The building where Iris Restaurant is located could easily be mistaken for an apartments but the menu posted outside the window makes its presence known. The interior, while painted the same colors as the outside of the building, is a classy upscale but not stuffy atmosphere. Whether you're looking to wine and dine, cozy up on a first date or celebrate a romantic special occasion this restaurant is the place.
Our waitperson was a true professional and my trusted advisor throughout the evening. He interjected his opinion and made suggestions which is something a lot of waiters don't do but that I find welcoming. His suggested cocktail for the evening was either the Prickle or The Count. I ended up choosing The Count and I couldn't be happier with the choice. It wasn't what I would typically order but it was a exemplary choice and a well crafted cocktail.
I was so please with my first cocktail and curious about what our waitperson said was his favorite cocktail that I ordered the Prickle. This is a gin based drink and I don't drink gin. You could obviously taste the gin in the drink but its subtle sweetness and refreshing coolness made me like it. Iris's menu is small with about 10 main choices but most of the dishes sounded so good I was having trouble choosing just one. I offered up my choice and out of my picks, our waitperson recommend the Duck Confit. The skin was perfectly crispy and the meat was moist beyond belief. Combine that with the corn and the sweetness of the peaches and you have a delectable dish.
My boyfriend ordered his usual steak in the form their Steak Frites. It was very tender and tasty. The foie gras-marrow butter was a brilliant touch and put this dish it over the top. The fries were incredible too, I reckon a Belgium would eat these fries and give them his/her stamp of approval.
We finished off the meal with the Chocolate Soufflé Pistachio Cake. It was rich, chocolaty yumminess but if I am not mistaken, this was not a soufflé (unless it was a fallen one) and more like a flourless cake. I liked it anyways and the nuts added some texture to the dessert.
Iris was flawless, I can't wait to come again!
Iris Restaurant
321 N Peters St New Orleans, LA 70130(504) 299-3944www.irisneworleans.com
Located about 30 minutes outside of Savannah, we ventured outside of the city to Tybee Island to spend the day.
Our first stop on the outing was a visit to the Fort Pulaski National Monument. The park itself was fairly large but the Fort only covered a small portion. Even though we only visited the fort, there are many other things you can experience here. This was one of the more interesting and interactive forts I have been too.
After that, we were hungry and headed to Tybee Island Social Club for lunch. It was a fun, laid back and beachy atmosphere complete with a live Bluegrass band playing. Our server was a sweet girl who made efforts to interact with us. For lunch I ordered the Zissou Taco (Marinated seared tuna, horseradish aioli, arugula, cucumber pico on a warm pita). All the ingredients were notable fresh and overall it had a light and refreshing taste.
My mom had has The Club's Shrimp and Grits. It was cheesy, flavorsome deliciousness.
My sister had the Crab Cakes. It wasn't lump crab meat but was all crab and not that filler crap restaurants are always trying to serve people. It was truly lightly bread and fried as stated on the menu. It had a nice crispy outer crust.
After lunch we headed straight to beach which was just a walk across the street. As someone from the islands, I wasn't impressed. The water was black and my niece got stung by a jellyfish but we did enjoy some fun in the sun and other must have too beach the beach was packed with people.
Tybee Island Social Club
1311 Butler Ave Tybee Island, GA 31328
(912) 472-4044
tybeeislandsocialclub.com
After the long drive into Savannah from Fort Lauderdale to spend the Labor Day weekend as a mini family vacation, we were famished and looking to eat. Without stopping at the hotel to check-in, we headed straight to The Public Kitchen & Bar for lunch.
The impression I got of The Public Kitchen & Bar is that it is a cool dining spot with friendly staff and awesome (fake) grass walls that surely entertained my niece and nephew. All that is fine and dandy, but the food is what makes the most lasting impression.
I ordered the Paella. I liked it, I just didn't like that it was so tart but the rice was cooked perfectly and in the end I cleaned my plate.
My sister had the Vegetarian (Black Bean Burger). She said it was one of favorite meals of the trip.
My mom had the Crabby Patty. She complained that it had too much filler and wasn't crabby enough but still tasted good.
We had no plans to order dessert but after peeping the desserts at the table next to us, we ordered the Berry Trifle to share. It was a strong finish to the meal, I wish I had ordered my own!
The Public Kitchen & Bar1 W Liberty St Savannah, GA 31401(912) 200-4045www.thepublickitchen.com
