Toasted Barrel, an exciting new restaurant conveniently located in the SpringHill Suites at the corner of Oglethorpe Ave. and Montgomery St. in downtown Savannah, will open for lunch and dinner, starting in early October. This casual destination for exceptional food and drink will offer relaxed indoor and outdoor dining, a creative menu, full-service bar and stylish urban interiors.  
 
Toasted Barrel is being developed by acclaimed chef Thomas Ciszak, a Michelin Star-trained culinarian and entrepreneur who is expanding to Savannah after creating a number of successful restaurants across the Northeast, including the acclaimed Blue Morel restaurant in Morristown, N.J. In 2014, Ciszak was one of three chefs First Lady Michelle Obama invited to prepare a farm-to-table menu in conjunction with elementary school students from across the United States, using fall vegetables harvested from the White House Kitchen Garden. He has a strong track record of developing popular, critically acclaimed restaurants.
 
“Toasted Barrel will be an ideal destination to indulge, inspire, gather and socialize in the heart of Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District,” said Ciszak. “The restaurant and bar are located directly across the street from the Savannah Civic Center, the new Cultural Arts Center and the Chatham County Courthouse building. We’re delighted to create a casual yet thoughtful environment that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, cocktails or late-night snacks.”  
 
Menu highlights include a wide range of traditional and creative toasted cheese sandwiches, including Toast Monsieur, made with maple-glazed ham, Gruyere and grain mustard; Smoked Salmon, made with brie, avocado and dill; and Korean Beef, made with kimchi and cheddar cheese. Farm-fresh salads, homemade Tomato Soup, crispy Tater Tots topped with Parmesan cheese and savory Belgian-style fries served with Sriracha mayonnaise round out the lunch and dinner menu.
 
“I’m especially excited about the amazing quality of the bread from Auspicious Bakery in Savannah,” said Ciszak. “We’re thrilled to partner with Auspicious Bakery and to share their fresh-baked artisan breads with an even wider audience.”    
 
In addition, the stylish bar at Toasted Barrel will offer hand-crafted classic cocktails with a contemporary twist, as well as a wide selection of more than 40 bourbons from top local, regional and national distilleries. Frozen drinks, like a Frozen Negroni and Frozen Mule, will be prepared with organic and non-GMO ingredients. Beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.
 
For those with a sweet tooth, Toasted Barrel will offer soft-serve ice cream sandwiches as well as ice cream-filled glazed donuts with a choice of toppings.
 
The restaurant’s inviting interiors have been thoughtfully designed by Rethink Design Studio in Savannah, an award-winning firm that created the signature interiors at Local 11 Ten, Parker’s Market and Smith Brothers. Toasted Barrel will blend Southern sophistication with a gritty, dark urban flair, juxtaposing black and brass surfaces with moss and mauve accents.
 
“I love Savannah and think it has a great vibe,” said Ciszak. “It’s a wonderful food and beverage town. Toasted Barrel will offer an exciting new casual dining option for Savannah residents, visitors and the SCAD community.”