Prime time in City Market

Sapphire Grill

It doesn't get more touristy in Savannah than City Market. So we were surprised to discover the elegant, sophisticated Sapphire Grill right on the outskirts of Touristville.

Chef and owner Christopher Nason offers an incredible dining experience; the substance lies behind the restaurant's pizzazz.

We enjoyed such entrees as cracked coriander Muscovy duck breast, foie gras, and mango with golden potato-shallot pancakes. The steak lover will rave about the Sapphire Towering Caesar Salad accompanied by a 10-ounce Prime tenderloin barrel.

For us, Christopher's crowning achievement was the Sapphire Chocolate Terrine. Try to visualize layers of white chocolate-sun-dried cherry brownie, white and milk chocolate mousses, cocoa meringue, and milk chocolate buttercream.

If your Savannah budget allows just one night to splurge, this is the place. 110 West Congress Street; (912) 443-9962. Dinner entrees: $23-$32.95.

Georges' of Tybee

No. That's not a typo. The apostrophe in Georges' is in the right place. That's because co-owners George Jackson and George Spriggs have capitalized on their common first names and added Georges' to their repertoire of successful Tybee Island restaurants.

Unlike its sister, the casual North Beach Grill, Georges' offers a more uptown atmosphere in this coastal setting. Graced by elegant art on the walls and picture windows, this is just the kind of place a discerning vacationer might seek out for a relaxed, intriguing dinner.

Our friendly and attentive server started things off with warm fennel-sourdough-rye bread that is made fresh here daily. And the Georges' signature soup of crab, sweet corn, leeks, artichokes, and thyme was a nice prelude.

Among the appetizer options offered by head chef Robert Wood, we savored a terrific blue crab-and-Granny Smith apple salad dressed with creme fraiche and horseradish on a bed of lettuce. The buttermilk-drenched shrimp rested atop an amazing relish of sweet corn, ham, and cherry tomatoes and were accompanied by a goat cheese-topped potato croquette.

Georges' had no trouble accommodating the vegetarian in our group with a medley of fresh vegetables accented with an imaginative puree of sweet corn and Vidalia onions.

Other entrees included seared yellowfin tuna, sauteed black grouper, and an especially delicious tomato-basil linguini with shrimp, crab, lobster, spinach, artichokes, and garlic tossed together in a light bourbon cream sauce.

With a little room left for dessert, we shared an almost flourless chocolate torte with chocolate whipped cream and strawberry puree and a remarkable roasted banana cheesecake with palmier (caramelized pastry).

Although it's a 30-minute drive from Savannah out to Tybee Island, a memorable evening and meal await you there. 1105 East U.S. 80, Tybee Island; (912) 786-9730. Entrees: $18-$28.

Firefly Cafe

Savannah's 22 shady squares set the stage for the city's many enchantments. On Troup Square, the funky Firefly Cafe provides its Saturday and Sunday customers with a fine brunch menu and the option to soak up some charm at tables under umbrellas that overlook the square.

Start with their delicious Famous Virgin Bloody Mary. (The sale of alcohol is prohibited on Troup Square.) Then turn your attention to the main event.

We enjoyed the Eggs Benedict with Crab and Grits, the Blueberry-Corn Pancakes, and the Make-It-Your-Way Omelette.

There's also a crabmeat-and-spinach omelet on the menu along with a Greek omelet. An old-fashioned corn hoecake makes an unusual offering to complement the usual grits (excellent) and hash browns. The service was fast and friendly, and the food was prepared just right.

You'll be hard-pressed to find a spot that's more relaxing for an easy fall weekend morning in Savannah. 321 Habersham Street (on Troup Square); (912) 234-1971. Weekend brunch entrees: $5.25-39.25. CLAY NORDAN

For more area restaurants, visit southernliving.com/features (AOL Keyword: Southern Living).

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Nov 2003
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