J. Christopher's, Savannah, GA

After a number of years planning a trip down South we finally visited Georgia last weekend. We left Boston with 45F and arrived in Atlanta with a blissful 70F. Savannah was even hotter and -if possible- sunnier. So, when it came to finding a place for lunch, I would not accept anything without sidewalk sitting. J.Christopher's turned out to be the place. Located on the residential side of the historic district, this diner had outdoor tables, sun umbrellas and a handful of cool-looking brunchers (and Barbie-looking waitresses!). I'm not proud to say, though, J.Christopher's is far from your local, hippie brunch spot... It is a GA franchise, with at least 15 locations only in Atlanta and an indoor decor that looks a lot like Chuck E. Cheese. Luckily, the mirrored window glass allow you to enjoy the gorgeous view of the street without worrying about what lies on the other side.

We actually quite liked the food. It took me a couple of minutes to realize that when it comes to Southern food the more butter the better, and breakfast was no exception (it is also very hard to find a salad that does not come with meat, or something candied). So, after carefully going over every option in the menu (which includes Blueberry crunchcakes -with granola mixed in-, poached eggs nestled on a bed of smoked turkey, crispy bacon and sliced tomato atop an English muffin with Hollandaise sauce, and a number of "signature breakfast skillets" -oven-roasted potatoes mixed with a combination of ingredients, such as spinach and bacon, or ham and mushroom, topped with two sunny side up eggs and served with an English muffin) I went for what I considered to be a "healthy option": roasted red peppers and black bean quesadillas in a spinach tortilla. Cheese, peppers and beans came in equal portions and it was a great mix. Super tasty. I downed it with a ruby-colored half OJ-half GJ and some coffee, for which I got a whole thermos brought to the table just for myself.

Diego also went with one of the specials. A crab cake Benny that had hearty portions of crab cakes instead of ham/bacon with over-roasted potatoes. It came perfectly dusted with paprika, a detailed that Diego loved.

So, great location, good food, awesome weather. If only it wasn't a chain store....