Circa 1875 tweaks

With the coming change of seasons, it’s inevitable that menus at Savannah’s better restaurants will be tweaked to reflect seasonal ingredients –– and our cravings for heartier dishes.

I got a sneak peek of one of those dishes last week at Circa 1875. Th menu of this elegant little Whitaker Street eatery has been an interesting collection of casual dishes, peasant dishes and restrained elegance.

This fall, expect to find braised ox tails –– tender, rich and flavorful –– alongside a new chicken dish, a hearty pork chop and, of course, a Franco–inspired hamburger and frites.

Ox tails were once the ultimate bargain cut, but food trends being a market maker, these tough little bits of tail section have risen in price that is comparable to some cuts of steak. Still, it takes long braising times, careful seasoning and skillful presentation to move ox tails onto an upscale menu. This serving will be accompanied by mashed potatoes and a stewy melange of English peas and pearl onions.

Circa 1875 is a beautifully dressed and extremely comfortable dining destination –– I particularly enjoy the cozy basement dining room and very extensive wine by–the–glass list. The bar side, in which you can also order food, is a very welcoming watering hole. The restaurant side a perfect choice for a special occasion.

48 Whitaker St./443–1875

Stuffed and rolled

The team at Taco Abajo (meaning below or underneath) are making some minor tweaks to the former T–RexMex location and anticipate being open this week.

Phase I includes the main dining room –– and I got an advance look at Phase II, which will include expanding into an adjoining space with a larger bar and 9–foot pool tables.

The planned menu is simple and more closely aligned to a traditional taquer a than a fast food “stuff and roll” joint.

Veteran Savannah restaurant manager Christian Peranzi is driving this project –– simultaneously to the resumed build out of Temperance, which is across Broughton Street. Count on a great beer list and an extreme range of tequila.

217 1/2 W. Broughton St./480–9050

Cutting edge

Harold Wusthof, seventh generation leader of the legendary Wusthof cutlery company, will be appearing at Kitchenware Outfitters on Saturday, Sept. 10, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Wusthof will be meeting foodie fans of the company’s extensive line of knives –– which get heavy placement on the televised cooking shows. Store owners David and Barbara Freeman say there will be drawings for door prizes during Wusthof’s visit.

12 Oaks Shopping Center (between Publix and Cold Stone Creamery)/356–1117