2013 best of savannah No one knows the Hostess City like Savannah magazine readers. Find out who YOU voted to win in each lifestyle category. DINING. . ........................................ 124 NIGHTLIFE . . ................................. 128 COMMUNITY...............................130 SHOPPING.................................... 132 PEOPLE......................................... 138 SERVICES.. ....................................140 Compiled by Erika Jo Brown, Zach Powers and Sarah Hinson Illustration by Cari Clark Phelps Photography by Beau Kester 122 savannahmagazine.COM SE P T EM B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 3 123 Be st D in in g Asian Ele Fine Fusion It’s a great time for foodies on the islands, especially with the fine-dining flagship Ele on Wilmington still pleasing the palates. Restaurateurs Ele Tran and “The Chef” also own the runner-up in this category, as well as three other area establishments, all of which boast top-notch nosh. elesavannah.com Runner-up: The King & I Bakery Back in the Day Bakery If the smell of fresh-baked artisanal bread alone isn’t enough to reel you in, a taste of Cheryl and Griff Day’s signature sweets will have you hopping on back to Back in the Day time and again. backinthedaybakery.com Runner-up: Baker’s Pride Barbecue Wiley’s Championship BBQ Wiley and Janet McCrary have earned their “Championship” title, pitting their BBQ against the best America has to offer. If you can’t make it to a national competition, don’t fret. You only have to drive as far as Whitemarsh Island to taste the blue-ribbon BBQ. wileyschampionshipbbq.com Runner-up: Sandfly BBQ Yes, it’s legit, y’all! Breakfast/BRUNCH J. Christopher’s This old Liberty Street garageturned-restaurant griddles up breakfast favorites as well as original creations every day until 2 p.m. We recommend the Route 66: an egg and corned beef hash over a bed of skillet potatoes. That’s right, potatoes on top of potatoes. jchristophers.com Runner-up, Breakfast: The Breakfast Club Runner-up, Brunch: B. Matthew’s Business Lunch Soho South Café Never underestimate the power of a really good sandwich. This Liberty Street hotspot boasts a deceptively simple menu, and the unique space and eclectic décor can elevate a working lunch from business to pleasure. sohosouthcafe.com Runner-up: Toucan Café Cupcakes Gigi’s Cupcakes Gigi’s creates towering cupcakes that taste as good as they look— and, yes, it is socially acceptable to lick these sugar-infused sculptures. gigiscupcakesusa.com Runner-up: Back in the Day Bakery Desserts Lulu’s Chocolate Bar Savor something sweet at Ethics: Reader votes— and only reader votes— determine a Best of Savannah winner. As with all of our editorial, there is no pay for play. Period. 124 savannahmagazine.COM Savannah’s swank afterdinner date spot. With an unmatched offering of housemade desserts and exquisite martinis, Lulu’s is the best way to get some sugar, literally and figuratively. luluschocolatebar.net Runner-up: Baker’s Pride Fine Dining The Olde Pink House Don your best for Southern fare that’s equally refined. There’s no other place in Savannah that’s equally adored by savvy locals, tasteful tourists and prom-going teens. Runner-up: Elizabeth on 37th Fried Chicken Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room Though the line on Jones Street stretches half a block by 11 a.m., your patience will be rewarded with some of the best fried food in the South. The President himself stopped in on his swing through Savannah. mrswilkes.com Runner-up: The Lady and Sons Frozen Yogurt Lovin’ Spoons Get in on some groovy goodness at any four of this self-serve’s area locations, customizing your yogurt creation with near-endless toppings, from Moon Pies to fresh mango. The final ingredient for fun is the Tradition: As part of the area’s largest news organization, we strictly limit our role to tallying and reporting votes. flower-power décor. lovinspoons.com Runner-up: La’ Berry Hamburger Green Truck Pub Eat well by eating local. Grass-fed beef and homemade ketchup are just two of the touches that have jacked Green Truck up to the apex of Savannah burger-making in its few short years of existence. greentruckpub.com Runner-up: B&D Burgers Ice Cream Leopold’s Ice Cream What qualifies a place as a bona fide institution? Ask Stratton Leopold, whose ice cream shop shines as bright on Broughton Street as its neighboring Trustee’s Theater marquee. We suggest scooping up the headlining flavor Rum Bisque and the seasonal Rose Petal. leopoldsicecream.com Runner-up: Coldstone Creamery Coffee Shop Cutter’s Point Coffee Of the chain’s dozen locations, this coffee shop on Skidaway Road is the only one outside the state of Washington. That’s a long way from home, but our readers are clearly elated to have some Seattle-style brew in the South. cutterspoint.com Runner-up: Gallery Espresso Procedure: We only accept one ballot per person. Duplicate ballots and those without a verifiable name and address are automatically disqualified. Disclaimer: We can’t control how individuals campaign for Best of Savannah; we can only control how accurately the votes are counted. BEST New Restaurant SE P T EM B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 3 125 The Public Kitchen & Bar Be st D in in g Italian Bella’s Italian Café With pizza, pasta and paninis on the menu, patrons come for the comfort of classics. Bella’s specializes in homestyle Italian fare, serving up peninsular favorites in a family-friendly atmosphere. bellascafe.com Runner-up: Leoci’s Trattoria Kid-friendly Dining Basil’s Pizza and Deli What started as a spare storefront in a small strip of shops, Basil’s has expanded and is now the big kid on the block. With ample seating, an enclosed playroom and a menu that appeals to picky eaters and culinary connoisseurs alike, a family night out has never looked—or tasted—better. basilsonline.com Runner-up: Mellow Mushroom Mexican Jalapeños Mexican Grill No, that’s not a fishbowl; it’s your margarita glass. At Jalapeños Mexican Grill, rarely does a glass go empty by the time one of their signature dinners arrives at the table. Add even more heat by pairing your spirits with sizzling fajitas. jalapenosinc.com Runner-up: Cancun New Restaurant The Public Kitchen & Bar With the success of their first venture, Local 11 Ten, it’s no wonder the owners have expanded their chic and savory brand. At the corner of Liberty and Bull, Public epitomizes casual style in both décor and delectables. We recommend a pre-dinner basil gimlet for the gullet. www.thepublickitchen.com Runner-up: The 5 Spot Organic Cha Bella Gourmet first and organic a close second, Cha Bella sacrifices nothing in serving up a wholesome, responsible repast. Whether in the dining room, at the bar or on the patio, expect fine dining and impeccable service. cha-bella.com Runner-up: Green Truck Pub Outdoor/ waterfront Dining Bonna Bella Waterfront Grille Escape to the middle of Mother Nature without ever leaving Savannah—or having to forage 126 savannahmagazine.COM for your own food. The unrivalled marsh view at Bonna Bella expands indefinitely in every direction, revealing deep greens below and the azure sweep of the sky above. Likewise, a glance at the new menu won’t disappoint. bonnabellayachtclub.com Runner-up, Outdoor: B&D Burgers Runner-up, Waterfront: Vic’s on the River Pizza Vinnie Van Go Go’s This City Market institution exudes the relaxed ambiance of a pizza joint like no place else in Savannah. Order a slice and a beer, and indulge in reading the writing, stickers and years of miscellany on every flat surface while you wait. vinnievangogo.com Runner-up: Mellow Mushroom Seafood The Crab Shack Once you see the sign for The Shack on U.S. 80, you know you’ve reached Tybee—and an island icon. So if you’re in the mood for seafood, drive no further. Known as much for its atmosphere as its food, The Shack delivers on both counts. thecrabshack.com Runner-up: Pearl’s Saltwater Grille BEST OUTDOOR DINING BEST WATERFRONT DINING Bonna Bella Waterfront Grille Smoothie Smoothie King The fresh, fruity franchise wins fans by quickly blending a cool, quality snack for every grumbling tummy on the go. smoothieking.com Runner-up: The Sentient Bean Steak Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse As Downtown’s only high-end steakhouse, this national chain has a well-deserved reputation for providing an exclusive dining experience, no matter how you cook it. ruthschris.com Runner-up: Chart House Sushi Sushi Zen At its old Whitaker Street location, the nightlife crowd cherished Sushi Zen for its late hours and lofted seating. Now, celebrating its seventh year in its MLK digs—and a Southside location to boot—the focus has shifted, rightly, to the food. sushizen-sav.com Runner-up: Tangerine Takeout Zunzi’s What else can be said about downtown Savannah’s favorite place for lunch on-the-go besides “Ah-MAZE-ing?” How about a resounding “thanks” for opening a second downtown location, Zunzi’s 2, which also offers indoor seating, a full bar and dinner. The Conquistador and a beer, please. zunzis.com Runner-up: Carey Hilliard’s Vegetarian Thrive Café Organic, wholesome and absolutely delicious, Thrive is certified as Savannah’s first green restaurant, bringing a cultivated takeout option to the islands. Chef Wendy Armstrong smartly serves up an everchanging menu with plenty to please the discerning vegetarian. thrivecafesavannah.com Runner-up: Kayak Café SE P T EM B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 3 127 Be st n ig h t l if e Appetizers Bar Food One of the first establishments to help usher in the Habersham Village renaissance, Bar Food’s simple fusion menu always satisfies. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a grown-up night out away from the throngs downtown. barfoodsavannah.com Runner-up: Jazz’d Tapas Bar Beer Selection World of Beer With 50 beers on tap and who knows how many bottles to boot, WOB has made Broughton Street a brew-lover’s dream. The selection rotates, so if you do manage to sample all the suds, don’t worry; new ones will hit the tap soon enough. wobusa.com Runner-up: The Distillery Cocktails/ meeting singles Rocks on the Roof You can guess the quality of a bar’s cocktails by the diversity of the liquor on the back shelf. Rocks boasts a wide array of all the major boozes, and the talented barkeeps can conjure up just about any concoction you can name—or dream up. bohemianhotelsavannah.com Runner-up, Cocktails: Jen’s & Friends Runner-up, Meeting Singles: Jazz’d Tapas Bar Dancing Saddle Bags Best known for its mechanical bull, Saddle Bags has bucked the competition to become the go-to spot for country music. Gallop by on a Thursday night for free line-dancing lessons from the famous Saddle Bags girls. saddlebagssavannah.com Runner-up: Club One Girls’ Night Out and touring artists from across the region. wildwingcafe.com Runner-up: The Jinx Jazz’d Tapas Bar An unassuming staircase on Barnard Street descends to one of the hippest subterranean spaces in Savannah. With delectable food, an extensive wine selection and live music six days a week, Jazz’d is prime for an intimate date or a ladies-only night out. jazzdtapasbar.com Runner-up: Rocks on the Roof Pub Happy Hour Sports Bar Jen’s & Friends Jen may have been voted the best barkeep in Savannah, but it’s her friends that elevate her happy hour to elite status. Whether it’s your hundredth time tipping a glass at Jen’s or your first, you’ll be welcomed like a part of the family. Runner-up: Rocks on the Roof Late Night Spot McDonough’s Irish Pub It’s the end of the night and you’re feeling pretty confident about your singing abilities, so head on over to McDonough’s to claim the karaoke crown. If singing isn’t your thing, you can always acquire a reasonably priced nightcap while enjoying the often amusing entertainment. innatmcdonoughs.com Runner-up: Rocks on the Roof Live Music Wild Wing Café As the heart of rock ‘n’ roll in City Market, Wild Wing’s corner stage and even bigger bar make the upstairs room the most rollicking place to catch a sureto-please show, featuring some of Savannah’s best local acts Churchill’s Pub When the original location closed due to fire, Churchill’s proved to be the phoenix of pubs, reopening on Bay Street better than ever. The towering dark wood bar is the perfect place for a pint, or you can take a proper British meal in the dining area. thebritishpub.com Runner-up: Six Pence Pub Coach’s Corner This Thunderbolt establishment gets every sports channel imaginable, and they have enough TVs to show them all. Stop in to watch your favorite team and grab a beer for a great price. Coach’s also boasts some of the best bar food around. coachs.net Runner-up: Wild Wings Trivia Game Night Mellow Mushroom Do you like pizza? What’s your favorite beer? Who was the fourteenth president of the United States? If you can answer these questions, then Mellow’s weekly trivia night is for you. mellowmushroom.com Runner-up: Wild Wings Wine Selection Elizabeth on 37th With a wine cellar that can stash 10,000 bottles, Elizabeth’s has no trouble keeping their 250 favorite wines in stock. Let their dedicated wine captains steer you toward a perfect complement to a gourmet meal. elizabethon37th.net Runner-up: Savannah Wine Cellar BEST PUB 128 savannahmagazine.COM 9 SE P T EM B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 3 1 2 Pub Churchill’s Be st CO MM U N IT Y Charity Event/ Fundraiser Komen Race for the Cure Savannah’s charity scene is active and healthy, and the local branch of Susan G. Komen does its part to make sure Savannah’s women stay that way, too. The annual race tinges all of Downtown pink, and helps contribute to the $2 billion Komen has raised nationally for breast cancer treatment and research. komencoastalgeorgia.org Runner-up: Kiss-A-Pig Campaign Company to Work For Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation With production of the new G-650 in full swing, now’s the time to find work at Savannah’s favorite employer. Competitive salaries and substantial perks are just a couple reasons to dust off the ol’ resume. gulfstream.com Runner-up: Old Savannah Tours Day Trip/Fun Place to Take Kids Tybee Island Tybee Island is hardly a secret, as anyone stuck in the weekend traffic on Highway 80 can attest, but the outpost has retained its quirky charm thanks to a colorful catalog of year-round residents who keep things just weird enough to be welcoming. tybeevisit.com Runner-up, Day Trip: Charleston, S.C. Runner-up, Fun Place to Take Kids: Oatland Island Wildlife Center Fishing Spot Tybee Pier Stock up on your bait of choice, sling a rod over your shoulder, and make the trek down the length of the Tybee Pier. Local 130 savannahmagazine.COM fishers cast there with confidence, and even if you end the day with an empty bucket, it’s only a short walk back to Tybresia, and a drink to drown your angling sorrows. tybeeisland.com Runner-up: Wassaw Island Golf Course Savannah Golf Club They’ve been smiting the dimpled orb at Savannah Golf Club since the ’90s—the 1790s, that is. By some accounts, it was the first golf club in the country, and the greens are as lush as the history. But membership is by invitation only, so seek out a friend with a good lie. thesavannahgolfclub.com Runner-up: The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort Group to Volunteer For Humane Society for Greater Savannah There are so many worthy volunteer opportunities in the area, but nothing tugs at the heartstrings like our local animals in need. The Humane Society offers the chance to help care for thousands of displaced pets every year, and to find them a loving home. humanesocietysav.org Runner-up: America’s Second Harvest Museum The Telfair Museums With the Owens-Thomas House Museum, the Jepson Center for the Arts and the Telfair Academy, the Telfair Museums span from classic to contemporary in arts and architecture. Two of the three sites anchor Telfair Square, which is fast becoming a cultural hub for events such as the Savannah Book Festival, and lectures by visiting luminaries. telfair.org Runner-up: Isaiah Davenport House Private School Savannah Christian Preparatory School For more than 60 years, Savannah Christian has been providing faith-based education to Savannah’s families. With top programs in academics, athletics and extra-curriculars, students find success from preschool through high school graduation—and beyond. savcps.com Runner-up: Savannah Country Day School Public Park Forsyth Park Picnics, pick-up games of football, the Saturday Farmers’ Market, SCAD’s Sidewalk Arts Festival and concerts in the clamshell. The fountain may be the most photographed spot in Savannah, but the open fields on the south end are where the action really happens. Runner-up: Daffin Park Public School Savannah Arts Academy As the magnet school of choice for Chatham County’s creatively inclined high schoolers, Savannah Arts also sets the standard for success in academics. Students regularly receive local, state and national recognition for their work in and outside the classroom. sccpss.com Runner-up: May Howard Elementary Radio Station WRHQ 105.3 Quality Rock The lack of musical variety on some radio stations makes them not much better than static. WRHQ prides itself on diversity, never repeating a song in the same day. Tune in for tracks that almost anyone can get into, and don’t be surprised to hear a once-forgotten deep cut off a favorite album. wrhq.com Runner-up: 97.3 KissFM Special Event Facility Charles H. Morris Center For the fifth year in a row, the Charles H. Morris Center has claimed this title. The versatile space, with bare brick walls, wood floors and a high peaked ceiling, can be adapted for almost any event, from weddings to parties to some of the Savannah Music Festival’s finest concerts. trusteesgarden.com Runner-up: Savannah Station Summer Camp YMCA of Coastal Georgia When school’s out and the temperature is on the rise, the fine folks at one of the YMCA’s 10 local locations help kids beat boredom with one of their traditional or specialty day camps. ymcaofcoastalga.org Runner-up: Oatland Island Wildlife Center Tourist Attraction River Street From festivals to fireworks to the fracas of St. Patrick’s Day, River Street is as synonymous with Savannah as sweet tea. Locals shouldn’t forget that it also offers plenty of destinations for dinner and a drink. riverstreetsavannah.com Runner-up: Tybee Island BEST DAY TRIP BEST FISHING SPOT MOST FUN PLACE TO TAKE KIDS Tybee Island TV Station WTOC The Southeast Newsleader has been atop the TV ratings since the ’80s with news anchors whose combined experience at the station runs well over a century, WTOC is the channel that Savannahians turn to first. wtoc.com Runner-up: WSAV View Rocks on the Roof Grab a cocktail at the bar and step outside to the nearly 360-degree view on the Bohemian Hotel’s rooftop. With downtown on one side and the river on the other, you can cover the entire Historic District before you can call for a refill. bohemianhotelsavannah.com Runner-up: River Street SE P T EM B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 3 131 BEST FASHION ACCESSORIES BEST FASHION VALUE Red Clover Boutique Be st S H OPPIN G Antiques Jere’s Antiques From bookcases to bureaus, clocks to cupboards, the 33,000-square-foot warehouse of Jere’s Antiques is home— temporarily—to the museumquality furniture Savannahians “pine” for. With furnishings spanning three centuries of English design, Jere’s riverside location testifies to our rich legacy of trans-Atlantic trade. jeresantiques.com Runner-up: Habersham Antiques Market Art Gallery Kobo Gallery With ever-changing exhibits and a refreshing range of price points, Kobo Gallery on Barnard Street certainly is a sight for sore eyes. The co-op of Savannahbased artists and craftspeople showcases woodwork, fibers, photography, jewelry and more. kobogallery.com Runners-up (TIE): Iocovozzi Fine Art, Ray Ellis Gallery Baby Gear/ Clothing Punch and Judy Owners Linda and Eric Karpf scour the world for everything you could ever possibly need to feed, bathe, diaper, clothe, transport and entertain your lil’ bambino. Monogram services are available to ensure that baby enters the world in style. punchandjudysavannah.com Runner-up: Sara Jane Children’s Boutique Bikes Quality Bike Shop Dedicated to expanding the community of cycling fanatics, Quality Bike Shop offers a plethora of well-priced services. In addition to a wide selection of wheels—road, mountain, BMX and kids’ bikes—the encyclopedic knowledge of the service team keeps customers coming back. qualitybikeshop.com Runner-up: Bicycle Link Bridal BleuBelle Bridal Heather Burge’s chic boutique stocks an array of top-label gowns, from classic silhouettes to cutting-edge couture. Offering perks like in-house alterations and a 10 percent discount for bridesmaids, Heather and her expert fitters give brides another reason to celebrate. bleubellebridal.com Runner-up: David’s Bridal Candy Shop River Street Sweets The staff at family-owned River Street Sweets is always cheerful—perhaps the candy’s exquisite sweetness rubs off on them. With an array of gourmet Southern treats like pralines, bear claws, glazed pecans and salt water taffy, it’s hard not to leave the shop with a smile. riverstreetsweets.com Runner-up: Savannah Candy Kitchen COSMETICS Glow Medical Spa From the mouthwatering Kai fragrance line to the 132 savannahmagazine.COM state-of-the-art “genie bottle” applicators of healing Colorescience Mineral Makeup, Courtney Buntin Victor and her team of beauty gurus curate an impressive collection of exclusive cosmetic brands. See the “Service” category for Glow’s three additional wins. glowsavannah.com Runner-up: 40 Volume Salon Fashion Accessories/ Fashion Value Red Clover Boutique Much like its namesake—an herb known for its healing properties—this bohemian boutique is a celebrated location for “retail therapy.” Since opening their doors in 2007, Leah Lancaster and Thu Tran have won our readers’ loyalty by offering modest price points on carefully curated collections of clothing and accessories. shopredclover.com Runner-up, Fashion Accessories: Zia Boutique Runner-up, Fashion Value: Fab’rik Florist John Davis Florist John Davis has commandeered the local floral business for more than two decades—thanks to the freshness of his ideas and his blossoms. From the simplest boutonnière to blowout wedding styles, let your imagination bloom with Savannah’s most trusted floral font. johndavisflorist.com Runner-up: Kiwi Fleur Fresh and Organic Produce Forsyth Farmers’ Market Coastal cultivators present a veritable cornucopia each Saturday at the Forsyth Farmers’ Market. In addition SE P T EM B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 3 133 Be st S H OPPIN G to high-quality local fruits and vegetables, shoppers can source meats, eggs, baked goods, jellies and honey—all the better to serve with your organic produce, of course. forsythfarmersmarket.com Runner-up: Brighter Day Natural Foods mansion off Madison Square for nearly 40 years, E. Shaver is a haven for readers. Bibliophiles— or anyone in need of a classy gift—revel at the extensive selection of fiction, maps, coffee table décor and children’s books. eshaverbooks.com Runner-up: The Book Lady Independent Bookstore Independent Pet Supplier E. Shaver, Bookseller Nestled in the ground floor of a BEST FRESH ORGANIC PRODUCE Forsyth Farmers’ Market TailsSpin Get your tail down to Savannah’s best-loved spot for pets. In addition to a variety of food and toys—many made in the USA— TailsSpin enriches the community by promoting vaccine clinics, nutritional advice, adoption events and even hurricane preparedness for your pussycat or pooch. tailsspin.com Runner-up: Grateful Hound Jewelry Levy Jewelers To say that the family-owned, fourth-generation Levy Jewelers is a Savannah staple would be an egregious understatement. This paradise of all-things precious has peddled designer jewelry, loose diamonds, watches, estate treasures and myriad giftware for more than 100 years. levyjewelers.com Runner-up: Zia Boutique Liquor Habersham Beverage Warehouse Savannahians who love to entertain—and we don’t call it the Hostess City for nothing—stop first at Habersham Beverage Warehouse. With an impressive selection of wines, spirits and beers, the store caters to lovers of craft and imported hooch, as well as those who just need some swill in their kegs. habershambeverage.com Runner-up: Johnnie Ganem’s Package & Wine Shop Men’s Clothing J. Parker Limited Southern gentlemen and haute hipsters rub elbows among the racks at the Broughton Street and Midtown locations of J. Parker Limited. From luxury sportswear by Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren to locally designed cummerbunds and leathergoods, 134 savannahmagazine.COM get the right look for any occasion here. jparkerltd.com Runner-up: J.B. Rourke New Cars/Used Cars Southern Motors Even if Southern Motors hadn’t swept this category, the car experts would at least deserve applause for least annoying radio commercials. For more than 80 years, the dealership has offered a special blend of customer service and good deals on smooth automotive machines such as Acura, Chrysler, Dodge, Honda, Jeep and Ram. southern-motors.com Runner-up, New Cars: Critz Runner-up, Used Cars: Vaden Automotive Group Seafood Market Russo’s Seafood If there’s one thing coastal citizens do not mess around with, it’s our seafood. Luckily, Charles J. Russo Jr., second-generation “spawn” of the original Russo’s, does not disappoint. If your recipe calls for shrimp, crab, scallops or fresh Atlantic fish, follow the stream of satisfied customers to 40th and Abercorn Street. russoseafood.com Runner-up: Pooler Seafood Shoes Globe Shoe Company Up your shoe game at Globe Shoe Company where you’ll find footwear and accessories by Stuart Weitzman, Cole Haan, Thierry Rabotin, Ugg, Ecco and more. For an establishment founded in 1892, the stock at both Globe’s Broughton Street and Midtown locations is incredibly on-trend and in-demand. Runner-up: Copper Penny Shooz I fo und i t a t . . . Be st S H OPPIN G Specialty Gourmet Foods FORM Cheesecake, Wine, Gourmet Combine a gourmet boutique, a fine-dining eatery and a specialty catering service, and you’ve cooked up an epicurean delight! For a little more than three years, the trio of Brian Torres, Claude Auerbach and James Kleinschmidt has concocted a culinary smorgasbord for the connoisseur and common consumer alike. form-cwg.com Runner-up: Brighter Day Natural Foods Sports/Outdoor Wear Half-Moon Outfitters BEST new cars best used cars Southern Motors Half-Moon Outfitters is a backpacker’s mecca. Even if you’re not a fan of Savannah’s abundant outdoor sports—kayaking, paddle boarding, rock climbing, backpacking, surfing, fishing and swimming spring instantly to mind—this gear shop also sells hammocks and stylish threads for low-country lounging. halfmoonoutfitters.com Runner-up: Fleet Feet Sports Stationery La Paperie Sweetly ensconced in downtown’s design district, La Paperie offers stationery, journals, sumptuous gifts and the full suite of bridal paper needs. If you like your paper artisanal, classic, luxurious, handmade, letterpressed or embossed, this is your spot to shop. lapaperie.net Runner-up: Merry Times VINTAGE Clothing and Consignment Civvies New & Recycled Clothing Civvies is a Savannah institution that has benefited from decades of SCAD students and generations of bountiful Southern belles. Organized by color, this shop showcases fashionforward apparel that’s new, vintage and, occasionally, just plain old school. civviesclothes.com Runner-up: Goodwill Women’s Clothing (Tie) BleuBelle Boutique & Fab’rik Savannah ladies are savvy when it comes to style—which accounts for this category’s tie. Fortunately, there’s enough love to go around for both BleuBelle Boutique, which has won this magazine’s honor nearly every year of its decade-old existence, and for Fab’rik, the chic-yet-affordable franchise on Broughton Street. bleubelle.com fabrikstyle.com Runner-up: Red Clover Best Liquor. Thanks again, Savannah! Credit: Cedric Smith, photographer and Halo Models and Talent Group 22 West Broughton Street Savannah, GA | 912-629-6800 SAVANNAH | CHARLESTON MOUNT PLEASANT www.shopcopperpenny.com www.HabershamBeverage.com 136 savannahmagazine.COM Franchising Opportunities Available BEST PERSONAL TRAINERS Drew and Shazi Edmonds Be st PEOP L E Band Liquid Ginger For more than a dozen years, Liquid Ginger has been rocking downtown with big harmonies and tight instrumentation. Corralled by lead singer Ginger Fawcett, their tunes are like the root—compelling, distinctive and packing quite the punch. Runner-up: The Train Wrecks Bartender Jen McEvoy at Jen’s & Friends It’s the sheer number of Jen’s eponymous friends that assured her victory in the Best Bartender category. It doesn’t hurt that she knows how to mix a gazillion martinis, either. Runner-up: Stephanie Atkins at Saddlebags Caterer Susan Mason If such a thing as a “celebrity caterer” exists, Susan Mason fits the bill. For more than 25 years, her good name has been synonymous with scrumptious BEST PHOTOGRAPHER Christine Hall elegance, and her cookbook, Silver Service, is the hospitality bible for Southern debs and downtowners. susanmasoncatering.com Runner-up: Paul Kennedy business to ethics to politics, there’s no story of the hour that he can’t cover. savannahnow.com Runner-up: Bill Dawers Chef Mark Tate Tate Law Group takes on big cases and wins. This success, coupled with Mark Tate’s several TV shows over the years, have made him one of the most recognized and respected attorneys in town. tatelawgroup.com Runner-up: Brooks Stillwell Nick Mueller More than a dozen years ago, Nick and Tracy Mueller founded Chef Nick Mueller & Company— and Savannahians have been a fortunate bunch ever since. As a team, they’ve produced hundreds of events, with a guest list including state governors, Hollywood stars and megawatt sports personalities. chefnick.net Runner-up: Roberto Leoci Columnist Tom Barton Being a professional newspaperman is no easy task, and Tom Barton, the editorial page editor at the Savannah Morning News, takes on the toughest topics with finesse and diplomacy. From Lawyer Party/Event Planner Sebrell Smith Savannah is a top destination for weddings, and Sebrell Smith is the top-notch planner who makes them magnificent. Her dapper details produce the magic for intimate garden affairs and grand black-tie galas, children’s parties and sophisticated nuptials, allowing her honorees to shine as the stars of each event. sesevents.com Runner-up: Posh Petals & Pearls Personal Trainer Drew and Shazi Edmonds Drew and Shazi Edmonds are those rare birds who actually enjoy exercising and endeavor to share their enthusiasm with others. The native Georgian husband-and-wife team offers personalized training services at their clients’ home, as well as in their state-of-the-art private studio. trainme247.com Runner-up: Jodie Luther Photographer Christine Hall You’ll be ready for your close-up 138 savannahmagazine.COM with Christine Hall behind the camera. Whether the occasion is a family portrait, senior snapshot or bridal memento, you’ll want to see yourself through her masterful, award-winning lens. christinehallphotography.com Runner-up: Angela Hopper Realtor Cora Bett Thomas She’s the little lady who founded a real estate empire. Cora Bett Thomas specializes in luxury properties—historic estates, trendy condos, beachfront chateaus and commercial complexes—and unparalleled customer service. corabettthomas.com Runners-up (TIE): Celia Dunn, Bonnie Gaster Television Personality Sonny Dixon After serving as a state representative in the ’90s, Sonny returned home and took up with WTOC News. Since then, his casual charm and encyclopedic knowledge of local history have made him the most popular anchor in the city. In 2011, he even won an Emmy as the top talking head in the Southeast region. wtoc.com Runner-up: Mike Cihla Tour Guide Savannah Dan When a tour guide is as much a landmark as the monuments he’s showing, then he must be doing something right. For years, seersucker-clad Savannah Dan has been a fixture downtown, showcasing our city with his distinctive Southern charm and signature bowtie. savannahdan.com Runner-up: Steve Ellis BEST HAIR SALON 40 Volume Salon Be st S ERVIC E S Ad Agency Robertson and Markowitz This full-service agency has your marketing and PR needs covered, from A to Z (well, from clients AirTran to Wendy’s and everything in between). Robertson and Markowitz can give your business a boost across radio, TV, outdoor signage, print, web and corporate branding platforms. robmark.com Runner-up: Monroe Marketing Assisted Living Summer Breeze Senior Living The folks at Summer Breeze Senior Living are caring stars, pure and simple. Widely renowned for their personalized attention, homey decor, active agendas and impeccable cleanliness, this assisted-living center provides Southern hospitality at its finest. On-site amenities include an ice cream parlor, barbershop and library. kapdev.com Runner-up: Marshes of Skidaway Island Audio/Video/ Lighting Production Stage Front Production Services With enough glitz and glow to rival the night sky, Stage Front Production Services is Savannah’s go-to for all things illumination. From discrete “gobos” (e.g. single-colored wedding initials or corporate logos) to total event management, the dedicated team will have you seeing stars. stagefrontproductions.com Runner-up: Kaufman-Heinz Auto Repair Savannah Tire The folks at Savannah Tire move the city, literally. Founded by M.J. Kicklighter in 1951, the 140 savannahmagazine.COM business is now a third-generation family-owned institution, with eight locations throughout the Coastal Empire. Check out their website for cost-cutting coupons! savannahtire.com Runner-up: Mall Auto Repairs Bank/Financial Institution Wells Fargo In the battle of big banks, Wells Fargo—the fourth largest in the U.S.—edges out the competition with consistently friendly service and a convenient downtown location. wellsfargo.com Runner-up: SunTrust BOUTIQUE HOTEL Planter’s Inn Let the Planter’s Inn cultivate the seeds of romance, with add-on amenities like a private horsedrawn carriage tour, nightly turndown service with special treats, chilled champagne and long-stem roses. Located on Reynolds Square, this distinctive landmark consists of 60 rooms, embellished with period-style finesse. plantersinnsavannah.com Childcare Savannah Christian Daycare/ Preschool The quality caregivers at Savannah Christian Daycare/ Preschool create an idyllic learning landscape for Savannah’s tots, 12 hours a day, all year long. With a stringent no-television policy, children ages 6 weeks through 3 years learn, grow, experiment, develop and play in classrooms built for curiosity. savcps.com Runner-up: Maggie’s Morning School Computer Repair Tweaks by Geeks Who better to doctor your sick computers than the geeks who love them? Adept at everything from virus removal to network troubleshooting, no project is too small for the professionals at Tweaks by Geeks. Their friendly, articulate staff also helps customize desktops, laptops, servers, workstations and gaming systems. tweaksbygeeksonline.com Runner-up: Digital Doc Day Spa Spa Bleu Since the days of Mary Telfair, Savannah doyennes have bid adieu to stress within the historic walls at Spa Bleu. Admire local artwork as you sink into luxurious massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, thermal body treatments, spray tanning and make-up application. With specialty packages available, we dare you not to spend a day in the lap of luxury. spableu-sav.com Runner up: Savannah Day Spa Design Firm Clark Creative Designers are a dime a dozen in our artsy city, so it takes true vision—not to mention formidable grit—to distinguish oneself as best of the best. Enter Clark Creative, an award-winning design and communications studio founded by Cari Clark Phelps in 2004. Her designs are so iconic that they’ll work for you and on you. clarkcreativedesign.com Runners-up (TIE): Creative Approach, VizPro Creative Dry Cleaner Curry Dry Cleaners Curry Dry Cleaners have swept this category for nearly a decade. Clearly, this family-owned business has found the right formula for a brilliant clean, served up with an equally brilliant smile. If you’re serious about fashion—or just prone to stains—same-day service, superior alterations and two locations will “iron” out all your cleaning conundrums. Runner-up: David’s Dry Cleaners Exercise Facility/ Gym YMCA Y not visit the YMCA today? With personal training, youth sports, group sweats, aquatic classes, a diabetes-prevention program and on-site childcare, this nexus of exercise inspires healthy Savannahians in mind, body and spirit. ymcaofcoastalga.org Runner-up: Train Me 24/7 Facial/Massage/ Medical Spa Glow Medical Spa For the fifth year in a row, Glow Medical Spa is voted the premier temple of beauty and health. Father-daughter team Dr. Jules Victor III and Courtney Buntin Victor captain a credentialed staff of laster technicians, facial rejuvenation specialists, licensed medical estheticians, registered nurses and massage therapists who offer a panoply of cosmetic procedures in a peaceful environment. glowsavannah.com Runner-up, Facial: Milan Day Spa Runner-up, Massage: Spa Bleu Runner-up, Medical Spa: Genesis Medical Spa Hair Salon 40 Volume Salon Turning it “up to 11” is for ’80s hair bands. Going to Volume 40, however, is for Savannah’s hair Be st S ERVIC E S feel sure that State Farm has you covered. Quick quotes, abundant options, money-saving maneuvers and peachy policy combos make each customer feel welcome and valued. statefarm.com Runner-up: Allstate Manicures/ Pedicures BEST YOGA/PILATES STUDIO Savannah Yoga Center aficionados. The five skillful stylists can update your look book with the freshest tress trends or help you maintain your striking signature coif. 40volume.com Runner-up: Color Boxx Handyman Hubbard’s Handyman of Savannah Once in a while, we all need a hand at home—especially for big projects like floor installations, house painting, window replacements and remodeling. Our readers leave it to the experts at Hubbard’s. Your thumbs will thank you. hubbardshandyman.com Runner-up: House Doctor Milan Day Spa Allow the beauty technicians at Milan Day Spa to wait on you hand and foot. Touch up your topcoat, slough rough skin and handle your hangnails at this pretty palace where sugar scrubs are part of the package. milandayspabroughton.com Runner-up: Crystal Nails Pet Groomer Top Dog Grooming Spa One bad grooming session can put you in the doghouse with your beloved Fido, so it’s a relief that you can count on Top Dog Grooming Spa to pamper your pet. With three locations and a nifty mobile truck service, they’re truly the alpha dog in this category. topdogspa.com Runner-up: Diva Dogs Pet Sitter Catnip-n-Biscuits Depending on your travel destination, you may find yourself growing envious of the overnight doggie suites and kitty condos available at Catnip-n-Biscuits. Featuring upscale accommodations and outdoor play yards, this “luxury pet hotel” promises firstclass play and relaxation. catnipnbiscuits.com Runner-up: At Home Pet Sitters Retirement Community Marshes of Skidaway Island Sprawled over 58 acres on Skidaway Island, this nonprofit is dedicated to the health and wellness of Savannah’s senior community—plus, its awardwinning dining rivals fancy-pants downtown restaurants. marshesofskidaway.org Runner-up: Summer Breeze Senior Living fourseasonstrvl.com Runner-up: Edgewood Travel Tour Company Case Veterinary Hospital Veteran veterinarian Dr. Carla Case-McCorvey is on the case! The good doctor captains Case Veterinary Hospital, founded more than century ago by her great-grandfather. While honoring her rich family legacy, she’s also introduced several cutting-edge technologies to her modern 10,000-square-foot facility. casevet.com Runner-up: Island Vet Clinic Old Savannah Tours If you think you know everything about our little city, hop aboard an Old Savannah Tours trolley and be dazzled by your guide’s insight and wit. Founded in 1979, this company truly brings Savannah stories to life when energetic Forrest Gump or General Oglethorpe impersonators jump aboard. oldsavannahtours.com Runner-up: Old Town Trolley Travel Agency Four Seasons Travel When Savannahians feel like playing tourist elsewhere, they turn to the elite consultants at Four Seasons Travel to be their guide. Since 1980, these seasoned explorers have made connections and recommendations on behalf of the most discriminating spelunkers. Veterinarian Yoga/Pilates Studio Savannah Yoga Center Whether you’re an experienced yogi or amateur “om”-er, Savannah Yoga Center has something to offer you. With a range of styles and levels—and a teacher-training program—you know you’re in good hands. savannahyoga.com Runner-up: Savannah Power Yoga ■ Hotel The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront Staycation, anyone? Accommodations at the Bohemian can be summed up in one word: rhapsodic. All the local glitterati know that the Rocks on the Roof rooftop lounge is the place to see picturesque views of our fair city—and, of course, to be seen. bohemianhotelsavannah.com Runner-up: Westin Savannah Harbor Congratulations Dr. Jen Emberton Voted Best Physical Therapist! INN/B&B Presidents’ Quarters Inn Modern conveniences marry historic charm at these twin Federal-style mansions on Oglethorpe Square. Ask for a balcony room overlooking the serene courtyard garden. presidentsquarters.com Runner-up: Ballastone Inn Insurance Company State Farm With 15 licensed agents in the Savannah city limits, you can 142 savannahmagazine.COM CELEBRATING 23 YEARS! westrehab.com SE P T EM B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 3 143
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