Dresser Palmer House Inn

If you have not yet attended one of these Wednesday night suppers at Dresser Palmer house Inn you've missed a treat.
The evening is a nicely casual affair -- with lots of new people to meet, a comfortable and elegant setting and stunning dishes created by Chef Roberto Leoci1. I attended the first two week's of dinners and was especially delighted at last week's dinner built around mozzarella cheese. Chef Roberto made many of the evening's cheese that morning -- and threw in an imported Buffalo mozzarella. In some dishes, mozzarella was the prominent feature, in others with was a bit player tha won accolades for being such a strong supporting character. These weekly dinners are part of a new program that opens up the Gaston Street B&B to townspeople who want an after work drink at the new, welcoming bar. Several Savannah business persons have discovered this is the perfect place to entertain an associate with cocktails -- or with an invitation to these Wednesday night suppers. Call the inn, 238-3294, for each week's menu, full details and reservations. Prices range from $45-$65 per person.

211 E. Gaston St.

Bits and Pieces

I didn't miss any meals last week, but had a very busy week with visiting winemakers. A dinner Friday night at RUTH'S CHRIS paid homage to the exquisite wines of Oregon's Domaine Serene, a leading producer of legendary Pinot Noir.
I want to revisit Ruth's Chris in context of their regular menu, but will tease you by saying the steak was, as you would expect, a wonderful cut of beef. But the dishes that scored points with me included smoke salmon carpaccio and a butter poached lobster claw. The restaurant landed its retail alcohol sales license last week, which means dinner guests had a chance to buy Domaine Serene wines at a remarkable value.

Speaking of CHEF ROBERTO LEOCI, he's about to get his Leoci's Trattoria open! After some permitting issues and the usual construction delays, his wood-fired pizza oven and menu of handmade pastas is about ready to introduce. Roberto says look for a soft opening in mid-September. The restaurant is located at 606 Abercorn St., the former location of Sweet Leaf Smokery. Be prepared for changes: the interior has been completely remodeled, a large deck spans the back of the restaurant -- and bocce courts are being installed.

New menus have launched or are coming at SAPPHIRE GRILL and ALLIGATOR SOUL, where Chef Robbie Wood has joined Executive Chef Chris Dinello in the kitchen. CHA BELLA welcomes a new pastry and dessert chef, Lindsey Reynolds. She brings a rock star repertoire of breads and baked goods to the menu!