Aqua Star in the Westin Savannah Harbor

I had heard plenty of praise for Chef Jean Michel's Sunday brunch at this elegant riverside hotel restaurant and I used the Savannah Craft Brew Fest weekend to give it a try. Multiple stations offer made-to-order dishes. I sampled a Western omelet, which was piping hot, of course, and tweaked just to my liking with a little extra ham. Bananas Foster from the dessert flambe station creates quite a show and the freshness makes this classic dish a fitting ending to a satisfying meal. I think I did a darned good job of sampling without overeating. That's a challenge at a brunch like this -- but makes the experience more enjoyable! Plenty of salads, seafood, veggies, fresh fruit and even sushi find a home on this large, made-to-please brunch spread.

1 Resort Drive/201-2000

Logan's Roadhouse

Now, for something completely different. Ms. TJ and I were locked in the marital conundrum of where to have dinner. Not too much, not too little, nice variety, good value. We agreed on those points. Finally, we rolled into Logan's Roadhouse and stepped right into a special Monday and Tuesday promotion: two full meals for $13.99. An entree, two sides -- all day both days! She had a pretty chicken breast filet with honey-peppercorn sauce, a small mixed green salad and a baked potato. It was a moist, tasty piece of chicken dressed up even further by the server's suggestion of the sauce.
I opted for the chopped sirloin patty which was nicely grilled and wonderfully seasoned. My plump baked potato was comforting with a dollop of butter. A skewer of grilled mushrooms were hot and savory -- the perfect combination for my beef. Of course, the trick is to NOT fill up on those decadent, yeasty rolls or the endless bucket of salted, roasted peanuts on each table!

11301 Abercorn St./921-1510

Bits and Pieces...

The family-style diner, My Place, in Medical Arts Shopping Center has closed and is being replaced by Pita Pita. I'll check it out. New entrees have rolled out on the menu at Cha Bella. Of course, the emphasis remains on farm-to-table goodies -- the restaurant's Avondale Farm is being planted now with fall root crops and another round of late season collards, mustard greens and the like. Mike Costanzo of the two pizza joints bearing his last name has a coupon in the marketplace offering a free pizza with the purchase of another at regular price -- a gutsy move by a small operator! Watch for back-to-school specials coming on Mondays and Tuesdays. Street buzz says Chef Wes Daniel is leaving Eos and is heading for the Big Apple. Chef Wes has brought remarkably stunning dishes to this young Midtown eatery -- and has also exerted some influence over its sister restaurant, Sol. Frankly, I don't know if I can stand this kid if he gets any more talented -- but I welcome the chance to revisit his skills after he picks up some new tricks in Gotham City.