diary of a MAD HUNGRY WOMAN

The adventures of a Mad Hungry Woman

  • Home
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Delish Dish
  • Anecdotes
  • Sponsored
  • Newsworthy
  • ABOUT MHW
    • FULL BIO

The new feel of Savannah Chop House

September 14, 2015 Mad Hungry Woman Leave a Comment

It has been quite some time since my last visit to Savannah Chop House — before Executive Chef Chris Tzorin left for Tortilla Republic. I never dined at Savannah while Chris was away, but now that he’s back at the helm, we decide it is time to pay him a visit. This is also one of the last few remaining places where you’ll be able to sit in nostalgic red booths while enjoying a meal of classic comfort dishes.

DSC08307

Chef Chris stops by the table donned in his signature red chef’s coat. He looks well considering the tragedy he’s had to endure during the last few months. However, through it all, his energy is positive and there is a sense of calm and humility surrounding him. We chat briefly before he makes his way back into the kitchen, promising he’ll be back later in the evening to see how we’re doing.

The menu is slightly different, with more small plate offerings than I remember. I am happy about that as it means I am able to order a bigger variety of dishes to try. We begin with Fried Calamari ($10), coated in a buttermilk batter and fried until crispy. It is tender on the inside and is great with the chipotle tartar dipping sauce it is served with. However, a squeeze of lemon is really all you need because it is perfectly seasoned as is.

calamari

My dining companion is eyeing the Pork Belly Cornbread ($8) and I do not object. I am quite keen on cornbread tonight and this does not disappoint. The house-made roasted corn dots the cornbread and each bite is deliciously comforting. The Goose Island beer-braised pork belly is served on one side of the cornbread, and on the other, a bundle of sauteed spinach. It is a meal in itself should you be looking for something to nibble on with a glass of wine or two.

cornbread

Next is Soft Shell Crab ($12), another favorite regardless of where I am at. The crab is battered with a crispy exterior. Bite into it to expose the piping hot moist interior. I especially like the shredded Asian cabbage slaw which cleanses the palate between bites.

soft shell crab

One of the biggest surprises of the night is Grilled Romaine ($9), topped with pumpkin seeds, pico de gallo and drizzled with a pumpkin seed dressing. Quite frankly, I do not even need the accoutrements on top as the romaine is tremendous on its own. The char gives the vegetables a beautiful smokiness, with a hint of bitterness I find utterly appealing. It might not be for everyone, but it definitely whet my appetite for more. I love cooked vegetables, especially those mirroring stir-fry style — not completely cooked through, but just wilted enough that it takes that bite of raw out, but still retaining the crunch I am looking for.

grilled romaine

I have only heard of the Fried Chicken ($19) here and therefore, is definitely long overdue in my book. Two very tender and moist chicken breasts are beautifully executed with a crunchy coating which is not at all greasy. In fact, it is so good I want to go back and eat it again very soon. The spinach and mashed potatoes are good sides, but the chicken alone is so mind-blowingly tasty I don’t need anything other than the thyme gravy it is served with. It’s going to be a tough choice between this and the Beef Stroganoff on future visits — THE best I’ve had in Orange County.

fried chicken

Voodoo Flat Iron ($26) is an ideal selection for meat lovers. The steak is presented at a perfect medium rare and well-seasoned. The jalapeno cheddar scalloped potatoes is rich, cheesy, and to-die-for, while Cajun succotash offers a hint of sweetness to counter the kick from the spices.

voodoo steak

I definitely noticed something different in the meal tonight, something which wasn’t as apparent on my last visit. There is obvious maturity in the dishes, both in execution and presentation. Everything is good… REALLY good. If you haven’t dined at Savannah in a while, it is time to go back. I leave that evening with the feeling that all is right again, and that Chef Chris is right where he belongs. He is at a good space and it is noticeable in his demeanor and in everything we eat tonight.

Savannah Chop House
32441 Golden Lantern
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Tel: 949-493-7107

Food, Orange County classic food, comfort food, food, neighborhood restaurant, Orange County, restaurant

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Socialize with me:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Blog Updates via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

About Me

This blog is a journal of mostly my eating adventures, but also, other things I'm passionate about, including travel, the arts, and also, necessities to complete my life. Centered predominantly in and around Orange County, CA, some will extend to Los Angeles, San Diego and beyond. I am constantly searching for delicious food to eat and fun things to do, nothing is out of bounds. Sometimes it doesn't end well, but I can definitely say, it will always be an interesting journey.

Search my adventures

Affiliations:

LDEI

Recent Posts

  • seafood galore in Mexico City
  • A at Crystal Cove
  • Ear buds that are truly noise canceling
  • Le Shrimp Ramen revamped
  • Old Vine Kitchen & Bar: weekend brunch

Archives

Categories

Lifestyles & Happenings

Goodbye 2020, Welcome 2021

Delish Dish

DELISH DISH: wild boar chili

DELISH DISH: tempura cauliflower

DELISH DISH: Crab Congee

Newsworthy

Ear buds that are truly noise canceling

delectable date-sweetened chocolates from Dateolate

spiked coffee at your fingertips

Copyright © 2023 · Daily Dish Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in