Chef Matt Roher, right, with British Chef, Author and TV Host Jamie Oliver. Oliver shot footage at the restaurant a few months ago -- and Cha Bella will be featured in his magazine "Jamie" when it launches in September.

There were lots of winners in the annual Connect Savannah “Best Of…” contest, but I want to extend a special tip of the hat to Chef Matt Roher and his team at Cha Bella for taking home “Best Overall Restaurant” and “Best Downtown Restaurant” honors. Under Roher’s ownership, the restaurant has excelled in achieving a goal of creating dishes that represent a “farm-to-table” concept of freshness.

Over at B. Matthew’s Eatery, where I host a wine tasting evening every Tuesday, Chef Jeffrey Crumpton took the “Best Chef” award. The CIA grad is exec chef at B. Matthew’s, as well as it’s sister restaurant, Blowin’ Smoke. That 514 MLK Jr. Blvd. restaurant won “Best Barbecue” and “Best Outdoor Dining.”

To read full results from the contest, click here…