BEST ICE CREAM LEOPOLD’S ICE CREAM

OUR READERS HAVE SPOKEN. And the 2012 Best of Savannah Awards go to…

Compiled by Margaret Harney, Allison Hersh, Colleen McNally, Eric Ramirez and Alison Wyland

Photography by Beau Kester, Katie McGee and Tim Willoughby

118 savannahmagazine.COM SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 119 BEST Barbecue Wiley’s DINING Championship BBQ

Asian this historic former tavern offers www.luluschocolatebar.net Ice Cream King & I a brunch that goes beyond the Runner-up: Back in the Day Bakery Leopold’s Ice Cream Tucked away in a quiet sleepy two-egg scramble and, With help from Academy Southside strip mall, this jewel according to our readers, makes Fine Dining Award-nominated set designer in the culinary crown of restau- the weekend wakeup totally The Olde Pink House Dan Lomino, movie producer rateur Ele Tran has edged out worthwhile. There are only three venues Stratton Leopold brought his even Ele’s eponymous restau- www.bmatthewseatery.com in town where you can enjoy family’s scrumptious Savannah rant in the Asian category. We Runner-up: J. Christopher’s New Southern cuisine in an landmark back to life, circa 1935. credit Savannahians’ love affair 18th century mansion—and all With frozen treats scooped from with Thai food to the fact that Business Lunch of them are inside The Olde the original, top-secret Leopold it’s sweet and spicy—just like Soho South Café Pink House. For the ultimate in family recipes, this old-fashioned we are. Business meets pleasure at this fine dining, our readers enter parlor and shrine to movie magic www.kingandisavannah.com bustling Liberty Street luncheon- through the front door and savor serves up nothing short of a Runner-up: Ele Fine Fusion ette, where Savannah maga- Savannah delicacies such as childhood dream. zine readers often round out a she-crab soup and blue crab www.leopoldsicecream.com Barbecue gourmet sandwich with a side beignets. Runner-up: Coldstone Creamery Wiley’s Championship BBQ of zesty tomato-basil bisque. Runner-up: Elizabeth on 37th This is far from the first accolade This cheerful four-time Best Independent Wiley and Janet McCrary have of Savannah winner is always Fried Chicken Coffee Shop won for their tender ribs and packed with locals—and work by Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room Sentient Bean juicy brisket. Sitting comfortably area artists. For four generations, the Wilkes Fair-trade, organic coffee is just atop the rack of local barbeque www.sohosouthcafe.com family has served up crispy one of the ways “The Bean” joints, Wiley’s regularly smokes Runner-up: Toucan Café fried chicken and succulent has been enlivening Savannah the competition at regional and Southern sides in this retired for the past 11 years. Founder national cookoffs. Cupcakes boarding house, where locals Kristin Russell’s social calendar www.wileyschampionshipbbq.com Gigi’s Cupcakes and tourists line up along Jones is always packed with live music, Runner-up: Blowin’ Smoke BBQ Local franchise owner Bethany Street to score a spot at one of regular poetry readings, film Schantz has made a feast of the communal tables. Leave screenings and art shows—and Breakfast frosting. She puts a towering your belt—and your reserve—at her all-vegetarian menu keeps J. Christopher’s topping on her creatively flavored home. herbivores coming back for Even when they wake up on confections, which include the www.mrswilkes.com more. the wrong side of the bed, our champagne cupcake with edible Runner-up: The Lady and Sons www.sentientbean.com readers count on J. Christopher’s pearls and the so-Southern Runner-up: Gallery Espresso for a morning that’s sunny-side- Caramel Sugar Mama. Hamburger up. After eating one of the oven- www.gigiscupcakesusa.com Green Truck Pub Italian roasted potato skillets or fresh, Runner-up: Back in the Day Bakery It’s a beautiful thing when you Bella’s Italian Café colorful omelets at this Georgia- can inhale a deluxe cheeseburger This family-friendly neighbor- based franchise on Liberty Desserts without guilt or regret. Even hood eatery is Joyce Shanks’ Street, there’s no going back to Lulu’s Chocolate Bar after locking down the Best New homage to the recipes of her egg whites and instant coffee. Willy Wonka may have had a Restaurant title last year, this Grandma Bella—including hearty www.jchristophers.com chocolate waterfall, but Lulu grass-fed burger bar still takes pasta fagiola and creamy mani- Runner-up: The Breakfast Club has a chocolate martini, mousse no shortcuts. Salad dressings, cotti. Regulars abound at this towers and a decadent white pickles and ketchup are made Habersham Village gathering Brunch chocolate raspberry crème on-site daily from local organic spot, a winner in this category B. Matthew’s brulee. All desserts are made ingredients. since 2007. Home of the black-eyed pea from scratch at this beloved www.greentruckpub.com www.bellascafe.com cake sandwich and apple, nightspot and bar—often to the Runner-up: Five Guys Burgers Runner-up: Leoci’s Trattoria walnut and bourbon chutney, tune of live music. and Fries

Ethics: Reader votes—and Tradition: As part of Procedure: We only Disclaimer: We can’t Yes, only reader votes—deter- the area’s largest news accept one ballot per control how individuals mine a Best of Savannah organization, we strictly person. Duplicate ballots campaign for Best of it’s winner. As with all of our limit our role to tallying and those without a verifi- Savannah; we can only legit, editorial, there is no pay and reporting votes—with able name and address are monitor how accurately y’all! for play. Period. the exception of labeled automatically disqualified. the votes are counted. “Editors’ Picks.”

120 savannahmagazine.COM SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 121 BEST NEW RESTAURANT DINING A.LURE LOWCOUNTRY CUISINE

Kid-friendly vegetarian-friendly East Broad platters of fresh local shrimp, sandwich, which recently earned Dining Street dining destination also briny oysters, tangy BBQ and, of raves on the Travel Channel. Cancun encourages diners to eat local. course, an impressive selection You can recognize the tiny York We all know what picky eaters www.cha-bella.com of crab offerings. BYOB: Bring Street location by the workweek our little ones can be. When Runners-up, Organic: Green Truck your own bib. lunch line that extends down vegetables are a no-go or Pub and Thrive Café www.thecrabshack.com the block. there’s a boycott on any dish Runner-up, Vegetarian: Goose Runner-up: Love’s Seafood and www.zunzis.com with “things” in it, Cancun’s Feathers Steaks Runner-up: Carey Hilliard’s Americanized Mexican menu has been known to win over even Outdoor/ Smoothie Yogurt the tiniest taste buds. Celebrate Waterfront Smoothie King Lovin’ Spoons this victory with a cold cerveza Dining The answer to the liquid lunch, This funky little fro-yo place has or two. Bonna Bella Waterfront Grille these super-sized smoothies plenty of moxie, from the groovy Runner-up: Jalapenos Mexican Grill This four-time Best of Savannah claim to be function-based, ’70s-style décor to the sassy, winner’s stunning waterfront meaning that some promote Georgia peach-flavored yogurt. Mexican views provide the perfect weight loss while others give you Create your own masterpiece Jalapeños Mexican Grill backdrop for a memorable dining a boost of energy or assist with with self-serve toppings ranging When you can hear your fajitas experience. The menu offers muscle gain. Whatever your from fresh fruit to candy bars to sizzling all the way to your fresh seafood and steaks along aim, the Broughton Street stop breakfast cereal. With so many table, you know you’ve found with sandwiches and fish tacos, can refill your tank and get you stir-in options, you’ll never go a Mexican restaurant worth plus plenty of options for kids. back on the retail road in no time. back to plain ol’ vanilla again— its margarita salt. A Best of But, with a great selection of www.smoothieking.com unless, of course, that’s what Savannah winner for five consec- wine and cocktails, a babysitter Runner-up: The Sentient Bean you want. utive years, Arnold Castellanos’ might not be a bad idea after all. www.lovinspoons.com bustling local chain is known www.bonnabellayachtclub.com Steak Runner-up: La’ Berry for fast, consistent service and Runners-up, Outdoor Dining: Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse tasty (but hard-to-pronounce) Blowin Smoke BBQ and The Crab The New York Strip never seemed chilaquiles. Shack so “New York.” This citified www.jalapenosinc.com Runner-up, Waterfront Dining: fine-dining chain and four-time Runner-up: Cancun Vic’s on the River Best of Savannah winner is still Editors’ Pick the reigning steakhouse king—er, New Restaurant Pizza queen—delighting carnivores Two-fer: A.lure Lowcountry Cuisine Vinnie Van Go Go’s across the Coastal Empire. Two Smart Cookies Fans of Kasey’s Gourmet Grille Prepare to fold and devour www.ruthschris.com I may be 35, but when these were thrilled when restaurateur these oversized, New York City- Runner-up: Outback Steakhouse ladies hand me a cookie cut Daniel Berman brought his flair style slices in seconds. Fresh in the shape of a butterfly for culinary creativity downtown mozzarella cheese, made-daily Sushi and topped with pink icing, I to Congress Street. True to its dough and prime outdoor Ele- Fine Fusion regress to a pigtailed preteen. playful name, A.lure brings fresh, seating overlooking City Market Regardless of how you roll, the But I also get to indulge my local seafood to the table, along set this local favorite apart sushi chef at Ele- Fine Fusion is grown-up taste with an over- with landlubber favorites such from the competition. Being likely to have a fresh fish fix— sized pair of brightly colored as lamb Carpaccio in savory cash-only hasn’t curtailed even for the tartare tenderfoot. earrings to liven up the cock- Sweetgrass Dairy bleu cheese Vinnie’s ability to dominate this Diners looking for a show sidle tail hour (and distract from ice cream. category since 2002. up to the sushi bar—and witness my cookie-infused waistline). www.aluresavannah.com www.vinnievangogo.com the fastest way to slice and dice Smart? Genius. Runner-up: Sage Runner-up: Mellow Mushroom an avocado. Runner Up: Pedi and back www.elesavannah.com scratch at Golden Nails Organic/ Seafood Runner-up: Sushi Zen Sure, the happy ending to any Vegetarian The Crab Shack pedicure is 10 sandal-ready toes. Cha-Bella When The Crab Shack first Takeout But at Golden Nails, you get the At Cha-Bella, it’s nice to know opened, this six-time Best of Zunzi’s surprise bonus of an aggressive, that every last bite of your salad Savannah winner had a half- Owners Gabriella and Johnny dollar-per-minute backrub while was grown without harmful dozen tables and a menu drawn DeBeer offer quick, tasty and your tootsies dry. pesticides and prepared with on a sheet of plywood. Now, inexpensive meals served care. Say goodbye to antibiotic- owners Jack and Belinda Flanigan cafeteria-style and with a South —Andrea Goto infused mystery meat and attract locals and visitors from African flair, including the best- genetically modified corn. This across the country with heaping selling Conquistador chicken

122 savannahmagazine.COM SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 123 BEST DANCING/ GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT NIGHTLIFE JAZZ’D TAPAS BAR

Appetizers a bird’s-eye view of the river- acclaimed bands such as Trigger Bar Food front and its bustling nightlife. Hippy and Devon Allman’s Neighborhood hangout and Consequently, Rocks on the Roof Honeytribe as well as rising Editors’ Pick metropolitan chic merge as has become our readers’ favorite local talent, the four-time Best easily as the French-Asian fusion place to sip inventive cocktails, of Savannah winner also offers cuisine at this Habersham Village celebrate happy hour, hang out three fully stocked bars. Just Coveted Real Estate: haunt. Tasty appetizers include into the wee hours—and maybe saying. A spot in “Iron Bodies” roasted veal chops, Thai curry even meet Mr. or Ms. Right. www.livewiremusichall.com If you’re lucky enough to secure mussels, BBQ wantons and baked www.bohemianhotelsavannah.com Runner-up: Jazz’d Tapas Bar a spot in the 9:15 a.m. “Iron brie with strawberry cognac Runner-up, Cocktails, Late Night Bodies” class at the Islands sauce. It’s no wonder our readers Spot and Place to Meet Singles: Pub YMCA, you know not to mess keep saying “je t’aime”—and the Jazz’d Tapas Bar Six Pence Pub with moms without makeup on parking doesn’t hurt, either. Runner-up, Happy Hour: Jen’s and With low ceilings, dim lights and the quest for fitness. Impede a www.barfoodsavannah.com Friends a bar so packed you literally rub patron’s view of herself as she Runner-up: Jazz’d Tapas Bar shoulders with your neighbor, lunges and curls her frustra- Dancing/Girls’ this British pub makes drinking tions away and you risk getting Beer Selection Night Out and eating a cozy affair. The slapped upside the head with The Distillery Jazz’d Tapas Bar downtown landmark serves a Marshpoint Elementary car Thanks to general manager With creative cocktails and live up the perfect combination of magnet. and beer guru Ben Volen, The music six nights a week, Jazz’d beers on tap and homemade Runner-up: A high-noon table Distillery boasts a menu of more lures locals underground to favorites from across the pond at Green Truck than 100 hand-selected craft shake what their mamas gave (think shepherd’s pie, Scotch Fresh Farm Truck salads and brews, including nearly two them. This nightlife destina- eggs and bangers and mash), Allagash on tap make this dozen on tap. From North Coast tion has also earned the Best of making it a four-time Best of Savannah favorite a hot spot Old Rasputin to New Belgium Savannah seal of approval as the Savannah fave. for lunch. What’s even hotter? Somersault, this beer lover’s preferred GNO headquarters www.sixpencepub.com Waiting outside in the full sun paradise has our readers lifting since 2008. Runner-up: Kevin Barry’s for a table. their glasses. www.jazzdsavannah.com www.distillerysavannah.com Runner-up, Dancing: Club 51 Sports Bar —Andrea Goto Runner-up: Moon River Brewing Degrees Coach’s Corner Company Runner-up, Girls’ Night Out: This Victory Drive sports bar Savannah Smiles Piano Bar has been cheering our favorite Cocktails/Happy teams since 1991, serving as a Wine Selection Hour/Late Night Live Music Best of Savannah destination Elizabeth on 37th Spot/Place to Entertainment for watching football, basket- In the mood for a perfect Pinot? Meet Singles LiveWire Music Hall ball, baseball, soccer and more. Feeling the urge for a zesty Zin? Rocks on the Roof LiveWire Music Hall brings some With tasty wings, ice-cold beer Look no further than this foodie Since opening atop the Bohemian serious noise to River Street’s and plenty of TV screens, it’s paradise tucked in a well-worn Hotel in 2009, this chic rooftop often-overlooked west end. A no wonder sports fans flock Southern mansion on 37th perch has given Savannahians favorite spot to catch critically to Coach’s Corner, game after Street. Our oenophiles trust game, season after season. Elizabeth’s expert wine captains www.coachs.net to steer them toward the ideal Runner-up: Loco’s Grill & Pub vintage to complement any meal. www.elizabethon37th.net Editors’ Pick Trivia Game Runner-up: Garibaldi’s Cafe Night Loco’s Grill & Pub Nickname: Slow-vannah Trivia buffs and aspiring Mensa Seriously, what on earth is wrong with taking our time? members put their heads Remember the tortoise and the hare? I, for one, chose Savannah together every Wednesday night because I wanted a relaxing change of pace—and most of the for Team Trivia. For the past five people I interview say the same thing. Having all-but worn out years, quiz host Ben Bennett has editorial epithets like “Hostess City,” “Coastal Empire” and “the served as Savannah’s own Alex 912,” I’m ready to reposition the oft-used, self-deprecating slur Trebek, helping Loco’s earn this as an honor. Why not savor the decadent, dilatory distinction of Best of Savannah nod. “Slow-vannah?” You have to admit, it beats option two: Squares- www.locosgrill.com ville. (Get it? Squares?) Runner-up: Mellow Mushroom —Annabelle Carr

124 savannahmagazine.COM SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 125 BEST COMPANY TO WORK FOR GULFSTREAM COMMUNITY AEROSPACE CORPORATION

Charity Event/ than a reader favorite, this host Public School cruising up the narrow waterway. Fundraiser to the PGA Tour’s Liberty Mutual Savannah Arts Academy www.riverstreetsavannah.com Race for the Cure Legends of Golf tournament Future Dalis and Spielbergs flock Runner-up: Forsyth Park A sea of pink washes over was named among the 100 best to Savannah Arts Academy, the city every April, uniting a courses in America by Condé named “best public high school TV Station community of survivors and Nast Traveler. in Georgia” by U.S. News and WSAV supporters in a 5K run/walk www.westinsavannah.com World Report. With strong SAT Tina Tyus-Shaw, Russ Reisinger that helps fund the fight against Runner-up: Southbridge Golf Club scores and creative concentra- and their team take home their breast cancer. Last year alone, tions such as graphic design first Best of Savannah award the enthusiastic racers raised Group to and dance, this high school has this year. It doesn’t hurt that the more than $42,000—and had a Volunteer For a special place in the hearts of NBC affiliate just brought us the blast in the process. Humane Society parents and alums. London Olympics and stirred www.komencoastalgeorgia.org for Greater Savannah www.sccpss.com public dialogue with a micro- Runner-up: Telfair Ball Love comes in many different Runner-up: Isle of Hope phone mishap, proving once and packages—and most of them Elementary for all that personality is much Company to can be found at this Sallie Mood more important to Savannahians Work For Boulevard shelter where locals love Radio Station than propriety. Gulfstream Aerospace to volunteer as dog walkers, kennel WRHQ 105.3 Quality Rock www.wsav.com Corporation cleaners, surgery assistants, Quality Rock’s blend of classics Runner-up: WTOC The Savannahians who build event planners and thrift store by the likes of Clapton, Coldplay some of the world’s most tech- operators. Of course, the work and Santana wins this year’s nologically advanced business has its hazards; many helpers “best” by being virtually every- aircraft may not be “leavin’ on a end up as pet “parents” as well. where, thanks to mobile apps jet plane,” but they’re adamant www.humanesocietysav.org and online streaming. Warning: they’ve got the best place to be Runner-up: Habitat for Humanity May cause spontaneous air Editors’ Pick on a Monday morning. guitar solos. www.gulfstream.com Museum/House www.wrhq.com Page Turner: Runner-up: Savannah College of Museum Runner-up: WYKZ-FM 98.7 The Savannah Book Festival Art and Design The Telfair Museums’ River This three-day gathering of Telfair Academy bestselling authors and the book Day Trip/Fun Place Sculptures of Rubens, Special Event lovers who cherish them has to Take Kids Michelangelo, Phidias, Raphael Facility grown in size and prestige over Tybee Island and Rembrandt stand guard Charles H. Morris Center the past five years. Still, the Sand, surf and sun—need we say at this Regency mansion, the With well-appointed facili- Savannah Book Festival retains anything more? We’ve never birthplace and crown jewel of ties and acoustics worthy of a certain intimacy, eschewing met a kid who could stay bored the South’s oldest art museum. the Savannah Music Festival, panels for one-on-one time with at the beach. There’s only one Inside, prime examples of this renovated Savannah Gas the most celebrated scribes of place where Savannahians can American Impressionism share Company building on the bluff our age. I’m consistently aston- get a full day of fun for the price the walls with the largest public plays host to many of the city’s ished that a group of volunteers of parking—and where good collection of art by The Prophet hottest events—including with a limited budget is able to parenting is as easy as setting up author Khalil Gibran. Savannah magazine’s 12th annual stage an erudite gathering with camp near the lifeguard chair. www.telfair.org Best of Savannah party on distinguished guests such as www.tybeevisit.com Runner-up: The Telfair Museums’ September 5. Stephen King, Walter Isaacson, Runner-up, Day Trip: Hilton Head Jepson Center www.trusteesgarden.com Geraldine Brooks, Pat Conroy

Island, S.C. Runner-up: Savannah Station n o

and Tobias and Gregory Wolff. i t

Runner-up, Fun Place to Take Kids: Private School a Oatland Island Wildlife Center Savannah Country Day School Tourist —Amy Paige Condon With neurobiology courses and Attraction orpor e C

Golf Course European study-abroad excur- River Street c a p The Westin Savannah Harbor sions, Country Day sounds more When their out-of-town guests s ro Golf Resort like college than preparatory out-stay the three-day rule, e The lush acres of the Westin school. But an average class size Savannah magazine readers eam A

green beckon plaid-clad locals of 16 students allows for plenty send them down to the river to tr across the Savannah River for of teacher supervision, from Pre-K collect the obligatory palm-frond s hours of challenging play and all the way through senior prom. rose, pirate paraphernalia and Y Gulf business deal-making. More www.savcds.org pralines—and to witness the ES Runner-up: Hancock Day School implausible view of giant ships OTO COURTOTO H P

126 savannahmagazine.COM SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 127 SHOPPING

BEST BRIDAL BLEUBELLE BRIDAL Art Gallery house-made shortbread. Good Candy Shop The Telfair Museums’ thing they now have a charming River Street Sweets Jepson Center cookbook full of retro-licious Since 1973, this family busi- Editors’ Pick Although few, if any, of the recipes to try at home. ness has been satisfying the works on display at t he Jepson www.backinthedaybakery.com sweet tooth with homemade Center are for sale, the most Runner-up: Baker’s Pride remedies such as fresh pralines, Mid-run Pit Stop: contemporary of the Telfair buttery fudge and 50 flavors Fleet Feet Museums trumps the city’s more Bikes of taffy. Still on River Street, Whether you’re doing a couple typical galleries in size and sheer Bicycle Link the city’s oldest candy store of laps around Daffin Park or number of reader votes. Hosting group bike rides and has also branched out to eight taking on a 3-hour Rock ‘n’ Roll www.telfair.org/jepson charity events on a regular more regional locations, with a Marathon training trot, a clean Runner-up: Iocovozzi Fine Art basis, the home of the booming business online. bathroom and sip of cold water 90-minute precision bike fitting www.riverstreetsweets.com are the best running partners Baby Gear/ is more than just a store and Runner-up: Savannah Sweets around. Fleet Feet has not only Clothing repair shop—it’s a community the amenities for athletes in Punch and Judy hub. Recently relocated to West Cosmetics need, but also an encouraging Family-owned and operated Victory Drive, the Link offers a See Jane staff to ask, “How far you for more than 60 years, this 50 percent trade-up value when Keeping up appearances got a going?” And they’ll always Habersham Village boutique kids’ outgrow their bikes. little more difficult when Shelley pretend to be impressed. goes far beyond the hand- www.bicyclelinksav.com Smith’s modern apothecary took Runner up: Café at Forsyth puppets that inspired its name Runner-up: Quality Bike Shop a summer vacation, but word has Park When the feeling strikes, to offer everything from organic it that the city’s sole source for I’d rather dive into the azaleas diapers and skincare lines to Bridal Becca and Alison Raffaele prod- on Victory Drive than a steamy strollers that fold at the touch BleuBelle Bridal ucts will show its pretty face in a midday port-o-potty. Luckily, of a button and charge parents’ Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier new neighborhood very soon. the centrally located restrooms cell phones. and Romona Keveza are just a www.seejaneshop.com at Forsyth Park provide a touch of www.punchandjudysavannah.com few of the reasons brides flock to Runner-up: Glow MedSpa and air-conditioned privacy. Runner-up: Sara Jane Children’s Heather Burge’s five-time Best Beauty Boutique Boutique of Bridal winner. Add expert —Andrea Goto fittings, bridesmaid discounts Fashion Bakery and a soothing, attentive staff— Accessories Back in the Day Bakery and it doesn’t hurt that BleuBelle Zia Boutique Our readers can’t get enough of Boutique is right next door with The best fashion compliment is Cheryl and Griff Day’s blissful the rest of the trousseau. always “I’ve never seen anything Florist buttercream cupcakes, crusty www.bleubelle.com like this,” and world traveler Zia John Davis Florist artisan breads and nostalgic Runner-up: David’s Bridal Sachedina hears that a lot. His From the polite “Thank you for ’nana pudding layered with bold, organic jewelry designs your hospitality,” to the contrite appear to have grown right out of “I’m sorry I told my mother that the Glamazon jungle—and they’re you’re a terrible housekeeper,” cropping up all over the pages of native Savannahian John international magazines. Davis has a knack for sending Editors’ Pick www.ziaboutique.com messages with flowers. Stocked Runner-up: Copper Penny with the requisite “Let’s get it on” roses and “Bless your heart” Buried Treasure: Peddler Jim’s Antiques Fashion Value ferns, Davis is our readers’ inter- The iron bed on my back porch was hidden beneath a huge sign Red Clover Boutique mediary in matters of the heart. for boat motors, circa 1950. My green Depression glass flutes Thu Tran and Leah Lancaster’s www.johndavisflorist.com were tucked inside a dusty curio cabinet that I could get to only by collection of stunning, trend- Runner-up: Kiwi Fleur climbing over a pile of old clothes and pillows. Chunky balusters conscious clothing and acces- with chipping white paint, discovered at the back of the store, have sories dominates in this category Fresh and been repurposed as candle holders. There’s nary a room in my for the fourth year in a row. Organic Produce/ house that doesn’t have some whimsical touch of Peddler Jim’s, Simple and chic, this Bull Street Specialty a wonder emporium of vintage kitsch and bona fide antiques. boutique offers a labels-only look Gourmet Foods Tip: Set aside a couple of hours—not just for excavating, but to for less. Fresh Market chinwag with the man himself, who is filled with as many delightful www.shopredclover.com One look at the parking lot, stories as his little shop of oddities. Runner-up: Fab’rik where Midtown professionals scarf down lunch-hour sushi and —Amy Paige Condon

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salads in their cars, is all it takes Habersham Village and Pooler Men’s Clothing fishing in the Gulf Stream or to see that this gourmet grocery locations play host to health J. Parker Limited departing for a spelunking store has taken over our readers’ clinics, adoption events and an With luxe labels like Ralph odyssey, Savannah’s outdoorsy taste buds. Take-home fare annual Halloween pet costume Lauren and Ike Behar along with types make the drive to Bass Pro includes exotic star fruits, sweet parade. the local “uniform” of Lacoste for everything from carabiners and snappy haricots verts and www.tailsspin.com and Southern Proper, Jimmy to kayaks. leafy, farm-fresh greens. Runner-up: Grateful Hound Parker’s menswear boutique www.basspro.com www.thefreshmarket.com keeps our male readers dapper— Runner-up: Half-Moon Outfitters Runner-up, Fresh and Organic Jewelry and datable. Produce: Forsyth Farmers’ Market Levy Jewelers www.jparkerltd.com Stationery Runner-up, Specialty Gourmet For 112 years, this family dynasty Runner-up: J.B. Rourke La Paperie Foods: Byrd Cookie Company has been helping Savannahians The handwritten note will never celebrate the milestones in their New Cars/Used go out of style—particularly in Independent lives with silver, gold and precious Cars the Hostess City. Debbie Lewis’ Bookstore stones. With a new flagship Vaden Automotive Group Downtown Design District go-to E. Shaver, Bookseller location opening on the corner of From the uber-Deutsch for Crane and Vera Wang statio- This quintessential bibliophile’s Broughton and Bull streets, we’ll Volkwagen CC to the all-Amer- nery also boasts a collection of haven boasts 12 rooms brim- see more marvelous mementos ican Chevy Avalanche, Dan artisan papers, specialty seals, ming with treasured tomes than ever before. Vaden and his fleet of dealerships stamps and embossers. and a staff that prides itself www.levyjewelers.com have the variety and service to www.lapaperie.net on seeking out the answers to Runner-up: Zia Boutique satisfy our diverse, eccentric Runner-up: Cottage Shop even the most arcane literary readership’s need for speed. questions. Of course, the Liquor www.danvaden.com Vintage Clothing charming Historic District loca- Habersham Beverage Runner-up, New Cars: Critz and Consignment tion is within walking distance Warehouse Runner-up, Used Cars: Southern Civvies New & Recycled Clothing of several perfect reading Walk into a Savannah party Motors Vintage and consignment shop- benches. without a brown bag full of pers can’t get enough of the www.eshaverbooks.com clinking bottles, and you risk Seafood Market on-trend style and wallet-friendly Runner-up: The Book Lady having your future invitations Russo’s Seafood prices at this boutique above lost in the mail. That’s why Since 1946, generations of the Broughton Street, where the top- Independent Pet readers make their pit stops at Russo family have been doling label, leather handbag stash is Supplier this convenient Midtown “packy” out succulent Georgia blue crab, rivaled only by the wall of cheap, TailsSpin post-work and pre-soiree. boat-fresh shrimp and local chic sunglasses. Gourmet treats, plush toys and www.habershambeverage.com grouper, flounder and trout. www.civviesclothes.com pampering pet supplies notwith- Runner-up: Johnnie Ganem’s Everything is cut to order and the Runner-up: Goodwill standing, TailsSpin is much Package & Wine Shop takeout, house-made cocktail more than a store to our readers and tartar sauces make enter- Women’s Clothing and their furry friends. Its taining easy. Gaucho www.russoseafood.com Last fall, Gaucho partnered with Runner-up: Southside Shellfish local artist Marcus Kenney and knocked Savannah style off its Shoes feet with an Art of Great Fashion Editors’ Pick Globe Shoe Company runway show that truly lived If Sex and the City taught us up to its name. Our readers anything, it’s that shoes make responded, and votes poured in State of the Union Address: the outfit, and Globe Shoe has for Dee Sutlive’s fab formalwear The Citizen Advocacy Covered Dish Supper been turning heads since 1892. and tailored sportswear. For a few hours on a spring evening, we get to experience From Sam Edelman to Cole Haan, www.gauchosavannah.com Savannah’s best characteristics in concentrate. Welcoming, Globe’s selection and service Runner-up: BleuBelle Boutique tender, diverse and inclusive, Savannah-Chatham Citizen make the Savannah icon a winner Advocacy builds protégé/advocate relationships across a wide for the seventh year in a row. cross-section of the city, bringing excluded individuals into the Runner-up: Copper Penny Shooz loving arms of community. The annual pot-luck gathering of more than 350 locals is part celebration, part fundraiser and part barn- Sports/Outdoor raising—a harmonious, all-volunteer effort that doesn’t leave a dry Wear eye or an empty stomach. Bass Pro Shop —Annabelle Carr Whether they’re deep-sea

130 savannahmagazine.COM PEOPLE BEST PARTY/ EVENT PLANNER Band joining readers at the breakfast your workout program. SEBRELL Bucky & Barry table—in print form—for years, www.trainme247.com SMITH Best friends since first grade, the spurring lively discussion. Runner-up: David Howard Editors’ Pick musical duo of Bucky Bryant and www.savannahnow.com Barry Johnson has been turning Runner-up: Bill Dawers Pet Groomer up the volume and laying down Glenda Nathaniel Inside Joke: the groove all over town for more Law yer (tie) A well-loved pet is a well-coiffed Crosswalks than 30 years. These good-time W. Brooks Stillwell pet. Our readers turn to Glenda If you’ve ever had your toenails guys just might be the hardest- For decades, this hard-working at the Godley Station Animal clipped by a speeding sedan gigging group in town. HunterMaclean partner has Hospital for their pet grooming with Chatham plates, you’ve Runner-up: Thomas Claxton served as one of the city’s needs. With care and compas- already learned the “look- leading commercial real estate sion, Glenda pampers pets—and before-you-lunge” rule of Bartender attorneys. He has played a saves their owners from a visit crossing the streets in down- Katie Olsen critical role in many of the to the ER. town Savannah. Your safest In a city known for its cocktails, developments we now take for www.godleystationvet. bet? Cross in front of a car this category is the subject of granted, including the redevelop- vetstreet.com with plates from a state with heated contention. Never shaken, ment of Ellis Square. Runner-up: Barkie Bow Wow mandatory driving schools. always stirred, this veteran www.huntermaclean.com Pet Salon bartender serves up cold drinks & —Andrea Goto with a warm smile at the Vu Catherine Bowman Pet Sitter Lounge, overlooking River Street This experienced attorney has At Home Pet Sitters/Catnip and at the Hyatt Regency Savannah. represented major employers Biscuits www.savannah.hyatt.com like International Paper, UPS and Experienced pet sitters can put original Jones Street location, Runner-up: Jen McEvoy at Jen’s Wal-Mart. Though Catherine both owners and their furry where she still seals every deal and Friends opened The Bowman Law Office friends at ease. Your place or with her signature smile. in Savannah in 2007, she’s also theirs? At Home Pet Sitters will www.corabettthomas.com Caterer of counsel to Boyd & Jenerette, a come to your place and even Runner-up: Bonnie Gaster Paul Kennedy firm based in Jacksonville, Fla. scoop litter. With indoor and From elegant weddings to casual www.boyd-jenerette.com outdoor doggie play areas as Television company picnics, locals rave Runner-up: Joseph “Rusty” Ross of well as cat condos, Catnip and Personality about Paul Kennedy’s passion for Morris, Manning & Martin Biscuits gives pets a memorable Sonny Dixon artfully prepared cuisine, including vacation of their own. A winner in this category shrimp ’n’ grits, mac ’n’ cheese and Party/Event www.catnipnbiscuits.com since 2002, longtime WTOC Southern fried chicken. Planner Runner-up: Carol’s Pampered Pets anchor Sonny Dixon has a www.paulkennedycatering.com Sebrell Smith true gift for gab. A former Runner-up: Susan Mason Her attention to detail and her Photographer member of the Georgia House signature sense of style have Christine Hall of Representatives, Dixon has Chef made Sebrell Smith a Best of A frequent Savannah magazine an impressive list of awards Paula Deen Savannah favorite and a sought- contributor, Christine Hall has a that includes an Emmy for Best Even though Paula Deen has after artisan of affairs. Whether knack for capturing natural light Anchor in the Southeast. been cutting back on the butter, the event is intimate or over- and inner beauty with her camera. www.wtoc.com Savannah magazine readers still the-top, Sebrell aims to make it A repeat Best of Savannah winner, Runner-up: Ruby Gettinger have a taste for her decadent, unforgettable. Chrissy also has an impressive Southern-inspired recipes. Y’all, www.sesevents.com portfolio of stunning brides and Veterinarian no matter how you dice it, dip it, Runner-up: Tammy Moseley Ray adorable children. Dr. Carla Case-McCorvey flip it or fry it, Paula has helped www.christinehallphotography.com It’s no day at the park when put Southern cuisine on the Personal Trainer Runner-up: Angela Hopper something’s wrong with your international map. Drew and Shazi Edmonds at pet. Enter the owner of Case www.pauladeen.com Train Me 24/7 Realtor Veterinary Hospital, a fourth Runner-up: Nick Mueller If that Post-It note on your Cora Bett Thomas generation vet who proudly freezer can’t stop you from a This Savannah native launched carries on her family’s century- Columnist repeat Ben & Jerry’s binge, it’s her company in 1995 and quickly old practice. She’s also the first Tom Barton time for stronger measures. established a reputation as the expert in the region to offer rigid

This longtime Savannah Morning With 19 years of fitness experi- city’s leading real estate expert. laparoscopy, a minimally invasive N LOW News editorial page editor opines ence, this husband-and-wife Bouncing back from a brush surgery for pets. O D H on a wide range of topics, from team can help you accomplish with the West Nile virus, Cora www.casevet.com politics to crime. Tom’s been your fitness goals and jump-start Bett moved her company to its Runner-up: Dr. Stanley Lester NG AN O H HIA C C

132 savannahmagazine.COM SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 133 BEST HAIR SALON ROB’S SALON SERVICES

Ad Agency/Design Audio/Video/ and nine additional ATMs in Dry Cleaner Firm (Graphics/ Lighting the greater Savannah area. David’s Dry Cleaners Web) Production That level of convenience and When you think green, your first Longwater and Company Stage Front Production Services longevity has made Wells Fargo thought is probably far away The best ad is a memorable You’d hardly trust Katy Perry our readers’ preferred alterna- from dry cleaning. But, David’s one, and our readers say no to run your Monday morning tive to the piggy bank. Dry Cleaners has been looking one’s better at getting products meeting—and you’d hate to sit www.wellsfargo.com out for the environment since to stick than Longwater and through a rock concert headlined Runner-up: First Chatham Bank 2006 by using energy-efficient Company. With cutting-edge by your boss—but Stage Front steamers, eco-friendly solvents, visuals and attention-grabbing can turn both your corporate Childcare/ an EPA-approved system and slogans, Elaine Longwater’s presentations and your swank Daycare biodegradable bags. Plus, with modern-day Mad Men and shindigs into state-of-the-art The Sanctuary four locations, you can cut down women bring attention to productions. Child Learning Center on your carbon footprint. national and international www.stagefrontproductions.com Looking for a cure to the daycare www.davidsdrycleaners.com accounts, including the Georgia Runner-up: Savannah Film Co. drop-off blues? A new Best of Runner-up: Curry’s Dry Cleaning Ports Authority. Savannah winner, this Landings- www.longwater.com Auto Repair area facility combines the Exercise Facility/ Runner-up, Ad Agency: Clark Savannah Tire Creative and Pinnacle curricu- Gym/Kids’ Summer Creative Why do our cars always seem lums to build kids’ confidence Camp Runner-up, Design Firm: Nicasio to break down in the middle of along with their knowledge. YMCA Design & Development a DeRenne Avenue rush hour? After-school programs are also The Village People may have Not to worry—with eight conve- available—along with a sibling helped make this community Assisted Living nient locations and customer- discount. center a pop icon, but Olympic- Buckingham South friendly hours, Savannah Tire is www.thesanctuarycldc.com size pools, first-rate (and afford- Gourmet meals, 24-hour staff, our readers’ recommendation for Runner-up: Maggie’s Morning able) kids’ camps, and a variety a library and billiards room, the next time the air conditioning School of top training and exercise and onsite beauty and barber freezes up or the engine pitches programs keep us coming back shops sound a lot like five-star a fit. Computer Repair for more. accommodations at a swanky www.savannahtire.com Geek Squad (Best Buy) www.ymcaofcoastalga.org hotel, but for Buckingham South, Runner-up: Hernandez Auto Repair The name says it all. When the Runner-up, Gym: Drew and Shazi it’s all business as usual. This “great American novel” you’re Edmonds, Train Me 24/7 assisted-living haven prides itself Bank/Financial writing vanishes from your hard Runner-up, Summer Camp: Boy on giving residents a superior Institution drive or your Skype session Scouts of America quality of life. Wells Fargo freezes your beloved’s face into www.buckinghamsouth.com Founded during the Gold Rush a permanent mask of horror, it’s Hair Salon Runner-up: Summer Breeze Senior and still recognized by its the Geek Squad to the rescue. Rob’s Salon Living trademark stagecoach logo, this With perks like 24/7 help, this An all-glass façade offers an full-service financial institution outpost in Best Buy promises insider’s view of Rob’s Salon took over Wachovia in 2008, the answers to all of your 3 a.m. in Drayton Tower, revealing an gaining a whopping 16 branches questions. upscale atmosphere and chic www.geeksquad.com styling techniques. Offering Runner-up: Tweaks by Geeks expert Brazilian blowouts and stylist Rob Horton’s eponymous Day Spa product line, this salon takes the Editors’ Pick Savannah Day Spa number one spot in our readers’ Our readers agree that Celeste choice poll. Hobson’s team puts the “ahhh” www.robssalon.com Co-parent: Woody’s Skate Park in spa with global therapies such Runner-up: B Street Salon Thanks to owner Fabio da Silva, manager Boe Parries and the as the Tibetan rolling stones filled-in Windsor Park swimming pool that now houses a mad massage and the Japanese maze of ramps and rails, it only takes $5 and a Gatorade to make sugar body brush. But if it’s me the best mom in the world. I can even go shoe-shopping while no-nonsense beauty boot camp my son practices his Fakey Bigspins and Nollie what-have-yous. you’re after—stay put. We Let’s face it, I can’t stand the stress of watching anyway. And the hear the pore extractions and fact that my only child wants to grow up to be just like some guy Brazilian waxes are impeccable. named “Hydro”—well, that’s just collateral damage. www.savannahdayspa.com Runner up: Spa Bleu —Annabelle Carr

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Hotel Medical Spa/ Travel Agency The Mansion on Forsyth Park Massage/Facial Four Seasons Travel Complete with a lavish spa, Glow MedSpa Gwen Dewalt and her team of pool, restaurant, lounge, bar From no-nonsense Botox, fillers consultants take travel person- and cooking school, this opulent and eyelash extensions to the ally, creating custom itineraries Victorian Romanesque restora- magical “Laser Eraser” and and serving as cultural advo- tion has everything our readers collagen facial, Glow is the go-to cates for many of the city’s look for in a Savannah staycation. for serious beauty business. If frequent fliers. With alliances With its prime park-side location, relaxation is your goal, turn your- in more than 70 countries, The Mansion is also a perfect self over to the talented hands their emphasis is on creating place to pamper out-of-town of these self-appointed “beauty unforgettable experiences—and guests. gurus” for a tension-melting our readers keep coming back www.mansiononforsythpark. signature massage, available for more. com seven days a week. www.fourseasonstrvl.com Runner-up: The Bohemian www.glowsavannah.com Runner-up: Excursions

Inn/B&B Runner-up, Medical Spa: Finger & Yoga/Pilates Presidents’ Quarters Inn Associates Plastic Surgery Center Studio Owned by a bona fide Savannah Runner-up, Massage: The Savannah Yoga bon vivant, these twin Federal- Heavenly Spa at The Westin If you look fly in black stretch- style mansions off Oglethorpe Runner-up, Facial: Spa Bleu pants and live by mantras such Square boast antique four-poster as “find your heart center” and beds, hearty breakfasts, daily Retirement “balance your chakras,” chances wine and hors d’oeuvre service Community are you already spend some time and a nightly turndown with The Marshes of Skidaway at Savannah Yoga, where seekers fresh pralines. Island of core conditioning and higher www.presidentsquarters.com Waterfront property is a hard consciousness alike assume Runner-up: The Gastonian set to come by these days. the pose under the guidance of Couple that with all-inclusive owner Kelley Boyd and her band Insurance maid service, a fitness center, of human bendaroos. Company health center and club lounge, www.savannahyoga.com Seacrest Partners and you’ve got The Marshes—a Runner-up: Savannah Power Yoga Savannah-based “boutique” gated retirement commu- ■ broker Seacrest Partners has nity with some very happy garnered our readers’ trust by customers. building closely tailored client www.marshesofskidaway.org relationships and by giving back Runner-up: Summer Breeze Senior to the community—with contri- Living butions to local charities such as the 200 Club and Bethesda Tour Company Academy. Old Savannah Tours www.seacrestpartners.com If you’ve never trailed an Old Runner-up: Bernard Williams Savannah trolley and heard Insurance the history of the Hostess City wafting from the open windows, Manicures/ you just can’t call yourself a Pedicures Savannahian. But this Best of Nails by Laura Savannah winner doesn’t just Like drinking beer from a bottle, limit its services to tourists. it’s practically a Southern faux Locals can commission private pas to put on a pair of sandals tours and corporate-style car with unpolished toenails. Make service. sure your little piggies are up to www.oldsavannahtours.com society standards by indulging Runner-up: Old Town Trolley in the mani-pedi package at friendly, low-key Nails by Laura. Runner-up: Spa Bleu

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