Italian heritage and adoration for food. After moving the whole family to Syracuse, my parents, aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins and I grew up sharing meals around Grandma’s dinner table. Every Sunday, Grandma served homemade pasta and meatballs with fresh marinara sauce and torn basil from her garden. She may have spoken broken English with a thick Italian accent, but her food spoke loud declarations of love and appreciation for her family. It was years of imitating Grandma’s kitchen prowess and pure love for her family that instilled a passion for cooking and eating deep into my being.
My attorney husband and I moved to Savannah one year ago, seeking to escape the winters of the North. With us, we brought our obsession for cooking and indulging in delectable eats. Restaurants of all ethnic backgrounds, cuisines, dollar signs and dimensions preoccupy our nights out. Over the years, I have photographed and gloated about the fantastic fare I have eaten. My blog and Connect Savannah serve as my grandstand to feature and reveal what I have encountered with friends and family.
Please join me on my journey in my kitchen and to diverse restaurants, as I eat and cook my way through flavory fare. To be honest, I am just an ordinary girl with extraordinary taste, which is why I am a Common Connoisseur.
Posted inFood & Drink
Mexicali Fresh
For Mexicali Fresh, Arnold teamed up with Hugo Alfaro from Guatemala and Felipe Salazar from Mexico City.
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Pop it like it’s hot
REMEMBER last summer when we all walked around scantily-clad in the sweltering sun just desperate for a refreshing dip in the pool or at least an icy treat? Those times […]
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The Grove: Four bars, three stories, one great concept
On the Jefferson Street side, floor to ceiling doors open wide to a walk up bar, where patrons can sit at bar and watch sports or just grab a drink to-go
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The Fitzroy: A taste of the Land Down Under
The “Fitz” is geared up to be a night-centric venue with industrial aesthetics such as exposed brick and piping, pendent Edison bulbs, deep dramatic hues and rose-gold metals
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The Savannah Picnic Company: A luxurious foodie experience
Owner Chelsea Rowe designs lavished Parisian picnics in parks and yards all across Savannah.
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‘Living the dream’ at Totally Baked
SAVANNAH IS TRULY the biggest small town. Sure, for tourists visiting may seem like there is so much ground to cover, it may even seem overwhelming to some, but for […]
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Namaste Y’all
Gudla and his partners not only use traditional methods when preparing their recipes, but they cook with the ingredient that has been passed down from generation to generation: love.
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Duck Donuts: Made-to-order concept glazes into the heart of Savannah
‘Our donuts are made to order. The Duck Donut experience is what makes us unique.’
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Husk is here!
AFTER long anticipation, the Hostess City of the South welcomes award-winning Husk, a restaurant birthed in Charleston that embodies true southern hospitality and honors regional fare in its traditional form. […]
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Husk Savannah Update!
A project of Sean Brock and the Neighborhood Dining Group, Husk Savannah will highlight the unique ingredients of coastal Georgia.
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Fox and Fig: A Plant-Based Cafe
PLANT-BASED eateries are on the rise around the country and for good reason; vegetables are the stars of the plate, delivering a wow-factor in the absence of animal products. The […]