Marty's HHI Restaurant Thread [Ongoing - Post #896 Update]

[Steve A]

Zunzi’s, a longtime Savannah sandwich shop, announced Monday that it would be opening one of its beach-themed Zunzibar locations on Hilton Head Island later this year. A specific location on Hilton Head was not part of the announcement. The Hilton Head plans are part of a three-restaurant franchise deal with businessman Tom Horton, who was Five Guys’ largest franchisee with 97 stores across seven states, a news release said. These inaugural franchise locations also will showcase a new operating model with the Zunzibar brand front and center, according to the release. “Moving forward, our brick-and-mortar locations will feature Zunzibar as a full-service restaurant with a full menu and bar, utilizing the best aspects of our fast-casual operation, all the speed and efficiency of a fast-casual restaurant in a sit-down, dine-in setting,” Zunzi’s and Zunzibar owner Chris Smith said. The Zunzi’s branding will continue to be on the takeout and delivery aspects of the business. “If you order takeout from us or order delivery through Uber Eats, you’re dealing with Zunzi’s. But when you come in and dine with us, you’re at Zunzibar,” Smith said. TOP VIDEOS Zunzi’s opened in Savannah in 2005, and Smith purchased the restaurant in 2014. Zunzi’s opened in Atlanta in 2018, and moved to a new location in Savannah, on Drayton Street, and added Zunzibar. Last year, a free-standing Zunzibar opened on Tybee Island. Zunzi’s Conquistador, a sandwich with chicken, provolone and parmesan, lettuce, tomato, and a house dressing called “S--- Yeah! Sauce,” has been listed among the nation’s best sandwiches by Thrillist, People magazine, Mental Floss, Buzzfeed and Men’s Journal. In addition to the lineup of sandwiches, the restaurant’s menu also includes bar bites, wings and bowls.

Read more at: https://www.islandpacket.com/news/business/article287081345.html#storylink=cpy

 

[Steve A]

From Tio’s


I guess we’re going against the grain here, but we’re going to serve food until 10pm. We’ve been busy and this island needs it.
Spread the word.

 

[jme]

Went to Tio's Latin American Kitchen this evening, and hands down it's the best Mexican food on the island by far,
and of course they have many additional Latin American dishes as advertised. The menu is huge and it's going to be tough to choose something
every time you visit because everything looks wonderful.
The restaurant also has a clean, modern, decorative and fun decor, and to top that off, great service. Definitely a cut above the typical Mexican places.

This time wife had the Chicken Fajita---she loved it. I had the Ribeye Steak Fajita, and it was delicious, and they certainly give generous portions.
I usually have no problem finishing off my meals, but this time I had to order extra tortillas to take home, and those will be enjoyed as lunch tomorrow.
I'm sure we have enough ingredients to make 3-4 more fajitas.
We are now back at our beloved Grande Ocean, and we're still talking about how great the meal was. If you visit Tio's you won't be disappointed.
I'm sure SteveA (post above) will attest to this.

Large seating areas at both ends of the restaurant, plus bar seating and ample outside seating.

Note the steamy cloud arising from the fajitas!!!!!

 

[DeeCee]

Okay, so I'm looking at the Jazz Corner over the next few days and I only see a stage side table for my date, also a 9:00 p.m. show only.
Is there a reason why I would not want a 9:00 p.m. show or, more specifically, a stage side table? We are a party of 4 (retirees) for age reference.

Thanks for your help. Also, I am allergic to seafood, barring that, any recommendations of where we should go if Jazz Corner doesn't work out?
We do have a few musts on our list...Frankie Bones, One Hot Mama's (love the chocolate ribs and margarita's), Wise Guys, Dockside...as you can see we are "middle of the road" diners, but would like one or two finer places. We did eat at Ela's on the Water last year and loved it, would do it again, but would prefer something we haven't tried before. (We have been to Jazz Corner and do want to return).

Thanks,
Dee

 

[gsb]

Okay, so I'm looking at the Jazz Corner over the next few days and I only see a stage side table for my date, also a 9:00 p.m. show only.
Is there a reason why I would not want a 9:00 p.m. show or, more specifically, a stage side table? We are a party of 4 (retirees) for age reference.

Thanks for your help. Also, I am allergic to seafood, barring that, any recommendations of where we should go if Jazz Corner doesn't work out?
We do have a few musts on our list...Frankie Bones, One Hot Mama's (love the chocolate ribs and margarita's), Wise Guys, Dockside...as you can see we are "middle of the road" diners, but would like one or two finer places. We did eat at Ela's on the Water last year and loved it, would do it again, but would prefer something we haven't tried before. (We have been to Jazz Corner and do want to return).

Thanks,
Dee

No reason to avoid a 9:00 show. In regard to tables, while I prefer the center section the side tables are perfectly fine. sight lines are good. Each couple will be seated side by side and will share a small table. You won’t be able to talk much to the other couple but once the music starts there’s not much need for conversation

We were at Jazz Corner most recently Sunday night and always enjoy it. if not there, we always enjoy Michael Anthony’s, Alfred’s, and Sage Room for a good night out.

 

[DeeCee]

Thanks so much!

 

[JIMinNC]

Okay, so I'm looking at the Jazz Corner over the next few days and I only see a stage side table for my date, also a 9:00 p.m. show only.
Is there a reason why I would not want a 9:00 p.m. show or, more specifically, a stage side table? We are a party of 4 (retirees) for age reference.

Thanks for your help. Also, I am allergic to seafood, barring that, any recommendations of where we should go if Jazz Corner doesn't work out?
We do have a few musts on our list...Frankie Bones, One Hot Mama's (love the chocolate ribs and margarita's), Wise Guys, Dockside...as you can see we are "middle of the road" diners, but would like one or two finer places. We did eat at Ela's on the Water last year and loved it, would do it again, but would prefer something we haven't tried before. (We have been to Jazz Corner and do want to return).

Thanks,
Dee

We prefer the 9pm show at the Jazz Corner. We try to get an 8:00 or 8:15 seating. The early seatings are just too early for us and we have to vacate by 7:45 or so.

We fondly remember the pre-Covid days when there was only one dinner seating and you could stay through the intermission and take in the second half of the show. The second half was first come first served since some people left at intermission. Now they do two seatings for dinner.

The stage-side tables are great. Unobstructed view.

 

[DeeCee]

How long is the show?

 

[JIMinNC]

How long is the show?

9:00 show generally wraps around 10:30-10:40

 

[DeeCee]

Thanks!

 

[Steve A]

Four Beaufort County food businesses were cited with “B” grades in March health inspections by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control:

Island Bagel, 17 Sherrington Drive in Bluffton, scored a 91% (B) on March 14 in a followup inspection. This percentage normally would merit an A grade, but inspectors downgraded it because of the failure to correct issues cited in a report on March 4. Here are the issues listed: The hand-washing sink was blocked by equipment; the line prep cooler was unable to hold cold foods at the proper temperature; the facility was offering undercooked eggs without a safety advisory on its menu; and the unisex restroom did not have a covered receptacle. The restaurant was reinspected on March 21 and scored a 100% (A).

Ocean Resort, 23 Ocean Lane on Hilton Head Island, scored an 84% (B) on March 6 in a routine inspection. Issues noted by inspectors included: Shell stock tags were not marked for the last date sold; beef tenderloins were stored directly on top of raw fish; a pan of crab cakes and a pan of raw beef were stored directly above ready-to-eat salad items; there were issues with cold-food holding temperatures; multiple ready-to-eat foods were held past the seven-day discard date; the facility is reduced oxygen packaging for storage, cook/chill, and fermentation/pickling without prior approval; wet wiping cloths were being used as a cover and in direct contact with ready-to-eat salad lettuce; and there was a heavy accumulation of lime build-up in the mechanical ware washing machine and on the attached drain board. The restaurant was reinspected on March 15 and scored a 100% (A).

The Drydock Seafood and Spirits, 840 William Hilton Pkwy. on Hilton Head Island, scored an 84% (B) on March 6 in a routine inspection. Issues noted by inspectors included: Shell stock tags were not marked for the last date sold; the mechanical dish machine did not have chlorine; utensils and equipment stored as clean were actually unclean to both sight and touch; food items were held past the seven-day mark for disposition; packages of raw beef were thawing on the counter at ambient temperature; the screen of kitchen back door is damaged, the kitchen door is not self closing and does not form a tight seal when closed; cutting boards on the hot line are deeply scored, stained and no longer easily cleanable; and floor tiles on the hot line were broken or missing. The restaurant was reinspected on March 15 and scored a 99% (A). d scored a 100%

(A). WHAT THE GRADES MEAN Inspectors hand out a grade of A, B or C, depending on the conditions found at the time. Points are docked for a variety of infractions, and restaurants have a chance to correct the problems and improve their score. A: 88% to 100% B: 78% to 87% C: 77% or less During March 2024, DHEC recorded 168 inspections of restaurants, schools, stores and other food establishments in Beaufort County and 30 in Jasper County. The agency publishes the results of these health inspections on its website. Newer food grade decals include a QR code that customers can scan with their phones to see a food establishment’s latest report.

The fourth one was Ryan's Pizza in Beaufort.

Read more at: https://www.islandpacket.com/news/business/article287593835.html#storylink=cpy

 

[Big Matt]

DeeCee, the Jazz Corner is really small. Any seat will be close to the stage.

 

[DeeCee]

DeeCee, the Jazz Corner is really small. Any seat will be close to the stage.

Thx. We had been there some years ago. I remember it being small, and that all tables are close to the stage. That being said, I opted for further away then the table at the stage on a different night. Should be fun!

Dee

 

[vail]

anyone know anything about Chez Georges?

 

[jme]

anyone know anything about Chez Georges?

me.

(see info in my list.....restaurant is highly rated, Chez Georges is definitely a different type of place at Hilton Head)

1.Website: https://chezgeorgeshhi.com/

2. Menu: pricey for sure but very very good.

3. Click on this link below and then click on "PHOTOS" in picture on right:

chez georges - Google Search

@ Vail, if we're ever there at the same time, I'll drive you over and we'll have a superb dinner.

 

[JIMinNC]

anyone know anything about Chez Georges?

We have dined there once. It was excellent and we will go back.

 

[jme]

We have dined there once. It was excellent and we will go back.

I can safely say that JIMinNC's validation is about as good as I could hope to get.
Chez Georges has easily earned a spot on my list, and is definitely worth checking out
for anyone who wants an excellent and different type of dining experience at Hilton Head.

 

[Luvtoride]

Marty,have you reviewed The Sage restaurant on Polk here?
A friend who lives in HHI told me about it and I don’t remember ever being there or hearing about it. He said it’s one of the best on the island.
Thanks,


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jme]

Marty,have you reviewed The Sage restaurant on Polk here? ???
A friend who lives in HHI told me about it and I don’t remember ever being there or hearing about it. He said it’s one of the best on the island.
Thanks,


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi Brian,
I believe you are referring to The Sage Room off Pope Avenue
(located basically in front of the new Marriott Courtyard, about two blocks from the Coligny traffic circle).
Yes, it's been reviewed by me and stands firmly at the top of the heap---- has always been one of the top favorites.
Easily a Top 5 restaurant on the island, and on my list it's placed in the first position under "Fine Dining".
Since the top few places are all superb, each could be considered as THE best restaurant on the island, depending only on one's preferences (food type and other variables).
They are all that good, simply "different". Sage Room, Alfred's, Michael Anthony, Ombra, Crane's Tavern, The Studio, etc etc.----all are great.

(BTW, you probably haven't heard about it because they don't advertise.....one of those that is frequented mostly by locals and discerning guests who "just know".
But it's always been on my list and given proper attention.)

 

[Luvtoride]

Marty, you are right as always and my best source for HHI dining (and other) information. Thanks for the clarification and review. We will have to try it on our next trip. I hear we need to make reservations well in advance.
I will have to brush up on your lists and latest scoop on the dining scene on the Island. It’s been way too long since we’ve been there.

We are finally going back to HHI in September with friends who have NOT been there before. I am booking our flights today. We are now able to fly directly into HHH airport from Newark on United vs. flying to SAV.
Hope all is well with you and your family. Have a great summer!

 

[JIMinNC]

Tried a brand new place (for us) last night here in HHI. Taste of Europe. Located in the Home Goods shopping center on 278 at Matthews Drive. They bill themselves as Hungarian food. I had the best Beef Stroganoff I think I've ever had, and my wife said her wiener schnitzel was as good as what we ate last summer in Germany and Austria. Also enjoyed the Deviled Eggs appetizer.

https://www.tasteofeuropehhi.com

Also, on Friday night we went to Holy Tequila and discovered they are no longer a part of SERG Group. So we couldn't use our SERG VIP 25% food discount. The menu is still the same, but no more SERG benefits.

 

[jme]

Tried a brand new place (for us) last night here in HHI. Taste of Europe. Located in the Home Goods shopping center on 278 at Matthews Drive. They bill themselves as Hungarian food. I had the best Beef Stroganoff I think I've ever had, and my wife said her wiener schnitzel was as good as what we ate last summer in Germany and Austria. Also enjoyed the Deviled Eggs appetizer.

https://www.tasteofeuropehhi.com

Also, on Friday night we went to Holy Tequila and discovered they are no longer a part of SERG Group. So we couldn't use our SERG VIP 25% food discount. The menu is still the same, but no more SERG benefits.

Thanks for that....
Can't remember if I've mentioned Taste of Europe just in conversation with others (I know it's not on the list yet though, as we haven't been there yet),
but it sure sounds good.
I like their menu and the reviews have been very good. It adds a totally new type of cuisine and that's awesome.
I did talk to my good friend "jont" about that place a few months ago only in passing, and we agree we need to go.
We're headed to Grande Ocean for 2 weeks in June, and with a nod to JIMinNC (thanks!), I am absolutely going there.
Beef Stroganoff? (How did you know?) One of my all-time favorites, but I seldom see it on a menu.

I have it ready to add, along with Tio's which we adore,
and especially The Bluffton Room which I now consider one of the premier restaurants anywhere around.
We HAVE been there 3 times, and it's fantastic....immediately it's in my top 3.....and among the first choices for a wonderful evening out,
and highly recommended for a special occasion!!!
Tripadvisor rates it "Top 10% of restaurants worldwide" which is a pretty weighty plug.

P.S.... I'd take Tio's over Holy Tequila anyday......we liked Holy Tequila initially but later decided we didn't anymore.
Gotta make that adjustment in my recommendations. Probably why SERG took them out, too....

 

[JIMinNC]

Finally tried another one of Marty's recommendations for the first time last week - The Sage Room. It was outstanding. Can't believe we've never tried it after all these years. We've become accustomed to making our reservations on OpenTable and Resy, so since The Sage Room is telephone reservations-only, we've tended forget about it. Great choice to celebrate my wife's birthday.

 

[NJVacation61]

Heading to HH the last week of August. Can anyone comment on the crowds/lines to get into some of the more popular restaurants that time of year?
I have only been to HH in April/May when it was still quiet so wondering if we will see big summer crowds or the fact we are into hurricane season will make wait times reasonable. TIA!

 

[Big Matt]

Crowds are much less than true summer season, but not like the off season. The big difference is you won't have as many parties of 6 or more with herds of kids.