Inside Savannah’s new Lucia Pasta Bar at the former Starland Dairy
A first look inside the new Lucia Pasta Bar by owner/chef Kyle Jacovino at the former Starland Dairy.
Alcohol license hearings during Savannah City Council meetings are sometimes filled with political drama that can appear personal at times, but they also give a sense of what restaurants might be close to opening. The most recent spate of approvals at the Aug. 14 meeting are heartening as long-awaited establishments gain some traction.
Among them, Darling Oyster Bar at 27 Montgomery St., the Charleston transplant on Franklin Square received its alcohol license with Sunday sales five years after first announcing its intentions to open in Savannah. Known for its lobster rolls, oyster shooters and boozy brunches, the Darling completely revitalized the rough space that once held the whimsically bizarre Universal Trading Co. We’re waiting for an opening announcement soon.
In the yellow house at 9 W. 43rd St., that once held Troupial, brothers Josh and Michael Sexton share their family heritage through food with an authentic neighborhood Irish pub. Along with cold pints, The Sexton promises traditional fare such as bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, and fish and chips along with Irish potato pancakes and a curry-infused spice bag. The Sexton is set to open its doors in September.
Broadening its Starland portfolio, Southern Cross Hospitality’s Fishbar, 2218 Bull St., just got its grill―the centerpiece of its pre-industrial, open-fire concept―delivered and a little more than a week later its alchol license came through.
A few blocks north, the Savannah Wine Institute, 602 E. Henry St., will now have catering capabilities to provide classes and events off premises, including its Intro to Wines course that is certified by the Wine and Spirit Education Trust.
Award-winning barbecue joint changes hands
On Aug. 21, Nate Shaffer announced that he and his wife Melinda had sold Wiley’s Championship BBQ to Eric and Rachel Traub. The Shaffers moved to West Palm Beach, Fla. in early 2024 to focus on sports management, after having helmed the award-winning barbecue joint for six years, purchasing the establishment, its sauces and spice mixes following the death of founder Wiley McCrary in 2018. The Traubs come from a long line of restaurateurs.
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Dining and Cooking