Criminal Defense Attorney in Savannah, GA.

For the Savannah Morning News

I have not lived in Savannah long enough or written about food extensively enough to ‘be someone’ who is or should be ‘known’ - and that is fine by me.

Still and all, over these past nine years, more than five of which I have been blessed to cover the local dining landscape, I have pocketed a few ace cards, if you will. Not quite insider secrets, there are certain tricks of the restaurant trade that my wife and I lean on.

Call them our own Kitchen Confidentials. (Thank you, Anthony.)

I am not going to give away the chicken and the eggs here, but several secrets deserve to be enjoyed by the masses, two of which are favorite dishes that are no longer on their respective restaurants’ menus.

Even though I am not really a somebody, both Crystal Beer Parlor and Mellow Mushroom make them for me every time I come in.

Join the Cheeseburger Club

Back in Baltimore, my wife and I occasionally ate at Jerry’s Belvedere Tavern, which was just down the block from our house. Jerry’s was never what one would call a ‘restaurant’. Its current web presence, if you can even call it that, lists its hours as ‘always open’, which definitely suits the patrons who have sat at its bar since the Nixon administration.

Though its food had no pretense to be great art, Jerry’s served a cheeseburger club, and on fall nights after a late volleyball match, that gigantic sandwich is what the dietary doctor ordered.

In many ways, Crystal Beer Parlor is the idealized version of Jerry’s Belvedere Tavern, a rightful restaurant institution that keeps getting better with age, and though it is no longer on its multi-page menu, CBP’s cheeseburger club remains my must-have.

The always amenable servers are more than happy to take my order: medium with American cheese and a side of housemade chips.

What comes to the table is a tantalizing tower, anchored by one of the most consistently cooked burgers in the city, perfectly pink, tiered with onions slightly warmed from the residual heat and healthy slathers of mayo. Above the lettuce and tomato is just as much bacon as headlines a hearty BLT.

Honestly, the first bite is the biggest challenge but only because I do not have a shark’s bite radius. There is no point in trying to ketchup-and-mustard the layers; instead, just make adjacent pools on the plate for pre-bite dipping.

If I eat the entire sandwich, dinner is not even a thought, and more often than not, I save half for lunch leftovers. Last Saturday, I ponied up and polished it off, sharing a corner with my wife.

Another word to the wise: get to CBP by 11:30 a.m. at the latest on a weekend morning unless you are willing to wait a while.

Personal Pizza

When Mellow Mushroom’s Liberty Street location closed during the pandemic, plenty of tasty pizzas filled the relative void, but we did miss the occasional bike ride downtown to sit outside and split a pie while the traffic glided by beneath the live oaks.

Thankfully, owners Kim and John Boyce added this piece to their Mellow medley and reopened in 2021. The slightly modified new menu saw the 86ing of the White Rabbit, but we still ask for it by name. Infinitely more palatable than its Jefferson Airplane song inspiration, this particular pie will make you respect a regional pizza parlor chain.

By and large, Mellow’s pizzas are really good because of the hearty crust that is fortified with molasses and bites like buttery whole wheat, flecks of parmesan baked onto the tawny gold bready bubbles.

The White Rabbit’s flavor is furthered by an olive oil-and-garlic base topped with a variety of veg, some of which make it into every mouthful: artichokes, mushrooms, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Just the right amount of lightly charred feta melts into not too much mozzarella to make it all succulently salty. Even with the ample toppings, the piece’s point holds up.

The two of us split a small ($15.95), which is plenty unless you are trying to win some sort of contest.

Wink, wink, nudge, nudge

In a city filled with fabulous food, hidden gems are all over the place, and the following number just a few of our go-tos.

You really cannot go wrong with any flavor at Leopold’s, but the two coffee varieties are world-beaters. For years now, my wife’s ‘special’ order is what we have dubbed the Frozen Latte: a single scoop of plain coffee ice cream served in a double cup and topped with as much whipped cream as will fit.

As I have written before, we proudly frequent Savannah’s signature scoop shop perhaps more than any other 912ers, but once the line reaches that first lamppost, Mission Ice Cream is aborted.

Until the management team sees its way to addressing the illogical logistics of the queue, we run the locals’ sneak: go in through the out door (out door…Thank you, Prince) to bypass the people from Pasadena, Pittsburgh, and Plano, snag a pint or two from the cold case, pay at the register that was moved into the back dining room during the pandemic, and skedaddle.

At Bar Julian, the Pepperoni Butter ($3) is on the menu but is buried at the bottom left. Look there first. Order it. Order more than one portion. The unctuous, vibrant orange spread is reason enough to dine there, and you will fight whoever is sitting next to you for the last dollop.

The same is true for the basil purée at the Bull Street branch of Squirrel’s Pizza. Here and there, this emerald emulsion appears on pizzas and other dishes, but you want a bucket of it. Individual bites of the Benny Blanco are made even better dragged through this ingenious purée that is the antidote to burned basil chiffonades and whole leaves tossed on a pie after baking.

Fire Street Food’s Gang Leuring (yellow curry) is phenomenal and is my wife’s favorite, and they readily oblige her request for no potatoes, no rice, and extra veg and sauce.

Nom Nom Poké Shop offers fried wonton chips in two superb nacho iterations, though a simple side order of plain chips ($4) might miss your hungry eyes on the printed menu. You and your chosen poké bowl deserve them.

At Tubby’s Tank House, order the Spanky’s chicken fingers and spuds extra-crispy and ask for two plastic ramekins of honey-horseradish, another condiment that should come in gallon jugs.

If you want, I can give you my recipe for the concoction.

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Known for its juicy peaches and welcoming southern charm, Georgia is considered one of the best states to live in! Also known as the Peach State, it entices people with its wide array of diverse natural landscapes, such as the Blue Ridge Mountains or any one of its natural springs. Though the most popular area in Georgia is likely the bustling city streets of Atlanta, there are numerous other towns and cities spread throughout the state that provide a high quality of life as well! If you’re looking for an alluring place to call home that won’t break the bank, here are the top 5 most beautiful places to live in Georgia that are still affordable in 2024!

5. Athens, Georgia

Known for its lively music and arts scene, Athens is considered one of the most beautiful places to live in Georgia! Situated just shy of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this city boasts numerous parks and nature centers, like Sandy Creek or Ben Burton Park. Alternatively, some opt to visit the stunning State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Located a mere 15-minute drive from downtown Athens, this iconic destination boasts over 313 acres of nature displays and conservation. Plus, the cost of living sits fairly steadily at 5% below the national average. This makes it a great place to live to save money without giving up too much. So, if you’re looking for a classic Southern town that combines nature with historic charm and architecture, look no further than Athens, Georgia!

4. Dahlonega, Georgia

With a population size of just under 7,000 residents, the city of Dahlonega is one of the most unique places in Georgia. Located right in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this picturesque town looks like it is straight from a postcard! Ranked Georgia’s “best small town” in 2023 by Southern Living, Dahlonega is widely known for its eclectic downtown shops, colorful buildings, and award-winning wineries. The area is also home to numerous waterfalls, including the stunning Amicalola Falls, which is the tallest waterfall in Georgia.

On the other hand, history lovers can find beauty in the exploration of Dahlonega’s museums and preserved historic sites. One of the most popular is the city’s gold museum, which transports visitors back to the 19th century to experience America’s first gold rush. Beyond that, Dahlonega’s cost of living is 15% less than the national average in the United States. Because of this, residents get to live a classic Southern lifestyle without having to pay the hefty price like some other Georgia cities.

3. Augusta, Georgia

Augusta, Georgia, is known for being the site of the annual Masters Golf Tournament, but this city offers so much more than just golf! Located in the northeastern part of the state, Augusta is home to roughly 201,000 residents and is revered for its diversity, array of outdoor activities, and gorgeous historic neighborhoods. Situated alongside the Savannah River, locals frequent the Augusta Riverwalk to enjoy the scenic views or venture out to the Augusta Canal to take part in lively fishing and boat tours. The city’s beauty also shines in its many preserved historic buildings, which can be found throughout the Augusta Downtown Historic District.

Furthermore, the cost of living in Augusta is 6% lower than the state average and 15% lower than the national average. The reason for that is likely because, when compared to some of the other cities in Georgia, Augusta offers more affordable and diverse housing options for its residents. This, coupled with its year-round availability of outdoor recreational activities, makes Augusta an appealing choice for many people — especially those who are on a budget!

2. Milledgeville, Georgia

Another one of the most beautiful places to live in Georgia is Milledgeville. This city is considered a true college town, with a population of around 19,000 and a median age of 26.6. Located in central Georgia, the former capital city is still bursting with interesting history, modern nightlife, and tons of natural beauty. Thanks to its proximity to Lake Sinclair, a popular spot for fishing, boating, and other water activities, Milledgeville is a fantastic place for nature enthusiasts looking to settle down — but not yet willing to give up easy access to the great outdoors.

Also adding to the beauty of the landscape is the many historic landmarks that dot the city. One of the most famous is Andalusia Farm, which is the home of the renowned author Flannery O’Connor. In terms of affordability, Milledgeville has that, too! As of 2024, the city’s total cost of housing, food, transportation, childcare, healthcare, taxes, and other household necessities is 22% lower than the U.S. average.

1. Savannah, Georgia

Nearing the border between Georgia and South Carolina is the city of Savannah. This beautiful coastal town is the oldest in the state and features many unique historic sites, like Forsyth Park and the Wormsloe State Historic Site. Savannah also earns popularity points for its wide array of eye-catching architecture, ranging from French Gothic to Greek Revival. Plus, this city even has its very own art scene!

With approximately 147,000 residents, Savannah’s overall affordability ranks much higher than other nearby coastal cities. In fact, as of 2024, housing expenses are 28% lower than the national average. Boasting a healthy economy backed by its tourism and hospitality industries, Savannah has continuously appeared on lists ranking the state’s most affordable cities. Overall, Savannah’s allure lies in its affordability, historic charm, and close proximity to the Atlantic coast. No wonder it’s considered one of the most beautiful places to live in Georgia!

Conclusion

Georgia is a state known for its natural beauty, rich history, and affordable living options. From the mountains to the coast, these five cities not only offer their residents safety and financial security, but also some of the most stunning landscapes and historic attractions in the entire state! Whether you prefer the mountainous regions of Dahlonega or the coastal allure of Savannah, each of these places provides an opportunity to live in a beautiful setting without putting a heavy strain on your wallet!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Alexander Lukatskiy/Shutterstock.com

Editor's Note: The Savannah Morning News' Student of the Week initiative seeks to acknowledge the tremendous achievements of all students who are nominated each week. We thank the teachers, principals and counselors for celebrating the efforts of these noteworthy students.

The results are in! The student who received the most votes for the Savannah Morning News Student of the Week for the week of Feb. 5, 2024 is Aaron Walker!

Walker is a junior at Alfred E. Beach High School with a 3.8 GPA. His nomination statement from his school noted that he is on track to complete both an allied health medical pathway as well as a Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) government and public safety pathway. In addition to these two tracks, Aaron is a past member of the school's air rifle team, a current member of the varsity basketball team, and is the battalion commander for JROTC. School official Brian Fulmore noted that Aaron "balances his time exceptionally well."

Aaron has more than 40 hours of community service and is also a new student ambassador at Beach. Fulmore described Aaron as "a shining example of strong character and is looked upon as a true leader around the school."

The student with the second most votes was Benedictine Military School's Chip Breckenridge. He is a senior who helped bring back the school's newspaper and collaborated with teachers to develop a new tracking system for the school's JROTC program.

Savannah-Chatham Super's top priorities:Should Savannah school system have two North Stars? Attendance could trump literacy

Here's a recap of the other exceptional students who were nominated this past week:

Ava Goto, senior, Savannah Arts Academy

Ava Goto recently won 1^st place in the Drawing category for Savannah Arts Academy's annual art show that was judged by Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) professors. She also scored a 5 (out of 5) on her Advanced Placement (AP) 2D college board portfolio during her junior year. She serves as president of the Savannah Arts' National Art Honor Society, which focuses on community service through the arts. She plays multiple sports for Savannah Arts, most notably tennis, for which she recently won 2023 Tennis Player of the Year.

Shelby Bilyeu, junior, Savannah Christian Preparatory School

Savannah Christian Upper School Counselor, Annie Keller, wrote: "Shelby is a rare student who humbly and honestly seeks to do more than the minimum. He believes in hard work, strives for excellence, and shows the utmost respect to his peers and faculty/staff. His exemplary drive and determination was most recently credited for his selection as a Governor's Honors Program finalist for the summer of 2023 where he studied Computer Science. Shelby is a student we're most proud to have represent Savannah Christian and we are eager to see how his accomplishments translate to his desired colleges during the application season."

Jimmy Slack, junior, Woodville-Tompkins High School

Jimmy Slack has recently been recognized as the 1^st place winner in the Georgia Council on Economic Education's Fall 2023 Stock Market Game. He was recently recognized by Savannah-Chatham County Public School System's Superintendent Denise Watts at the latest board meeting for starting the season with $100,000 and, over 10 weeks, turning it into $202,455.19 in equity. That achievement helped him and his team place 1^st among more than 3,000 other teams in the whole state. All the more remarkable is that this win is not Jimmy's first. He was also on Georgia's 1^st place team in Spring 2023.

Tyler Johnson, junior, New Hampstead High School

NHHS would like to nominate Tyler Johnson. a junior with a 94 GPA while being enrolled in Honors and Advanced coursework. Tyler is a two sport athlete successesfully navigating the football and wrestling schedules while performing at the top 10% of his class. He has overcome his personal adversity of losing his brother and has never faltered in his academics and athletics. In addition to meeting the standards in the classroom and in competition, Tyler has been an over achiever in the standards of citizenship. He represents New Hampstead in all areas at highest level!

New nomination period has begun

Public and private high school principals, leaders, counselors and teachers are welcome to submit nominations for the Student of the Week poll starting 1 p.m. each Thursday through 12 p.m. every Monday.

Nominations can be emailed to studentoftheweek@savannahnow.com.

Student of the Week polls will be posted every Monday afternoon and voting periods last through 12 p.m. each Thursday. Students who receive the most votes will be announced every Friday online and appear in the Sunday print edition.

Above video: Protect Yourself From Future Concert Ticket Scams With These Simple Tips

Savannah's music scene is thriving and, whether it's national acts or local bands, there's no shortage of performances in and around the Hostess City.

Here's a look at the next several months of concerts and musical events scheduled in Coastal Georgia and the Lowcountry.

Legendary singer, songwriter Stevie Nicks to perform at Savannah's Enmarket Arena this fall

Did we miss one? Email us at news@wjcl.com.

Check back as more events are added.

JANUARY

Jan. 25th: Glenn Miller Orchestra, Savannah Civic Center - Tickets

Jan. 25th: In the End | The Premier Linkin Park Experience, Victory North - Tickets

Jan. 26th: Atlanta Rhythm Section, Victory North - Tickets

FEBRUARY

Feb. 3nd: Creed Fisher, Plant Riverside District - Tickets

Feb. 9th: Hannah Wicklund, Plant Riverside District - Tickets

Feb. 14th: Pigeons Playing Ping Pong with Support from Tand, Victory North - Tickets

Feb. 15th: Tinsley Ellis, Plant Riverside District - Tickets

Feb. 16th: Yonder Mountain String Band, Victory North - Tickets

Feb. 21st: Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple, Victory North - Tickets

Feb. 22nd: MANIA | A Tribute to ABBA, Savannah Civic Center - Tickets

Fed. 22nd: Disturbed, Enmarket Arena - Tickets

Feb. 24th: Riley Green | Ain't My Last Rodeo Tour, Enmarket Arena - Tickets

Feb. 27th: The Brook & The Bluff, Plant Riverside District - Tickets

MARCH

Mar. 1st: Savannah Blues Festival, Savannah Civic Center - Tickets

Mar. 2nd: Parler McCollum, Enmarket Arena - Tickets

Mar. 2nd: South Carolina Ballet presents Motown Ballet, Savannah Civic Center - Tickets

Mar. 8th: ZZ Top & Lynrd Skynrd, Enmarket Arena - Tickets

Mar. 10th: Celtic Woman 20th Anniversary Concert, Savannah civic Center - Tickets

Mar. 20th: Dan + Shay | Heartbreak on the Map Tour, Enmarket Arena, Tickets

Mar. 21: Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance | 25th Anniversary Tour, Savannah civic Center - Tickets

Mar. 22nd: Sam Burchfield, Plant Riverside District - Tickets

Mar. 28: World Ballet Series | Swan Lake, Savannah Civic Center - Tickets

APRIL

Apr. 11: Sam Hunt: Outskirts Tour 2024, Enmarket Arena - Tickets

Apr. 12: Tropidelic, Plant Riverside District - Tickets

Apr. 17: Billy Strings, Enmarket Arena - Tickets

Apr. 17: Dawes with Special Guest Paul Spring, Victory North - Tickets

Apr. 20: Bulls, Bands & Barrels Featuring Oliver Anthony, Enmarket Arena - Tickets

Apr. 20: Pony Bradshaw, Plant Riverside District - Tickets

MAY

May. 2: Casting Crowns: The 20th Anniversary Tour, Johnny Mercer Theater - Tickets