Alligator Soul Savannah Georgia

So we land in Savannah, it's getting later, it's raining, E's hungry-- so I tell him to find something. Mind you we have been traveling all day, I'm in jeans and sans makeup-- my hair looks like a semi tornado- but I agree to go somewhere as long as I don't have to figure out where.

That's when my lovely husband finds shrimp and grits on a menu. He shows it to me on his iPhone, I peripherally glance and lackadaisically nod- fine. He calls and gets a table for an hour later. This should have clued me in on something-- it's Monday and there's an hour wait...

As soon as we walk in I know I'm dressed wrong-- not just wrong- begger like...

I take up a chair in the waiting area, ooching and scooching to wrap my jacket around my "I walk the line" DWI t-shirt. Hell, I thought this was low country- doesn't that mean shrimp boils and crawfish? After a few minutes of shock, I remember who I am-- the one who doesn't give a shit, and I just own it. I don't like being caught of guard-- but hey, there's food to be had.


The food

Wonderful! A sophisticated southern menu by all means of the imagination. Offerings such as charcuterie and cheese platters, shrimp and grits, lamb racks and much more. I of course had to have the daily cheese tasting-- so wonderfully delicious paired with walnuts, grapes, strawberry compote, and a fresh chunk of honeycomb. At this point I was likely to forget my manners and match my attire, but my good rearing kicked in. E had the shrimp and grits-- stone ground and delicious. I ordered a salad for my main course, which in fact was overkill after the cheeses. I ate what I could--it was also superlative. It had small square grits cakes instead of croutons for goodness sakes, along with candied pistachios, cranberries, baby spinach and goat cheese. What the hell-- I'm not trying to look good in my bridesmaids dress anymore, forget it. I had to put the kibosh on any idea of dessert so I can't report on flavor, but I can tell you a peanut butter creme brûlée with macadamia caught my eye. What! I still had to look!

As for the service, it was impeccable in spite of my attire. I give a good grade for that. We had a waitress and a waiter in training, he was so eager to please and make suggestions that it made the whole experience way more enjoyable.

The cons: the bartender was, um, I don't know-- but I didn't like her. She dissuaded me from ordering food at the bar-- maybe my shirt?

We had to wait an extra 30 plus minutes after our hour reservation.

These things are worthy of minor demerits.

Really, if you are in Savannah go here for a nice upscale meal. The menu is well thought out, the staff is accommodating, and you will enjoy it!

Alligator Soul
http://www.alligatorsoul.com/
114 Barnard Street
Savannah, GA 31401

Chicago Style Pizza Recipe

My husband was so in love with Chicago Pizza.  After a recent trip to Chi-Town, I was telling my mother in law about the pizza-- and she said -- lets make it.  So we did.  She basically did most of it, my contribution was the tomato sauce.  The crust turned out fabulous.  Here is the recipe we used.

For the Tomatos we used a 28 ounce can of whole tomatoes and hand crushed them.  Next I added basil, oregano, pepper, salt and a tablespoon of sugar.

The dough has to be made a day in advance.

Line the dough in an oiled pizza pan (you can get this from a restaurant supply or online).  Put down a healthy layer of sliced mozzarella cheese.  Add whatever toppings you desire.  The usual Chicago style is with a full layer of sausage pressed into the bottom.  Use sweet or mild sausage in the and cut it out of the casing and make a single layer above the cheese.  Next add the tomato sauce and sprinkle with fresh Parmesan cheese.

Bake on 350 for 30-40 minutes until crust is golden.



 Here are the Dough ingredients as well as step by step instructions for making the dough.
CLICK THIS LINK TO SEE INSTRUCTIONS

DOUGH INGREDIENTS
VOLUME (Single Pizza)	WEIGHT (Single Pizza)	WEIGHT (Bulk Quantity)	BAKER'S PERCENT	INGREDIENT
3½ cups	18.0 ounces	25.0 pounds	100.0%	All-purpose flour
1½ cup (scant)	11.0 ounces	15.3 pounds	61.1%	Water
½ cup	3.5 ounces	4.9 pounds	19.4%	Yellow cornmeal
½ cup	3.5 ounces	4.9 pounds	19.4%	Canola oil
1 teaspoon	0.38 ounce	8.3 ounces	2.1%	Sugar
1 teaspoon	0.25 ounce	5.6 ounces	1.4%	Salt
2¼ teaspoons	0.25 ounce	5.6 ounces	1.4%	Active dry yeast

Gino's East Pizza Chicago

E ordered this pizza late one night during a hunger spell.  I of course had to taste it, and it was damn good-- and this was delivery.  The delivery gave it time to set up a bit, which is the best way to eat this style of pizza.  I didn't order this one so I don't know exactly which one it was, but if I had to guess it would be a meat combo.  They also ship their goods-- I can tell you I will be ordering online.


Gino's East

Pizzeria Due Chicago

Pizzeria Due is the sister to Uno down the road.  When you are in Chicago you are definitely going to eat pizza, right... We were hungry and within eye shot of a DUE, so we went.  These pizza's are big-- I mean big fat-- 45 minutes to cook big.  They are stuffed, shoved, loaded with toppings-- literally oozing with cheese.  They come to the table piping hot and cloy with you as try to eat them with out burning your mouth.  If you have a bit of restraint-- which you don't -- you should let it cool a bit for optimum congealing.  The pesto pizza was alright-- the numero uno is the way to go.  Its loaded with everything your cardiologist will love you for. 


Pizzeria Due

SushiSamba RIo Chicago

SushiSamba is part of a chain of restaurants from Miami to New York.  The decor is very reminiscent of Vegas, and in fact they do have on in the Palazzo. We went after the lunch crowd had thinned out, and I could tell it is definitely a hot spot for dinner.  The menu is thoughtfully appointed with a Latin/Asian fusion.  The food was stellar.  My lunch sea bass bento box included a tuna roll, rice, salad, miso soup, perfectly mouthwatering skewers of sea bass.  E had the hanger steak sandwich and mmmm was his reaction.  The fries that came with it were the crispiest tasty version of steak fries I have had.  The Kobe Gyoza were small purses of beef wrapped in a wonton then fried.  If you find yourself in the vicinity of a SushiSamba you should go.

http://www.sushisamba.com/

$79 Anatole Dallas Hotel Deal

The Anatole Dallas has hotel deals for anyone that lives in Texas to stay at this property for $79 a night.  The regular room rate is $189 a night so this is one heck of a deal.  It is called the Neighborhood package.


http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/DFWANHH-Hilton-Anatole-Texas/index.do

Yes, You are welcome ;)

Portillo's Chicago

Portillo's is a Chicago institution.  We ended up being right next to one on our stay.  We ate their twice, once for their classic style hot dog and once for their Italian beef sandwich.  The hot dogs were ok in my opinion-- I actually like the Home Depot variety better.  Then there's the Italian beef--mmm -- lovely, delicious, practically perfect.  We ordered ours with the hot and sweet peppers.  I really didn't order one, but I sure wished I would have-- I know E wished I would have because I kept having bites.  It was so good!  I even saw online that they ship.  http://www.portillos.com/