Hidden Savannah

Wow! The only word I could utter for about two hours. Then the phrase, "Who would have thought?" A friend recommended that we check out this place of business. I'm game. So, I threaten all the kids and load them in the car for a little adventure. Who knows might be interesting. We weave our way through the streets of Savannah and end up in the parking lot of some obscure, very nondescript business park. I looked at the kids and they all groaned in unison. Maybe I read the directions wrong. Nope there's the name of the business above the door. Benedetto. Nothing flashy. Really nothing worth noting. We got to the door and the sign by the bell states, "By appointment only." I knew we were in for a treat. Just how cool, I could have never guessed.

Inside Benedetto. We are escorted into an office/meeting room. Lined on two walls hang the most marvelous archtop guitars I have ever seen. Let me state for the record, that I know nothing of guitars and really don't have a particular fancy for them...until now. A very polite gentleman gives us a brief history of the making of guitars and names the gentlemen who are responsible for what we see today. (Les Paul, Orville Gibson, Leo Fender, Robert Benedetto)

Our tour guide, Mr. Howard Paul, begins to show us the Benedetto archtops. All handmade of the finest woods from all over the world. Wow! Mr. Paul begins to pluck the strings and then break out these jazz runs up and down the neck of this little lovely to demonstrate the pure, unrestrained sound that only a Benedetto archtop can produce. I got teary eyed. It was powerful. I know less about jazz than I do about guitars. My jaw dropped. I looked at the kids and they were on the edge of their chairs with the same ecstatic look as me. This is no easy feat when it comes to a 14, 15 and 17 year old. Just when I thought I could not be shocked any further, Mr. Paul, then lets us know that Robert Benedetto makes all his guitars right here in this building. Really?

Now the next stage of the tour begins. Mr. Paul takes us through little hallways and doors to reveal wonder and magic. Yes, the place is magic. Best tour of our lives. All agreed without threats. The wee ones even thanked our host and later me for taking them. Did I already say, wow. Oh, forgot to mention that we got to meet a very gracious Mr. Robert Benedetto. If you get a chance make an appointment. www.benedettoguitars.com Check out my photos from the adventure, they say it better.

This is a place that you don't want to bring your mother to. Only because you will be arrested for abuse, because this is "smack your momma" cuisine. This is life changing cuisine. You're going to walk away asking yourself "why have I eaten anywhere else?" "Why didn't my mother feed me this?" "Did my mother not love me?"

My first reveal is Wiley's BBQ. Mr. Wiley is no secret to the BBQ world. He has won so many awards for his food it is down right embarrassing. This little gem is located in a strip center, so don't miss it. So many treats so little time. I recommend Roman style eating here...that is gorge and purge. I know that is pretty gross, but take a few a bites and you will understand. This is serious throwdown, so don't even play. Brisket, Mac & Cheese, pulled pork, homemade sauces, banana pudding**** (my personal favorite, made me miss my grandmaw), bourbon breadpudding, sweet tea and sooooo much more. They are also opened for dinner 4 nights a week closing from 3-5 between lunch and dinner.

This is a "run don't walk" gastric treat. Johnny has been serving hot and tasty treats for some time. Many of the SCAD students already know about this one. It has been my experience that if the students are going there, you should too. Lasagna, sausage, meatpie etc. tempt even the vegans. Wonderful vegies can be found here as well. Try the tea...southern sweetness meets South African Rooibos. It's a beautiful thing!