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Social- Tybee dining at it’s best!

admin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:57:48 +0000

Since it’s opening a few weeks ago I’ve now dined at the Tybee Island Social Club at least for 4 times and have yet to be disappointed. The moment you walk up the beachy chic décor immediately puts you on an island pace. The cuisine is what I would describe has upscale Mexican with some southern inspiration behind the dishes.

The menu consists of a variety of tacos including: a fish taco w/ bacon and pear puree, a chicken taco with watermelon relish, and even a tender duck taco. Starters include homemade salsas and guacamole served with fresh crispy tortilla chips and great sides like tradition southern style collard greens and sweet potato fries w/ chipotle aioli sauce. All are delicious and very inexpensive with tacos being in the $4.00 range.

I like that the menu is not extensive. I prefer when a chef sticks to a few really good dishes rather than trying to be everything to everyone. Going to larger chain restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory with 10 page menus put me in a panic! After 30 minutes of reviewing the menu you finally make your selection and then the moment the waiter goes by with someone else’s food that looks good the regret and indecision sinks in and there’s no going back at that point.

The set up at Social is an order at the hostess stand thing where after paying you’ll get a retro 45 single with your number on it. This small nostalgic touch brought my friend back to her 1960’s hey days! Upon sitting down we were greeted by my old friend and part owner Sarah whose background in interior design explained the beautiful décor of the restaurant. She explained that they’re starting to get in their groove and are dedicated to serving great food made from fresh ingredients.

I recommend starting with an appetizer to share with your buds and get a taco w/ a side for your entrée. I haven’t been for dinner and drinks yet, but am planning on it. They have a variety of unique cocktails made with fresh squeezed juices that sound fantastic!

I’m glad to have this new jewel of a restaurant here on Tybee as I think their fresh upscale cuisine at affordable prices will go over well with our visitors and residents. If you’re here on Tybee be sure to stop in and give Social a try. You won’t be disappointed.

Tybee Island Sea Kayak Races this Saturday

admin — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:36:04 +0000

The 12^th Annual Tybee Island Sea Kayak Races to benefit the Tybee Island Marine Science Center will take place this Saturday June 12^th.

There will be three races with staggered start times. The Tybee River Race (start time 8:30am) follows a 6 ½ mile course on the tidal river separating Tybee and Little Tybee Islands and is for those interested in testing their speed and endurance. The Little Tybee Challenge (start time 8:45am) follows an 8 mile course and is for those who want to challenge a full range of sea kayaking skills. This race will circumnavigate part of Little Tybee Island, passing through narrow tidal creeks, broad tidal rivers, open coastal areas, and two surf zones. The Race Across the River (start time 11:15am) held to give major sponsors an opportunity to compete for a grand prize.

Participants will meet at A-J’s Dockside, 1315 Chatham Ave., here on Tybee. Sign-in for the first 2 races will be from 7:15-8am. The fee for each race is $45 per person (ACA members – $40). Each participant will receive a t-shirt and a change to win in the raffle at the awards ceremony following the Race Across the River. Those interested in participating or for more information please visit TybeeMarineScience.org or call the Science Center at 912.786.5917.

Third Thursday with Megan Panther and Darryl Van Horne

admin — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:13:49 +0000

The popular Third Thursdays on Tybee continued on May 20^th with a performance by Megan Panther and Darryl Van Horne. The couple met when Darryl heard Megan perform in Miami. Megan describes Darryl as her mentor. They have performed together extensively in the Savannah area.

Darryl Van Horne, is a singer/songwriter with skill in guitar and keyboards. He says he was influenced by Van Morrison and Elton John. To begin the program, the dynamic Megan sang vocals of both Susan Tedeschi and Bonnie Raitt. Some original songs performed by the duo were country-western, “North 40” and “How to Write a Western Song.” Darryl performed some solos and they finished with reggae. The Third Thursdays will continue on June 17^th with the Viguba Trio and July 15^th with Jan Spillane. Mark your calendars for these events!

Fish Tacos A Tybee Tradition

admin — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:45:14 +0000

Grilled, blackened, fried anyway you serve them fish taco are one item on Tybee menus that I just can’t resist. About five years ago I tasted my first fish taco at the North Beach Grille and from that point on I’ve been on a quest to find the best fish taco. I have to say that Tybee offers up some great seafood and are gradually becoming connoisseurs of this spectacular dish.

The North Beach Grille fish taco featured lightly fried tilapia with a lovely pico de gallo and slaw tossed in refreshing vinaigrette. Really good stuff on a hot summer day. When North Beach Grille closed I felt perplexed and didn’t quite know what to do or how to find the next great fish taco. I then experienced Marlin Monroe’s who serves up many wonderful dishes, but the fish tacos are a specialty there. You’ve got to start off your meal with their unique shrimp cocktail served with pico de gallo and chunks of avocado. Yummy! Then experience the fish tacos served with hearty black beans and rice.

I thought maybe my good fish taco experience would end here, but boy was I wrong! Today brought with it not just sunshine, warm breezes and typical Tybee hospitality, but my first meal at Burton’s by the Beach. Now I must have driven by this quaint restaurant more than a dozen times on my way to the pier for an event, but I never stopped in. Upon hearing multiple positive reviews I decided to stop by. I was greeted by a friendly face and when asked what was good on the menu I got several recommendations. Of course, I already knew that the fish tacos were going to be my meal of choice, but I love to hear people talk about their food especially when they’re passionate about it. I could tell she was. As I waited for my food I took note of the nicely landscaped outdoor dining area which consists of a few picnic tables with umbrellas. All and all a pleasant environment.

When I got my fish tacos I immediately knew they were a winner. Fresh grilled fish, tomatoes, lettuce light chipotle cream sauce served in a soft tortilla lightly crisped on the edges. Oh it was heaven!!

So I guess the point I’m getting at is why bother with the Old el Paso taco kit (even though I do like that they are now making the taco shells you can actually put something in without the whole thing crumbling to a million pieces) when you can experience something as wonderful as a fish taco on Tybee. I’m sure they’re much healthier for you too.

SCAD Sand Arts Festival on Tybee this Friday

admin — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 17:13:19 +0000

Dust off your beach chair and come out to Tybee this Friday as The Savannah College of Art and Design’s School of Fine Arts, School of Foundation Studies and sculpture minor program presents the annual Sand Arts Festival on Tybee Island’s north beach near Tybee Lighthouse, 30 Meddin Drive, Friday, April 30, 10 a.m.-4.pm. (rain date May 14). Talented SCAD students and alumni compete in the festival and invite the public to attend this seaside celebration of creativity.

The Sand Arts Festival will feature competitions in sand castle design, sand sculpture, sand relief and wind sculpture. Contestants may work individually or in teams. Entries in the sand castle, sand sculpture and sand relief competitions are judged for creativity of concept and design, as well as excellence of craft and detail. Entries in the wind sculpture competition are evaluated according to structural development, surface decoration and ability to fly. SCAD faculty members judge all competitions.

Tybee Wine Festival- a superb occasion

admin — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:58:25 +0000

Last weekend was so beautiful and brought with it the much anticipated Tybee Wine Festival. On Friday the oyster and wine tasting at Marlin Monroe’s was a big hit! My family was in town from Augusta and headed over to Marlin Monroe’s right when they arrived on Tybee. They raved about the selection of oyster dishes that were served.

Their favorite was a fried oyster served with a lovely spoon presentation and finished with a Thai chili sauce. Oysters Rockefeller and oysters on the half shell were also on the menu and of course the star of the evening was the wine which was paired with the various oyster dishes.

On Saturday I headed down to Tybee early to hit the beach with my family which was wonderful and relaxing. In the afternoon we headed over to the Tybee Wine Festival at the Lighthouse grounds. The volunteers guided us to the right line and before we knew it we had our souvenir glasses, plates, complimentary insulated bag and we were ready to go.

Normally I’m more of a red wine drinker, but found that the white wines were just what the doctor ordered. The tapas were all delicious! I found myself drawn to the simple crostinis that Huc-A-Poo’s was serving up. They had a simple tomatoe, mozzarella and basil version and a walnut, goat cheese with a honey drizzle that were wonderful with the wines. Sundae Café definitely didn’t disappoint with pork tenderloin on a sweet potato biscuit with orange marmalade. Yummy!

After making a lap around the various tents we sat down and watched Mary Davis and Company perform. Their music was the perfect backdrop for this event, very mellow and not too loud. Mary has a beautiful voice and they even played a couple of songs incorporating the mandolin which is one of my favorite instruments.

After making another lap to make sure we didn’t miss anything we left feeling extremely relaxed and completely satisfied. Thanks to the Friends of the Tybee Theater for making this event so wonderful and a big thank you to the Tybee Island Police Department for keeping our residents and visitors safe. You all deserve a big pat on the back! Can’t wait for next year!

Third Thursday On Tybee

admin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 21:18:37 +0000

Yesterday was a beautiful spring day here on Tybee! It was also the final concert in The Third Thursdays on Tybee concert series. The final concert showcased Lacey Caldwell, a very talented young lady from the Savannah Arts Academy. I always like to see new and young talent have the opportunity to show us what they’ve got and she did not disappoint!

It reminds me how blessed we are to have Savannah Arts Academy, a public school, here in Chatham County as their curriculum and incredible teachers produce such intelligent and talented young people. So after getting my fabulous margarita from Tybee Times I strolled down to the Tybrisa/Strand Roundabout where Lacey’s lovely voice filled the air. It was easy to tell that her strong suit is country music, but she definitely hit other genres throughout the show. She sang a great rendition of an Alanis Morissette song and even belted out “Sweet Child O Mine” by Guns n Roses! Awww….Gun n Roses pre Axel Rose bad plastic surgery always brings me back! The crowd seemed to be having a great time too! One little girl danced and sang along with Lacey throughout the concert. Even the dogs had a good time! Lacey concluded the concert with one of her original songs called “Butterflies” which was about the excitement of young love. The lyrics were really good and fit her range perfectly. Sounds like a hit to me!

The Third Thursday’s concerts have been a real treat for Tybee. I think the part I like the most is the variety of music they brought to the island. I love beach music just as much as the next person, but it’s always nice to experience something out of the ordinary. From classic, folk, country and rock this series has hit so many bases in just a 3 concert series. Having lived on 30-A on the Emerald Coast of Florida these outdoor concerts were a stable in the area and were always well attended.

I encourage everyone to support the continuation of this series which helps our Tybee businesses and also provides entertainment for our visitors. If you are interested in seeing this series continue contact the Tybee Island Better Hometown Initiative at 912-786-4573 ext.123.

Tybee Island Carnival and Seafood Review this week!

admin — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:18:31 +0000

This week April 8^th- 11^th Tybee Island will host the Tybee Island Carnival and Seafood Review. Bring the whole family and enjoy Tybee’s premiere annual carnival and down home culinary event.

The carnival will open this Thursday in the Ocean Plaza parking lot off Butler Avenue and remain open daily over the weekend. Saturday’s Seafood Review opens at 11am where you can dine on delicious local favorites prepared by Tybee’s finest restaurants and caterers. Enjoy live music brought to you by HatmanEntertainment.com throughout the day with local favorites Randy “Hatman” Smith, Roy and the Circuit Breakers and featuring The Sapphire Bullets of Pure Love- festivities continue until 10pm!

Thank you to all the Tybee Island Carnival and Seafood Review sponsors for your ongoing support: Chatham County Public Works & Parks Services Department, City of Tybee Island, Coca-Cola, DeVivo Marketing, KDI Media, Ocean Plaza Beach Resort, Savannah Special Events, Southern Eagle, The Tybee Times, Tybee Breeze, Tybee Island Tourism Council, WJCL/Fox 28 and WRHQ 105.3!

Carnival Daily Opening & Closing Times:

Thursday, April 8th: 3:00pm – 9:30pm
Friday, April 9th: 5:00pm – 9:30pm
Saturday, April 10th: 11:00am – 9:30pm
Sunday, April 11th: 1:00pm – 6:00pm

Saturday’s “Seafood Review”

11am-10pm

Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion

Live music provided by HatmanEntertainment.com:

Randy “Hatman” Smith – 12noon-3pm
Roy and the Circuit Breakers – 3pm-6pm
The Sapphire Bullets of Pure Love – 7pm-10pm

The Last Song- A Tybee Perspective

admin — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:40:22 +0000

After seeing The Last Song filmed on Tybee Island during the summer of 2009 I felt compelled to write down my thoughts on not only the movie itself, but how Tybee is portrayed on the big screen. I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peek of the movie the day before the release date of March 31^st.

My initial take away was that Tybee Island was truly the star of the film. Although Tybee was not mentioned outright there were still enough references to Georgia that one could make the association that the setting was on the Georgia Coast. The shots of the volleyball tournament and carnival were wonderful and exciting with our legendary Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion serving as the backdrop. The church has a lot of meaning and is shown frequently throughout the film. I’m glad that the church is staying on the island and will provide not only a memento for Tybee to have from the movie, but also serve as a new venue for weddings and special events here on island.

On the day of the movie release Tybee locals came out in all their glory for the “Flip Flop” Last Song Red Carpet Premiere Party. The brainchild of Susan Kelleher of Seaside Sisters, it was truly a don’t miss event. Locals donned their best beach formal wear i.e. tuxedo jackets, Bermuda shorts and of course flip flops for this one of a kind event! With 500 tickets sold it probably goes down in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most Tybee Island locals leaving the island at one time. Proceeds went to the Tybee Island Sea Turtle Project which was very appropriate as the Tybee turtles are a big part of the movie. The Cyrus’ even donated a $1500 check to go to the Sea Turtle project which was presented at the event.

After the party attendees boarded trolleys, limos and buses to head to the theater for the showing of The Last Song. I don’t know if it was the pure energy of all the locals being there in the theater or if the movie was just better, but I enjoyed the film much more the second go round. I thought the subject matter and relationship development was very age appropriate. Although it doesn’t necessarily deliver enough complexity to intrigue adults teenage girls who have followed Miley through the Hannah Montana series will enjoy seeing her in the first semi grown up role she’s played. Liam Hemsworth is a hottie and I’m sure has the young ladies swooning!

The other star of the film, aside from Tybee Island, is young Bobby Coleman who plays Jonah also known as Ronnie’s (Cyrus’) little brother. He has some fantastic lines and turned on the waterworks when the situation called for it. He has a bright future ahead of him and should be commended for his work. The main story line focuses on Ronnie’s estranged relationship with her father and how their mutual love of music brings them back together. It feels like the movie zips through this too fast. However it did bring back those feelings I once felt as a teenage girl when talking to or being around my dad felt embarrassing and awkward. Certainly didn’t make me miss those hormones and bad attitude which all teenagers seem to go through at this time in their lives.

I could appreciate the incredible ariel shots of Tybee and it was enjoyable to be able to pick out landmarks that I recognized on the island. Many in the audience could be heard shouting “There’s my house!” or “Oh, there’s the pier!” and so on. The crowning jewel in my opinion was the shots of the beach house in the movie which is located on what Tybee locals refer to as the inlet. This is where the Back River on Tybee meets the ocean. It’s one of the most beautiful parts of the island and often a side that first time visitors don’t take the time to visit. If you’re planning or thinking of coming to Tybee take some time to research the different beaches here and decide which one best suits you and or your family’s needs.

In conclusion, if you haven’t yet seen The Last Song it’s definitely worth taking the time to head to theaters for a showing if for nothing else than to see beautiful Tybee Island in the movies!

JCB’s Backhoe Across America Charity Drive Kicks Off this Friday on Tybee

admin — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 20:39:29 +0000

Come out and take part in the JCB’s Backhoe Across America charity drive kickoff on Friday, March 26 in the 18^th Street Parking Lot on Tybee Island at 9:30 a.m. In response to the ongoing needs in Haiti, JCB, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of construction equipment, is starting its Backhoe Across America charity drive, a national initiative in partnership with the American Red Cross.

The cross-country campaign features a JCB 3CX backhoe loader, which will travel from Georgia to California to help raise the still-needed funds that will be critical to Haiti’s long-term rebuilding efforts. With a fundraising goal of $1 million, JCB will donate all money raised during the 26-day road trip directly to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund. Those who wish to make a donation to the Backhoe Across America charity drive can either visit one of the 11 route stops or go to www.JCBforHaiti.com. For more information, please call 912.447.2033.