The Dresser Palmer House, A Permanent Guest?

Savannah, Georgia has been described as "America's Most Haunted City."

I've also heard that said about Salem, Massachusetts, but maybe it depends on which sorts of ghosts are included in the census-taker's survey.

Savannah's haunted reputation is big business year-round:
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
Exhibit C
...the list goes on and on.
Savannah's ghost tours and haunted venues are especially popular during October, particularly on Halloween (Fair Warning: Book your visit way in advance if Halloween happens to fall on a weekend!)

The Dresser Palmer House is no exception.

During a recent visit, we learned the historic inn has some sadness in its history. The home was a residential duplex and the Dressers, who owned the right half of the home (when you're facing the front door), lost a daughter when little Madeline's nightgown caught on fire. (Truly, horrible.) On that half of the home some guests have reported seeing a little girl, dressed in white with her hair in long brown ringlets. More often, guests find pennies in surprising places. Once, when two little girls were playing in the inn (which doesn't routinely host children), the lights flicked on and off. Once, a visiting travel writer (not me) snapped some digital photos and when later viewing them on his laptop discovered an image of a little girl in one of the photos. Innkeeper Shannon Romine showed that image to me and it's the most persuasive evidence of a ghost that I've ever seen, though I'm still waiting to see a ghost for myself.

Many hotels in Savannah (as well as in New Orleans, Charleston and many other cities), boast of their ghosts and leverage these stories to attract guests, especially during the Halloween season.

The Dresser Palmer House has avoided advertising its ghost, fearing it might freak some people out. How do you feel about the potential of spotting a little girl ghost known to scatter pennies around? Take the survey and let us know.

Thanks!

The Dresser Palmer House

On a recent visit to Savannah, Georgia, we stayed at The Dresser Palmer House, an historic inn (circa 1876). Let me just say: We LOVED it. And this is really saying something of significance, because it's not often that I can wholeheartedly and genuinely endorse an historic bed and breakfast--too often the vibe at such places is more like a dusty museum where there's no place to put your suitcase without risk of breaking 16 ancient teacups rather than a comfortable guest room. This place is definitely above the standard, for starters because it's spacious, clean and upscale. Somehow it manages to be both historic and contemporary with functional amenities (i.e., the toilets flush, the windows open and the beds and floors don't creak.) What's more, Innkeeper Shannon Romine is a vibrant, enthusiastic and welcoming host. We truly enjoyed our stay and bet that you will, too--whether you're a fan of B&Bs or usually prefer upscale hotels.

Living room:

Front porch:

Hall:

The house is a former duplex and we stayed on the former Palmer side in the Samuel Palmer suite:

The bed was very comfortable, crucial in any hotel!

We didn't need the fireplace in August, but it would sure be romantic and useful during winter months.

The bathrooms throughout the house have been updated:

If you prefer a shower to a soak in the clawfoot tub, no worries:

 The room has its own porch:

 View from the porch:

Each room is unique and The Dresser Palmer House has an interesting history. Many historic homes in Savannah now function as museums or inns and several of them host tours. Often, these tours cost something, but if you're interested in touring The Dresser Palmer House, just stop by and tell Shannon that Hope sent you. If she's not busy, she'd be happy to show you around for free.

Best to have your suitcase handy, because you'll want to stay.

Bottom Line: A great place to stay in Savannah, Georgia.

Chicken and the Egg

Last night we enjoyed dinner at Chicken and the Egg: Modern Homestead Fare in Marietta, Georgia. We lived in Marietta for eight years and never had access to food like this! Now our former neighbors (and anyone venturing to Marietta) can enjoy these authentic Southern flavors for brunch, lunch and dinner.

The restaurant boasts a huge dining room that's already crowded, quite an accomplishment for a place that so recently opened. The vibe is family-friendly, upscale casual--it's a don't-be-shy-just-roll-up-your-sleeves and eat sort of place.

Artwork in the entry way conveys the sort of political messages that any organic-leaning foodie can support: "Don't Mess With Nature," "Conserve Water" and so on. Press materials explain, "Our name represents the cycle of life and the importance of sustainability. We want to help minimize the negative impact humans leave on this planet. The menu at Chicken and the Egg features innovative twists on classic American dishes. The cuisine will incorporate seasonal ingredients from local farms and purveyors as well as sustainable beef, pork, poultry and seafood."

Chef/Owner Marc Taft suggested we try several dishes and if I've learned anything being a food writer it's to take the chef's suggestions. So we ate as much as we could and still had plenty to box up and bring home for another lunch and dinner of leftovers. Everything was so yummy, we look forward to going back to taste even more. Seasonal menu changes we'll take as just more invitations to return.

We started with drinks and three appetizers.

This photo shows the fried green tomatoes atop pimento cheese fondue and topped with country ham and tomato jam ($7). Also pictured is the cocktail "Debutante Ball" ($9) made with Beefeater gin, strawberries, hibiscus & white balsamic syrup, lemon juice, topped with rhubarb foam and garnished with black pepper:

Chef Taft says that there's so much competition among chefs and restaurateurs these days that it's increasingly difficult to find a dish that's different enough to help you stand out from the rest. "But I always knew I had that recipe for tomato jam in my pocket," he says of the recipe passed down from his great-grandmother. It's delicious with rich tomato flavor and a bit of spice--you'll wish your great-grandmother had passed down such traditions.

The cocktail was perfectly balanced, not too sweet and not too bitter. It was my favorite cocktail among the four we tasted.

I adored the butterbean “hummus,” which is served with olive tapenade and pita triangles ($6):

Dean started sipping this cocktail before I snapped a photo of it, but reluctantly set down the glass. "Egg's Pimm Fizz" ($9) features Pimm's #1, Thatcher's organic cucumber liquor, Hendrick's gin, lemonade, egg white and soda water:

The "Grilled Peach Manhattan" ($9) is a mix of Leopold Bros. Peach Whiskey and Leopold Bros. corn whiskey infused with Nueske's bacon, Woodford Reserve Bourbon and Dolin sweet vermouth. It's garnished with a brûléed peach wedge:

The bacon flavor was subtle, adding a bit of depth and smokiness to the cocktail.

The "Whitlock Bellini" ($9, pictured left) is a mix of mango, rosemary-infused St. Germain elderflower liqueur and sparkling wine. It was a tad sour, but refreshing:

I was so eager to taste everything that I forgot to take a photo of the buttermilk fried oysters with creole tartar ($8), but they were a scrumptious combination of crisp and tender.

The Chef recommended the seasonal Peach + Prosciutto salad with arugula, marcona almonds, ricotta salata ($7):

Among the entrees, his top-seller is the iron skillet fried chicken ($15)…

…which is served with real mac & cheese and braised greens:

Each bite confirms why it's so popular. This dish was a personal favorite, so I called dibs on the leftovers for lunch.

Last night’s entree special was duck breast and duck rillette with gouda grits ($22). The entire dish was great but the grits were over-the-top ridiculously good:

Next up was the fork-tender short rib with smoked gouda au gratin potatoes, baby carrots, gremolata and tupelo honey ($17):

Of course we made room for dessert.

Rhubarb Streusel Tart with brown sugar-sour cream ice cream ($6):

This was so delicious it's actually quite an accomplishment for me to sit here and continue typing out this post instead of running to the refrigerator and devouring the leftovers before Dean returns home from work.

Praline bread pudding with caramel ice cream ($6):

Chocolate cake ($5):

The frosting on this cake is sugary in an old-fashioned deli style.

Bottom Line: Great new restaurant makes it worth the drive to Marietta even for the most die-hard ITP Atlantan. This is true Southern cooking, done exceptionally well. Destined to be a favorite restaurant among Atlanta locals, it's a "must" dining destination when hosting any out-of-town guests.

Atlanta Insider's Tip: Mary Mac's Tea Room in Atlanta has been open since 1945 and has long served as the restaurant where locals take (or send) visitors for a taste of Southern food. That restaurant has a storied history, but the food there truly stinks. Chicken and the Egg is a far superior example of Southern cuisine. Do Atlanta's dining reputation a favor and send people there instead.

Glenn-tastic Deal

Stay in the Penthouse Suite at the Glenn Hotel in Midtown, Atlanta--and get more while paying less: Click for details.

It's a gorgeous room with a great view:

-Photos Courtesy Glenn Hotel

Glenn Hotel

As research for a story on Midtown Patch.com, I was invited to visit the Penthouse Suite at Glenn Hotel in Midtown, Atlanta.

As a travel writer, I've toured my share of suites, and this one is particularly nice. The pale green and blue color scheme is relaxing and peaceful, just what a luxurious hotel room needs to convey.

The bathroom is amazing, especially the inviting showpiece bathtub:

Travel as often as I do and you really start to appreciate the importance of upscale bath amenities:

The Glenn Bar and rooftop SkyLounge bar review has been moved:
http://getawaysforgrownups.com/hotel-restaurants/

Cafe 640

While researching a cocktail article for next year's Where Guestbook Atlanta, I visited Cafe 640.

My editor adores the grapefruit rosewater martini, so I wanted to try it:

The drink is refreshing, and if you enjoy ruby red grapefruit flavor, then odds are you'll love it:

Although it is quite tasty, this cocktail is pretty simple. Grapefruit juice completely dominates the flavor, there is no complexity or balance. (It would, in my opinion, be improved by at least swapping gin for the vodka.) The small amount of rosewater--if you can sense it at all--adds only a fleeting whiff of aroma. But many folks (including my editor) LOVE this cocktail and it has won some awards (I have no idea which ones). It's good but in my opinion not great.

The cheeseburger and fries at Cafe 640, however, make my list of great bar foods. The fries in particular are divine and addictive:

The French Dip was equally yummy whether dipped in horseradish cream or au jus:

The limoncello was excellent, with just enough sweet to take the edge off the tart lemon flavor:

This cranberry bread pudding was excellent, but I was surprised to see it on a summer menu since it seemed to scream fall flavors--it must be very popular with regulars:

Bottom Line: Excellent food and drinks. If you haven't yet been to Cafe 640, add it to your "must go" list. If you've already been, odds are it's among your favorite haunts.

Stella Rosa Wines

Stella Rosa wines were introduced to the marketplace approximately eight years ago by Los Angeles' San Antonio Winery "in response to consumer requests for high-quality, slightly sweet and fruity everyday wine," says winery representative Dienna D'Olimpio. "These semi-sparkling wines are made from the finest grapes found in the rich vineyards of Northern Italy."

Imperiale Moscato Rose:

Boasting light effervescence and mild sweetness, this wine offers notes of white peach, raspberry and rose petals.

Stella Rosa Rosso:

Light bubbles dance across the tongue carrying flavors of fresh strawberry jam, grape juice and a hint of basil.

Bottom Line: Two enjoyable summer sips that pair equally well with platters of antipasti or a porch swing and a cool breeze. Thumbs up.

Designated as a historical landmark in 1965, San Antonio Winery is Los Angeles' only working winery. Founded in 1917 by Santo Cambianica, the winery is still family-owned and operated, with three generations of Santo's descendants carrying on the tradition.

For more information visit www.riboliwines.com.

Briza

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