Savannah Georgia Culinary Travel
Learning to Cook Low Country Cuisine with Seasoned Chefs
Feb 12, 2009
According to the Travel Industry Association, One-fifth of U.S. leisure travelers plan their destinations based on food and drink. There are many reasons to visit Savannah including the history, well-preserved architecture, outstanding museums and art galleries and a plethora of superb dining options and accommodations. This cul-de-sac-sized city is home to hands-on cooking schools along with Dine & Watch options.
Chef Darin Sehnert leads one of the most entertaining and instructional hands-on classes at The 700 Kitchen Cooking School at the Mansion on Forsyth Park. "No grits, no cake" is his cri de coeur and students are quick to devour his creamy grits with the ultimate goal being the Pecan Praline Angel Food Cake. With a mischievous grin, Chef Sehnert says that "the Pecan Glaze constitutes Georgia's four major food groups: butter, flour, maple syrup and pecans - just add bacon for a full day's nutrients." Classes are $90 per person.
Chef Joe Randall's cooking school is located in a one-room cottage, just outside the historic district. A u-shaped counter serves as seating for students and the friendliest man born above the Mason-Dixon line teaches everything from the basics to the ins and outs of southern cooking. One-pot meals are a southern staple and Chef Randall's Purlu stew elevates these dishes to a gourmet standing. Prices range from $70 for a single class to $325 for a series.
Kitchens on the Square is an intriguing shop for cooking paraphernalia that features group and private classes priced from $25 for "Lunch & Learn" with Amberley Stewart, Director of the cooking school and guest chefs. The classes are demonstrations not hands-on and include everything from regional cuisine to French, Heart Healthy and seasonal options.
Savannah is home to the second largest St. Patrick's Day parade (Boston hosts the largest with 800,000 attendees) and the 185th edition this year is predicted to bring 400,000 visitors for its 3-hour celebration with marching bands, floats and other festivities. Kitchenware Outfitters of Savannah contributes to the celebration with a class taught by Chef Nick Mueller in the art of St. Pat's Day Appetizers, priced at $45. Classes, some are Lunch & Learn, are taught by local chefs. Cuisines include Low-Country cooking, Indian, Japanese, Cajun, Mediterranean, French and Spanish Cuisine along with holiday-driven classes and participants will receive a 10% discount on the various equipment and other goodies sold in the store.
"Secrets are things old men die with," says Wiley McCrary, owner along with wife Janet, of Wiley's Championship BBQ. The restaurant is located ten minutes from the Historic District of Savannah and half way to Tybee Island. Chef Wiley is slated to share his well-honed recipes and teach the art of grilling and smoking meats at Kitchen Ware Outfitters and at cooking programs at the Westin Hotel across the Savannah River. "I'm glad to share my secrets because everyone adds their own touch," said Wiley.
According to author Harriet Van Horne, "Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all." If culinary vacations are not appetizing take note that Savannah is a walking city replete with museums, ghost tours, lush parks and squares, antiques and collectibles and is one of the few remaining locales that bubbles over with genuine Southern hospitality and charm.
Culinary Travel to Savannah highlights the region’s cooking style along with world cuisine and basic cooking skills for the novice to the professional chef. Visits are best planned in conjunction with the city’s annual events including the international film festival, the book fair and the upcoming Johnny Mercer Centennial celebration. A complete list of annual events, accommodations and sight seeing suggestions is available through the Convention & Visitors Bureau.
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