5:30 p.m., Cha Bella
These guys have been going full speed to handle the usual Savannah Music Festival business – as well as special off-site gigs they earned as official festival caterers. The annual festival is a real shot in the arm for downtown restaurants- and Cha Bella is positioned close to a couple of performance venues.
Tonight is 5 Wines for $15 – and more than 80 folks have shown up to meet, greet and get the weekend started.
I spent a few minutes chatting with Empire Distributor’s Stan Ray, Maria Fernando Castro and April Joy Brinson.

6:15 p.m., Sapphire Grill
What an accessible by-the-glass list! I chose a Miner Bootjack Vineyard 2005 Syrah – big, juicy and bold!
I learned that Chef Chris Nason has launched a limited time three-course tasting menu, with dessert, for $45. Add a flight of wine for an additional $20.
Sapphire is also bustling tonight – more festival fall-out.
While sipping wine, I was fortunate to spend time with Lowell Kronowitz of Levy Jewelers and met David Meredith of Music Intelligence Solutions — what an interesting business! I think the city is fortunate to have David locate his company here!

7:20 p.m., Bar+Food
This new Asian-inspired small plates eatery in Habersham Village is a welcome addition to the Ardsley Park neighborhood.
I barely found a table – the bar seating was full and a couple playing pool gave up there table to me. Patricia Mulherin from Quality Wine came in and joined me. Trish and her company provide many of the restaurant’s old world style wines.
I tried two dishes – barbecued won tons and the pate plate. Both were loaded with flavor, fresh and satisfying. The menu is pretty narrow,m but represents a lot of great values.
I didn’t see proprietor and chef Johnny Baker III, but did chat with his business partners Paula Larch and Alicia Cannon. I also spotted Ardis Wood.

9 p.m., Eos
My last stop – and quite a surprise for owner Shelley Smith – who had seen my Facebook posting but had real doubts that I was gonna show!
Great time talking wine with Shelley, her mom, Martha Chapman (who prepares and cooks the legendary collard greens), Holly Barrett, John and Anne Marie Andrews and Brian Torres.
Shelley graciously opened a bottle of Burley Cab to share – wow – talk about big, classic Napa wine!
Chef Wes Long sent out a couple of tasty small – one featuring sable fish and fresh saut