For many of us, one of the best things about going on vacation is not having to cook. But to those who love to cook, we love you. And sometimes the best gift is to arrive at your vacation home, walk in the door, turn on the light, go to the kitchen and see that everything is all ready for you to cook a delicious meal. It truly makes it feel like you’re coming home.
So with no time to waste, we wish to provide a condensed yet concise list of where you can fulfill that need fast! Remember, whenever you are in charge of the provisions, more is better and when possible, planning ahead makes everything easier.
Smith Brothers Butcher Shop
535 E. Liberty Street
912-239-4512
A newcomer- but not really. Established in 1924, this local favorite has been providing superior hand-cut choice and better cuts of meat to Savannah residents for almost 100 years. After serving the Skidaway Island community for many years they are now in their gorgeous new location on Liberty Street.
Handsome black awnings frame a white stucco exterior, accented with reclaimed wood and a soft green door. Walk inside to find yourself in a gleaming white subway tiled, cement floored, Carrara marbled emporium of all things delicious.
The pristine meat counter at the front of the store showcases cuts of meat that are abundant and intriguing; Chuck eye, London broil, Sirloin tip, Ground round, Sierra steak, Chopped sirloin, Gourmet burgers, Lean beef stew meat, Oxtail, Beef short ribs, Flank steak, Top sirloin, T-bone, Cowboy steaks, NY strips, Filets...and that’s just the beef counter, there is also pork, chicken, seafood, and more! Matt, Antony, Jesse and Willie are your humble servants (the butchers). They will guide you to the perfect selection and give you tips on cooking should you need them.
You can round out your meal with fresh vegetables, herbs, fungi, pasta, rice, and grain. The prepared food section ala Abigail (the Chef on staff) offers a meal to go- with options which change every day. You can purchase dinner by the piece and by the pound.
The wine department’s inventory draws on their 27 plus years of experience serving the Skidaway and Landings communities. Gary, the wine man, knows a few things about vino. They also have Meade, Ale, Sherry, Port, Sake, and Champagne.
This handsome new butcher shop brings quality and convenience to the East Broad Street corridor. They are ready to accommodate your pre-vacation order and delivery is available. Just call the shop and let the good times roll.
Parker’s Market
222 Drayton Street
912-233-1000
If you are staying in the central area of the historic district, (Abercorn, Bull, Drayton, Liberty) be sure and check out Parker’s. You might recognize the name from the gas stations around town, because it’s owned by the same company. This location however has a totally different feel. It’s like a little Willy Wonka in Savannah.
Airlines lost your bags? NO WORRIES. Parker’s can quickly fix you up with beach and town appropriate apparel- lots of floaty scarves, sun hats, dreamy tunics and boho accessories, And for the guys- t-shirts.
In terms of provisions, they stock everything from European chocolates like Baci, Scharffen Berger, Ghirardelli, Toblerone, Lindt, Chocolove XOXO, to tea and biscuits from England, Charcuterie and imported cheeses from France, Spain, Italy and more, offer four flavors of brewed coffee, pastries and muffins, cookies and cheesecake, an entire case of prepared food to go, and a dairy case stocked with yogurt, milk, cream and eggs and butter.
If you just want snacks for the gang there is plenty to choose from in the salty, savory, and crunchy categories and a big cooler full of beer as well as plenty of wine and mixers to stock the bar. They’ve also recently added a few taps behind the counter so you can purchase “growlers”, to-go versions of draft beers as well. Rounding out the convenience is an ATM, the New York Times and the Savannah newspapers and magazines.
If you have a healthy bank account and not much time, you would do well to do your shopping there. Let’s just say that for the rest of us, it’s a great place to indulge in some European delicacies or a fancy coffee once in a while.
Johnnie Ganem Winery and Package Store
501 Habersham Street
This is the Legendary Liquor Store-- if not mentioned in “The Book”, (Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil) certainly in the movie. If you are in the neighborhood it’s a classic, serving Savannah for over 70 years.
Johnnie’s provides everything you’d need to get the party started including a really fantastic selection of bourbon and plenty of craft beers. They are also known for their extensive wine knowledge, so be sure to ask if you’re not quite sure what you’re in the mood for.
Kroger
311 E. Gwinnett Street
912-231-2260
Impressively large, and recently remodeled, this store has all the departments and services you would expect from a national grocery chain. A welcome addition to the neighborhood with ample parking, Kroger has a massive deli/ prepared food section, a bakery, Kosher food, seafood, sushi, wine and beer, organic produce, and all the usual (cereal and milk, potato chips, sodas, etc.) A great place to stock up on serious provisions for a long weekend of fun and food and drink.
A Brighter Day Natural Foods
1102 Bull Street
912-236-4703
If you are lucky enough to find yourself near Forsyth Park, this is a great resource for natural foods right in the neighborhood. Coffees, teas, juices, elixirs, and herbal concoctions abound along with exotic soaps and incense, aroma therapeutic oils, and plenty of supplements. Their deli also has great prepared sandwiches and lunch options. Right next door is the Sentient Bean, a local coffee spot and restaurant where you can also pick up baked goods and organic fair-trade coffee. Both stores are on the Bohemian side of life and oh so comfortable. Feeling jet lagged? Brighter Day and The Sentient Bean are the ticket. With their laid back vibe, yummy organic and herby smells, snag a sidewalk seat on all that’s going on in Forsyth Park.
So there you have it! Your quick guide to provisioning so on your first night you can kick back with your friends and enjoy your conversation instead of worrying about what’s cooking!