What does a travel guy do when he’s bored and out of money?  He watches the Travel Channel…and gets hungry when he sees the Chowdown Countdown.

I also became a little upset because most all these places look great but who is going to write all that information down on the chance they will be in the area.  Not me.  Luckily I was not so upset after visiting the TC website and finding that they already did the logistics with google maps.  All 101 eateries on the countdown are on the website….listed by state.  I’m not saying it’s the most navigation friendly way of searching, but at least they published it online.  As for the restaurants…they are for the most part ma & pop shops with original recipes, great atmospheres, and what appears to be great food.  Somebody needs to make an app for this kind of food.

Any of those wanting to know the reason for the lack of updates will be happy to know that I was travelling.  A short trip to the southern US.  And a city on the most recent trip was Savannah, Georgia.  Savannah is where I came accross a small corner restaurant called Zunzi’s.  It is owned/operated by a South African who along with his staff is pushing out a lot of good food.  This is one of those places that has a line outside the door at 3:00 in the afternoon.  That is what originally triggered my attention.  One Godfather sandwich later… I’m hooked.  I met a few locals in town who visit this place regularly and they say it’s a favorite among the business lunch crowd.

I’ve added a few more pictures of my trip to Savannah and Tybee Island, featuring the Sand Castle Izuno Mountain after the link.

Forest Gump church steeple where the feather floated from.

Also not ‘resposible’ for correct spelling.

Historic Elevator in Historic District Savannah GA.

Historic Distric Street in Savannah GA.

Savannah Candy Factory making saltwater taffy.

Vinnie Van GoGo’s Pizzeria, Savannah GA.

Izuno Travel Sand Mountain Castle.  (notice the hotel ice bucket used for sand collection)  This is Tybee Island.  Long stretch of good beaches.

I managed to sneak away to Philadelphia this week, and found a great tapas restaurant.  Amada, which is in downtown Philly was a great meal that reminded me of what it was like in Spain…without the language barrier.  I really wish the US would adopt more tapas bars, as it’s a very healthy way to eat, in addition to getting a variety of food instead of pounding down a 16 oz steak for an hour straight.

Momofuku (translation: lucky peach) is David Chang’s New York Restaurants creation.  I watched an interview with him, and whatever humility he shows, there is no doubt in anyones mind that he is a trend setting chef.  Currently he’s got three places in New York City, and next time I’m there, I’m in.  His menu’s are constantly changing and can feature just about any type of fusion food imaginable.  I’m adding it to my list of world restaurants to visit.