Beginning today, from Jan. 26 to Feb. 4, Savannah Now is hosting its annual, 10-day Restaurant Week in Savannah. Restaurants throughout the city are giving fixed menus, at prices cheaper than their usual dishes.
As about 26 restaurants are participating this year, we thought it would be best to give some tips for dining on this special occasion. That’s why we interviewed Jesse Blanco, host of WSAV’s, EMMY nominated, “Eat It and Like It,” on his experience with Restaurant Week, and how locals and tourists alike can digest this event.
For his experience with Restaurant Week, Blanco explained “You know, the weekends can be crowded depending on the restaurant, like Ruth’s Chris. They always do well with Restaurant Week cause people want to go out and have steak. So it’s busy. It can be Valentine’s Day busy, it can be Mother’s Day busy…it’s still good, but to me, the best time to go is like Tuesday and Wednesday; when it’s slower and you still get the value and the servers can take their time and maybe get a taste of this or that and you can enjoy the dining experience.”
“It’s hard for me to say ‘go here!’ for Restaurant Week. I’ve done recommendations but the philosophy that I have told people, is to use Restaurant Week to go to restaurants you can’t afford or brand-new ones,” said Blanco. “Like East End Provisions, they’re doing Restaurant Week. They just opened in November… What better time to try for dinner than you get three courses for $30?”
“Someone is going, because it is a great deal. Well everyone else is too, especially on the weekends…keep in mind that nobody wants to ruin your experience,” Blanco reminded as a general tip. “I always say to be patient; the servers are trying their best to give you the best experience for your dollar…I mean if you get a jerk server, you get a jerk server, but more times than not in this town you’re going to get a great one who tries really hard…be patient and enjoy; relax and have a drink at home before you go and just chill out and enjoy your evening, you know?”
“It’s a great thing that everybody should take advantage of. Because it’s great food,” Blanco said.
For more information about Jesse Blanco, visit jesseblanco.com.
For more information about Restaurant Week, visit dining.savannahnow.com.
By Patrick Guilford.
Currently pursuing a B.F.A. in Writing as well as a minor in Music Production.
