The Lady & Sons

We are a week away from the Food Network South Beach Food and Wine Festival and everyone in Miami is excited. Going on its 12th year, it has become one of America's grandest gourmet events. In star-studded Miami style, the festival showcases the talents of the world’s most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities. It's hard to believe that what started as a one day event in Florida International University's Biscayne Bay Campus, has grown into a four day extravaganza featuring close to 50 culinary events, over 150 chefs, and 250 wine, spirits and non-alcoholic drink suppliers. Why am I bringing this up when I'm doing a review of The Lady & Sons, located at 102 W. Congress St, in Savannah, Georgia? Because Paula Deen, American chef, Food Network personality, author, Emmy Award winner, and owner of The Lady & Sons, will be one of the outstanding culinary talents showcased in this year's SoBeWFF.


Paula Deen began the journey that took her to fame with a humble lunch delivery service she operated from her house alongside her two sons, Bobby and Jamie. It was called The Bag Lady and it delivered bag lunches to business people in the area. The Bag Lady grew quickly and within a few years expanded first into The Lady at the Best Western hotel on Savannah's Southside and then to the award winning restaurant, The Lady & Sons, on January 8, 1996. Their first location was at the old Sears & Roebuck building in Downtown Savannah and in November 2003, the grand opening of her current location took place. Paula Deen has published fourteen cookbooks, and has starred in several Food Network shows, including Paula's Home Cooking, for which she won a Daytime Emmy Award in 2007.

Paula Deen
Photo Credit: Savannah Getaways

Southern Fried Chicken

The Lady's Southern Buffet

I was very excited to visit The Lady & Sons and get a chance to taste some of Paula Deen's famous southern cooking. The place was packed when we arrived and we were seated on the second floor. I immediately went over to The Lady's Southern buffet, their most popular offering, to take a look. It showcased southern favorites such as fried chicken, country steak and low country boil along with sides like creamed potatoes, mac and cheese and black eyed peas. The buffet also includes a salad bar and a dessert. While I knew most people opted for the buffet, I decided to try something off the menu instead.

Cheddar Biscuits

Fried Green Tomatoes

While we debated on what to have, we munched on some complimentary Cheddar Biscuits. They were addicting! We finally decided to start with the Fried Green Tomatoes, a southern staple. Six crispy tomatoes were served with Vidalia onion relish and red pepper sauce.

Chicken Pot Pie

Special of the Day

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

I do declare we were ready for the entrees! We ordered the Chicken Pot Pie and a Special of the Day. The Chicken Pot Pie was a sight for sore eyes. Deliciously seasoned chicken mixed with fresh vegetables swam in a rich, creamy sauce underneath a flaky puff pastry. It was amazing. The Special of the Day consisted of a fresh, flaky fish topped with a buttery sauce and served with jasmine rice and sauteed carrots. If you have little ones, The Lady & Sons offers a nice children's menu (Jack's Picks) which includes a tasty kid-approved Grilled Cheese sandwich, served with fried potatoes and mac and cheese.

Pecan Pie a la mode

While in Savannah...eat Pecan Pie, and that's just what we did. And of course, we had it with a creamy scoop of vanilla ice-cream. Y'all come back now, you hear! For more information on The Lady & Sons or to make reservations, visit them online at http://ladyandsons.com/index.php.