CHEF DAD: John Benhase balances two baby boys and a new culinary venture in the new year
Perhaps there is such a thing as being too busy. Since John Benhase returned to Savannah in 2018, no grass grew under his feet. After gaining invaluable kitchen experience and building his résumé, he and his wife, Sarah, traded the ATL for the SAV as he became one of our local Food Fab Four who…
Q&A with Brian West, Tybee’s newly inaugurated mayor
Brian West won Tybee Island’s mayoral seat in November 2023 when 952 of 1,493 votes were cast for him. He beat out challengers Julia Pearce and Mack Kitchens after having served on Tybee City Council since 2021. His first plunge into politics came back in 2019, when he finished fifth out of eight people running…
A “lasting legacy”: Kiah Museum restoration set to begin this year
There is a 1985 calendar honoring Black historical figures hanging on the back of a kitchen pantry door. But few other items remain in the 110-year-old house that Virginia Jackson Kiah transformed into a museum “for the masses” in 1959. More than two decades after the late Black artist and educator’s death in 2001, the…
NEW BEGINNINGS: Jason Restivo joins Sobremesa and ushers in broader dining concept
A lot can change in a year. In August 2023 Sobremesa, a local wine bar turned neighborhood eatery, passed its one-year mark. For co-founder Ryan Ribeiro, the first year saw a major change—signing on a new partner, Jason Restivo. Restivo, who owned Atlantic with his wife Jennifer from 2016 to 2020, bought out Ribeiro’s original…
Introducing the inaugural Savannah Bluegrass Festival
New traditions are popping up around Savannah, and one of the most exciting is the first Savannah Bluegrass Festival coming Feb. 16, 2024. Savannah, a city known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and southern charm, is now preparing for its first-ever bluegrass festival, aptly named the Savannah Bluegrass Festival. This exciting event is set…
ROBIN CLARK: Bringing the past to life
Robin Clark has a passion for breathing new life into overlooked and forgotten images from the past, and in an issue dedicated to fresh beginnings, it seemed appropriate to meet with her and find out more about her Savannah-based business, Memory Lane Restoration. Clark grew up in Pennsylvania about an hour outside of Philadelphia and…
JUROR 13: A podcast takes a new look at a Savannah cold case
Tom Mullady is a writer based in Savannah who has also become something of an investigator. He likes to look into murder cases that haven’t been solved. A New York investigator once told him that he “missed his calling,” because he hadn’t gotten into that line of work. He ended up working for that investigator…
THE CONNECT FIVE: Shows to see this week
THE MAXINES + KICKLIGHTER + THE AL GORE RHYTHMS @ EL ROCKO FRI DEC 29 | 8 PM The Maxines sure do get around. No, not in that way, you perv. They are busy working as much as possible to promote their excellent new album “Skin Tight” and doing it via the old-fashioned organic method:…
CREATING A CROWN OF BEAUTY: Painter Sarah Long
As I pull up before Sarah Long’s Savannah Quarters home, it seems fitting that a loquacious five-year-old runs out to introduce himself, shake my hand, and welcome me. As I will soon learn, Mason’s story, and the story of his siblings, plays an influential role in Long’s artistic practice. I first met Long at this…
Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce holds 217th annual meeting
The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce held their 217th Annual Meeting at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa on Tuesday, Dec. 19. Nine local agencies spoke on their past year successes and Brad Harmon was installed as the new Chair of the Chamber while hundreds of business owners and representatives networked.
HOLIDAY HOSPITALITY: Savannah restaurants open on Christmas Day
Celebrating the holidays is easy in Savannah. If you aren’t looking to spend time cooking, there’s several options to dine out in the city. These restaurants will have you feeling merry in no time! Chart House 202 West Bay St. 11am to 9pm Savannah’s Chart House is offering a gourmet, three-course meal on Christmas Day…
Union Mission serves meals to those who need it most this holiday season
On Wednesday, Dec. 20, Union Mission served close to 500 holiday meals provided by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation to homeless individuals in need. Staff Zone, J.C. Lewis Health, and a clothing closet were also available for those seeking resources. Keith McKay, a volunteer from Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, was one of several volunteers who donated his time.…
Underdog Brewing Company owner breaks silence, speaks on unlikely future for start-up brewery in Starland
Jeremy Hammons envisioned his brewery as a place that he “would actually want to hang out in.” That was the plan on July 28, 2020, the day Hammons formed The Underdog Brewing Company, LLC and the day he filed formation papers with The Georgia Corporations Division. It’s a day he “remembers vividly” and the LLC…
Connect Savannah News & Notes
There’s always something happening in the Hostess City. Stay in the know about upcoming events and the latest information with our periodic News & Notes. Upcoming Events “Ship Watch!” Book Launch Who: Jonathan Barrett When: Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024 at 5 p.m. Where: Senior Citizens Learning Center What: Enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and remarks from…
A Neo chef in town
Figurative language overflows with idioms based in a busy kitchen, and Stephen Sleyo has probably lived each of them literally during the last two months. ‘Tis the holiday season, after all. In early October, Sleyo took over the entirety of food operations at The Drayton Hotel and its headlining rez-de-chaussée restaurant, St. Neo’s Brasserie, just…
PROPERTY MATTERS: Asian grocery store chain buys Lucky’s site, new restaurants planned, hotel developer acquires vacant building and City Market sculpture opposed
The Historic District Board of Review approved the design details for the construction of a two-story commercial building at 520 East Oglethorpe Avenue (currently 143 Houston Street), where the folks behind Husk plan to open another restaurant. The Neighborhood Dining Group‘s conceptual name for the restaurant is Marbled and Fin, but that may change, according…
Wilmington Island Farmers Market holds last market of the year
The Wilmington Island Farmers Market held their last market of the year with a special night time, Christmas themed event, on Saturday, Dec.16th. The events included free pics with Santa, some seriously sweet salted caramel hot chocolate, Renegade Paws Rescue, free Donatos pizza and a mammoth Christmas tree. This last market of the year was…
PREPS NOTEBOOK: Blitz Border Bowl VI Coming Up, Final GHSA Football Rankings, Latest Boys Basketball State Rankings
The best high school football seniors from the Coastal Empire play against the best from South Carolina’s Lowcountry in Savannah’s bowl game next month. Blitz Border Bowl VI is set for Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Memorial Stadium in Savannah. Proceeds from the game go to help benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities in the…
‘Tis the Season for Frozen Sweets too!
Most people call it the most wonderful time of the year, but I think it is fair to also label this point in the calendar the sweetest time of the year. Go ahead and try to tell me you are walking by the tray of cookies someone put out in the office without grabbing one…
THE CONNECT FIVE: Ho Ho Go See These Shows
INSIGHT + LILAKK + THE MAXINES @ SENTIENT BEAN FRI DEC 22 | 7 PM A trio of female-forward bands rock the Bean this Friday night, and it’s a stellar lineup of local favorites to put you in the festive holiday mood. Insight (pictured) plays a combination of progressive metal and hard rock, similar to…
New programs for Savannah residents make homes more energy efficient, save on electric bills
For many Savannah residents, it’s getting easier to save money on their energy bills and perhaps help save the planet along the way. Savannah District 4 Alderman Nick Palumbo, Georgia House Rep. Edna Jackson and others held a news conference on Friday, Dec. 15, at Coastal Georgia Center to highlight local programs addressing clean energy…
Birth of a burger brand
Right out of high school, William LaFlower was winging up and down the Eastern Seaboard opening up restaurants. “I think I worked for Chipotle for less than two weeks before they asked me to go around the country and open up stores,” said the Bronx native who has “strong roots” in New York and New…
Georgia Southern, Helton can wrap so-so season on a good note at Myrtle Beach Bowl
Georgia Southern and Ohio will begin the college football bowl season when the two meet in the fourth edition of the Myrtle Beach Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 16. It is the first-ever meeting between the Bobcats and Eagles. While it’s the first game of bowl season, it is the end of an up-and-down campaign for…
How recreational fishing boosts Georgia’s economy
When you see someone casting a line at the pier or going out fishing on a boat you might not think they’re having a big impact on the state’s economy. After all, they’re ostensibly just trying to catch some fish for themselves. However, a recent study shows that recreational fishing actually does a lot for…
SCCPSS Savannah Holiday Classic Basketball Showcase Returns This Weekend
The eighth edition of a Savannah tradition will be different this year than in years past. The Savannah Holiday Classic returns on Friday, Dec. 15 and Saturday, Dec. 16 at several gyms across the city. Because of a change in format, the event is officially named “The 2023 SCCPSS Holiday Classic Basketball Showcase.” Unlike past…
Thunderbolt hosts annual Christmas on the Bluff
The Town of Thunderbolt hosted the hippest holiday event of their season. With Santa on site, a vendor village, tree lighting and boat parade, this annual family friendly event brings back a piece of their history as a local fishing village that gathered to celebrate the holidays!
Trustees’ Garden fourth annual Christmas Festival promises snow and family fun
On Saturday, Dec. 16, families are invited to experience the magic of the holiday season at the fourth annual Trustees’ Garden Christmas Festival. The event will be an opportunity to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, go sledding, rock climbing, and much more. Kathy Kurazawa, the event’s organizer, said more activities have been added this year.…
Connect Savannah News & Notes
There’s always something happening in the Hostess City. Stay in the know about upcoming events and the latest information with our periodic News & Notes. Upcoming Events Holiday Classics: Die Hard Who: SCAD When: Monday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. Where: Lucas Theatre for the Arts What: Bruce Willis stars as NYPD cop John McClane,…
GROWING PAINS: Clovers soccer club learns from challenges of first season on pro level
The Savannah Clovers don’t have to look too hard to find inspiration that better days are ahead – perhaps as soon as the 2024 season. The Clovers, founded as a local amateur recreation team in 2016, made their debut as Savannah’s first men’s professional outdoor soccer club in 2023 in competing in the National Independent…
THE CONNECT FIVE: Shows to see this week
THE MINKS + BLACK HAT @ EL ROCKO THUR DEC 14 | 9 PM Another week, another excellent Nashville rock band coming through town. Savannah is imperfect, but we sure got it good on this front. The Minks are riding the high of their latest release, “Creatures of Culture,” which is piling up positive reviews.…
THE SEASON OF GIVING: How to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire this holiday season and beyond
The Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire is looking to make the seasons bright for families in their care this holiday season. Billy Sorochak, the CEO and executive director of the RMHC of the Coastal Empire, emphasized the importance of donations and community support when it comes to serving families in the hospital. “You have…
Savannah Christian aims for state title vs. favorite Cedar Grove
Against some pretty lengthy odds, the Savannah Christian Raiders are in the GHSA Class 3A state football championship. On Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 1 p.m., Savannah Christian (12-2) will meet Cedar Grove (9-5) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for the title. The Raiders have been somewhat of an afterthought around the city this year, largely…
TEGAN MILLER’S SPECTRA CHOIR: “Loving Ourselves to Love the World”
Red-headed Tegan Miller looks striking in her 50’s-vibe magenta dress and bedazzled cat-eye glasses. But what makes that makes this vibrant young woman truly striking is her passion and empathy for others! We met recently to discuss the upcoming Dec. 16 performance by the feminist treble Spectra choir which Miller founded and directs. Having sung with the…
Savannah City Council poised to increase regulation of subdivisions in the downtown historic district
The city is one step closer to adopting zoning changes proponents say will help protect the integrity of the Downtown Historic District. On Thursday, the Savannah City Council held a first reading of a zoning amendment that would require public notification and hearings for downtown subdivision or recombination requests, but backed off from officially adopting the…
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS: Get in the spirit at these merry events
There’s a flurry of festivities happening in the Hostess City this holiday season that you won’t want to miss. Representing various holiday traditions, these events are sure to make the most wonderful time of the year even more special. Gather your loved ones and mark your calendars for these heartwarming holiday happenings! 12 Days of…
Harkleroad Diamonds and Fine Jewelry host holiday trunk show
Harkleroad Diamonds and Fine Jewelry hosted an open house and trunk show on Wednesday, Nov. 29. Community partners, military supporters and customers were treated to a special appearance from celebrity bartender Joan Frampton and culinary treats from the The Tin Fin Restaurant
Dottie’s Market Savannah’s new dinner service – a trip to Grandma’s house
If you pay attention to the food scene as closely as we do around here, then you cannot help but notice exactly how it has evolved over the last handful of years. From my seat, it has been fascinating to watch. The debate rages regularly, at least it does in my circles. On the one…
Connect Savannah News & Notes
There’s always something happening in the Hostess City. Stay in the know about upcoming events and the latest information with our periodic News & Notes. Upcoming Events Holiday Spectacular with the SCAD Bee Sharps Who: SCAD Bee Sharps When: Thursday, Dec.14 at 7 p.m. Where: Lucas Theatre for the Arts What: SCAD is excited to…
Making the season bright with “Old Southern Cookery” holiday recipes
Sue J. Hendricks and Christopher E. Hendricks, Old Southern Cookery: Mary Randolph’s Recipes from America’s First Regional Cookbook Adapted for Today’s Kitchen (Guilford, Connecticut: Globe Pequot, 2020). Old Southern Cookery began as a gift. My mother, an excellent cook and journalist, collected cookbooks. One day while he was traveling, my father ran across an early…
Nordista Freeze transports Space Prom to Savannah
The high school prom has evolved in form and function over its 120-year history. Initially reserved for college seniors, symbolizing their ascension to adulthood, the ritual moved to the high school realm in the 1890s. These became formal events, with people wearing their Sunday best to celebrate reaching the graduation milestone. The junior prom was…
A new purpose through repurposing – keeping Savannah in Savannah
The phrases “deconstruct” and “repurpose” might bring to mind the latest online video trend to try around the house, but for Re:Purpose Savannah, a women+ led 501(c)3 non-profit, establishing a sustainable future through the deconstruction, salvage, and reuse of historic buildings, these terms have become a way of life for their volunteers, their organization, and…
Front Porch Improv presents “Totally Made-Up Holiday Movie” featuring Kevin Gillese and ‘Archer’ star Amber Nash
Front Porch Improv is bringing in the holidays the best way they know how—with lots of laughs. Their new comedy experience, “Totally Made-Up Holiday Movie,” will feature special guests, husband and wife Kevin Gillese and Amber Nash on Dec. 7 and 8. “Front Porch Improv are lovely people, and they’re very funny and very good at improv,…
HO HO HOLIDAY: Tybee’s North Beach Bar & Grill celebrates 30th anniversary by giving back this holiday season and beyond
Lauded and beloved for its appetizing Caribbean-inspired fare and lively atmosphere, North Beach Bar & Grill has been serving Tybee for the last three decades — a major accomplishment for a business in the hospitality industry, which is known for its unpredictability. To celebrate this monumental milestone, the grill is giving back in a big…
Weslyn Mahogany Bowers discusses latest book release, “The Journey to Your Well-Being”
After writing her first motivational book, “I Needed This,” Weslyn Mahogany Bowers has now released a guidebook called “The Journey to Your Well-Being” centered around peace of mind. We spoke with Bowers about the inspiration for the book and the positive impact she hopes it will have. In your own words, can you just…
COMING TO TOWN: Santa and Mrs. Claus Prepare for the Magic of the Season
For Everrett Prostrollo, retirement looks a little different than most. After spending 20 years in the Air Force and seven years as a camp ranger for the Boy Scouts, he now spends most of his time preparing for the holidays—a requirement when you are Santa Claus. Prostrollo didn’t always know he would become Santa, though…
THE CONNECT FIVE: Shows to see this week
MARAUDA @ ELAN SAVANNAH FRI DEC. 8 | 10 PM The young Australian-based dubstep prodigy, born Hamish Prasad, started out using the moniker Mastodon. To avoid confusion with the big, bad Georgia metal band of the same name, he rebranded to Marauda. Thankfully, the sleeper hot-rod Mercury Marauder had been discontinued by then, so the…
