The importance of an afternoon siesta, especially when on vacation, is something that has escaped the hustling and bustling of this country’s habit. We partake of it whenever we find ourselves on vacation, as much for Andy’s back as for its own restorative properties. In Savannah, it’s a natural fit, so after returning from the Mercer House, on an early afternoon that hinted at sunlight but hesitated at every turn, we tumbled into bed (as soon as the DeSoto deigned to clean the room ~ Southern time is ever-unrushed) and rested up for a dinner at Elizabeth’s on 37thand a night-time tour of one of Savannah’s most haunted spots.
Along with the siesta, another hallmark of our Savannah adventure was the perfect proliferation of fancy cocktails and intoxicating libations. Southerners know the importance of a proper drink, and how to prepare them. They also allow you a to-go cup, which is permissible so long as it’s covered. What an ingenious idea! We didn’t seem to leave enough in our glasses to ever partake of the tradition, but in Savannah it felt so much classier than Las Vegas or New Orleans. (It’s how these things are done that makes all the difference.)
Certain restaurants are institutions, and in Savannah one of those is Elizabeth’s on 37th. While the Pink House was still under renovation after a fire this past winter, Elizabeth’s was more than a substitute ~ it stands proudly on its own, its quaint setting rivaled only by its stupendous culinary offerings. Easily the best meal we would have while in town, it was also one of the most fun, thanks to a cadre of servers who were as warm and friendly as they were swift and helpful.
We sat at a table looking onto the side yard, where a fig tree was strung with Edison bulbs and the suddenly-blue sky turned to indigo…
