AC repair inSavannah, GA

Being called a slut isn't normally a term of endearment, but with the plant-based burger chain Slutty Vegan, it's the best compliment. The Black-owned restaurant known for its vegan burgers made an Instagram announcement Tuesday that it would be making its way to Savannah soon.

Details are limited and no date has been announced, but Savannah locals didn't hesitate to show their excitement and anticipation in the comments of being "sluttified," a term used by the restaurant staff for customers who try the burgers for the first time.

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Founder and CEO Pinky Cole founded the Atlanta-based restaurant in 2018. It grew from a shared kitchen to a food truck, to her first brick-and-mortar store; since then, the popularity of the restaurant has grown. Cole has worked to build a business known for its infamous long lines where people wait for hours to try the hefty, toppings-loaded burgers, a fun and trendy atmosphere that invites people into the world of veganism, celebrity fans and Slutty Vegan merch.

Thanks to their mobile food truck, the restaurant chain is also known for hosting pop-ups in different cities in Georgia and in the South, so it's not yet clear whether the announcement is of a stop on their food tour or of a brick-and-mortar location.

However, since the opening of the original location, Cole has opened four other locations, all in the Atlanta and metro Atlanta area. The expansion doesn't stop there. She announced plans for locations in Athens and Columbus, Georgia, and Birmingham, Alabama, and is scheduled to open a new Slutty Vegan every month this year in a different city.

The chain usually uses pop-up events with their food truck to gauge interest in a location, which could be the case for Savannah.

More:Meatless in Savannah: Here's where vegans go out to dine in the area

In the past few years, veganism has grown in popularity and visibility, notably seen by the host of vegan restaurants across the U.S. inviting customers to an idea that has hit the mainstream. Savannah has plenty of restaurants that offer vegan and vegetarian options like The Sentient Bean and Kayak Kafe, to name a few. Hungry Vegan and Fox & Fig Cafe are the only 100% plant-based restaurants in the city.

Laura Nwogu is the quality of life reporter for Savannah Morning News. Contact her at lnwogu@gannett.com. Twitter: @lauranwogu_

SAVANNAH, Ga., Jan. 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Plant Riverside District – Savannah, Ga.'s most exciting destination for dining, shopping and live entertainment – officially dedicated Martin Luther King, Jr. Park and unveiled a new commemorative bronze and granite memorial to the late Civil Rights leader on Jan. 15. The memorial bust, which was approved by the King family, is the first monument to honor Dr. King in the City of Savannah and is located in Savannah's first public park named in his memory.

Dignitaries addressing the crowd included Dr. Naomi King, sister-in-law of Martin Luther King, Jr.; Savannah Mayor Van Johnson; Georgia State Representative and former Savannah Mayor Edna Jackson; Georgia State Representative Carl Gilliard; and Kessler Collection Chairman and CEO Richard C. Kessler. The event, which attracted several hundred attendees, included moving gospel performances by the Mass Choir of St. Paul CME Church and the Savannah State University Wesleyan Gospel Choir.

"In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and on behalf of the entire King family, it is good to see your wonderful faces today," said Dr. Naomi King, who received a standing ovation from the enthusiastic audience. "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with us."

The new Martin Luther King, Jr. monument was commissioned by The Kessler Collection and created by acclaimed sculptor Franco Castelluccio, who studied anatomy at the Art Students League of New York and the School of Visual Arts in New York City. The monument includes an inscription on a stately granite base and will anchor Martin Luther King, Jr. Park at Plant Riverside District in perpetuity.

"Today has been 10 years in the making," Richard C. Kessler, Chairman and CEO of The Kessler Collection, told the audience gathered along the riverfront. "We wanted to create a park and a memorial to Martin Luther King, Jr. at Plant Riverside District, since this is the terminus of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in Savannah. This event marks the culmination of 10 years of hard work. I hope this park and this monument will inspire Savannah residents and guests for many years to come."

The construction of Martin Luther King, Jr. Park was a collaboration between The Kessler Collection, Georgia Power Foundation and the City of Savannah.

"I thank Richard Kessler for his vision and for this public-private partnership," said Savannah Mayor Johnson, who supported Kessler's plans for Martin Luther King, Jr, Park and for a King memorial tribute while serving as an Alderman for the City of Savannah a decade ago. "Generations to come will see this memorial tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. and will be inspired."

In addition to the dedication ceremony and commemorative memorial unveiling, Plant Riverside District presented free live music and performances in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. throughout the holiday weekend as part of "Let Freedom Ring: A Tribute to the Late Martin Luther King, Jr." Highlights included performances by Reverend Teddy Williams and Company with special guest Savannah Jazz Hall of Fame member Huxsie Scott as well as a musical tribute by William Austin Smith, which incorporated audio from King's legendary "I Have a Dream" speech.

ABOUT PLANT RIVERSIDE DISTRICT: Plant Riverside District, located at 400 W. River Street, is a vibrant entertainment destination and Savannah's Entertainment District. From incredible dining and high-end shopping to live music and spectacular performances, Plant Riverside District creates elegantly curated experiences, stripping away the unnecessary to reveal the exceptional. Once an iconic power plant in Georgia, Plant Riverside District now represents the beauty of progress. Whether seeking a romantic getaway or a work hard/play hard business trip, Plant Riverside District provides a setting suited to your needs, blending timeless sophistication with eye-catching details. Experience three unique buildings for a customized atmosphere to match your style: bold, contemporary maritime details in the Atlantic; romantic, elegant styling in the Three Muses; and chic historic architecture in the Power Plant. Complete your experience with numerous dining options, rooftop bars, a concert venue, art gallery, riverfront park and even natural science exhibits to spark your imagination. For more information, please visit www.plantriverside.com and follow @plantriversidedistrict on Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT THE KESSLER COLLECTION: The Kessler Collection's portfolio of passionately created and artistically inspired boutique hotels boasts chic design, luxurious accommodations, enriching ambiance and intuitive service. Whether visiting properties in Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina or South Carolina, each hotel's exquisite art, music and cultural influences are deliberately approachable. Designed to inspire mystique and to encourage unforgettable experiences, Kessler guests are immersed in redefined Bohemian luxury, from an 1888 historic hotel and a cutting-edge downtown icon to a premier luxury lodge, high-design Southern mansion and elite ski lodge. The Kessler Collection was the founding member of the Marriott Autograph Collection, introduced with seven Autograph Collection branded hotels. Each property is a bold, original hotel carefully created with style and the individualist traveler in mind. For more information about The Kessler Collection, please visit www.kesslercollection.com or call 888.472.6312.

Media Contacts

Julianna Smith Zimmerman Agency 850.668.2222 | kessler-pr@zimmerman.com

Allison Hersh Capricorn Communications 912.441.1285 | pr@capricorncomm.com

SOURCE The Kessler Collection

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – As a strong area of low-pressure swings through the southeastern states this weekend, some portions of the region will have to deal with snow, sleet, and freezing rain. The Coastal Empire and Lowcountry are not among those areas.

However, this storm system is something to keep an eye on if you have any travel plans that take you to the north Georgia mountains, the Upstate of South Carolina, or most of North Carolina. Even if you have to change planes at the major airport hubs of Atlanta and Charlotte, you’ll want to stay weather-aware.

While this system quickly swung through our community this morning, the rain was heavy. At the Savannah Airport, we received 1.46″ of rain in 6 hours. We have also received storm reports of several roads with minor flooding in Savannah.

For the rest of the afternoon, as the rain tapers off in the Lowcountry, our attention then turns to the wicked winds following behind the cold front. A wind advisory is in effect until 1am Monday morning. Expect a strong southwesterly wind between 20-30 mph and wind gusts as high as 40-45 mph. Given the soaked soil, downed trees and powerlines remain a possibility through tonight.

Winds have already done damage this morning as they snapped a large tree in Isle of Hope at the intersection of Norwood Avenue and Breezy Palm Way. Another report from Chatham County Emergency Management reported a tree down on power lines in the 400 block of Staley Avenue.

Where is winter weather expected?

The primary area where winter weather is expected will be to the north of the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry. Generally speaking, this threat area is along and north of Interstate 20, which runs from Atlanta, through Augusta and Columbia, to Florence, South Carolina. Anywhere north of I-20 will likely have issues with freezing rain and sleet.

Farther north into the mountains of North Georgia, the Upstate of South Carolina and western North Carolina will be dealing with the possibility of heavy snow. This will especially be true in the higher elevations of North Carolina. Over a foot of snow is not out of the question for those areas.

Areas along and north of I-20 will also face the threat of prolonged power outages because of heavy snow and ice-covered trees falling on powerlines. If there is enough snow or ice accumulation, power lines may fall under their own weight.

What kind of travel issues are expected?

Areas along and north of I-20 that receive sleet and freezing rain can expect very slippery roads once it begins to stick. Bridges and overpasses cool off much faster than roadways on solid ground. Extra caution must be used when approaching any bridges, even if the road is just wet.

Any areas receiving snow will also face slippery roads and as a result, many may be closed in the areas impacted.

It is likely that there will be major delays with the airlines in Atlanta and Charlotte Saturday night and into Sunday afternoon. Be sure to check with your carrier about any potential issues.

If you do not have to travel to the areas receiving the most winter precipitation, delay your trip or reschedule it. This is especially true for individuals who do not have experience driving in winter weather.

What is the forecast for Savannah and Hilton Head?

While the rain is tapering off, our main concern through Sunday afternoon will be the strong winds. Wind gusts up to 40-45 mph will be possible in the wake of the cold front. Strong winds mixed with the wet ground could lead to the possibility of downed trees and powerlines through the afternoon.

After lunchtime, the steady rain will taper off and colder and drier air will surge southward. Conditions will be breezy and gusty at times with a NW wind of 20-25 mph. Wind gusts will be as high as 45 mph.

The good news for us is that the coldest air will not move in until after the rain has ended in the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry. This is the main reason we expect only rain.

By Monday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), conditions will be dry and cold. Highs will just be in the 50s and by Tuesday morning is when freezing temperatures are possible.

Parts of the Southeast are still recovering from a winter storm that brought several inches of snow to north and central Georgia last weekend. With another winter storm expected later this week, Savannah-area residents are wondering if the white flurries will reach the coastal city this time.

According to forecasts from the National Weather Service (NWS), the answer is not quite. Instead, Savannah will most likely experience a bout of freezing rain Friday night into Saturday morning.

More:At least 2 dead, tens of thousands without power as brutal winter storm slams South

Surface temperatures have to be below freezing in order for rain to freeze on contact, creating a glaze of ice, said Charleston NWS Lead Forecaster Steven Taylor.

Lows of around 30 degrees are expected over the weekend.

In the event of freezing rain, ice may accumulate in trees and other elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses. At times, tree branches can break under a heavier accumulation of ice, but Savannah will most likely experience a light sheen, said Taylor.

“It’s too soon to say whether that will happen or not, but the potential is certainly there for some minor icing to occur,” said Taylor.

Southeast Georgia experienced their last bout of winter precipitation in January 2018, where several inches of snow fell across Chatham County and surrounding regions. Before then, the last snowfall was in 1996.

“Winter weather is pretty rare in this part of the world,” Taylor said. "To say whether we’ll have additional bouts of winter weather, that’s certainly something we’ll be watching over the coming weeks.”

The closest area that might see some snow this time around will be farther north into South Carolina, North Carolina and, possibly, north Georgia, according to the NWS.

As for how residents should prepare, the NWS said that power outages are always possible with freezing rain. Be sure to have extra cash on hand in case the power is out because ATM machines will not work. Those who run generators should make sure that it’s well ventilated to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Residents should continue monitoring weather reports and their city’s public safety channels.

NWS Winter Safety Webpage: https://www.weather.gov/wrn/winter_safety

NWS Charleston Twitter: https://twitter.com/NWSCharlestonSC

GEMA Twitter: https://twitter.com/GeorgiaEMAHS?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Nancy Guan is the general assignment reporter covering Chatham County municipalities. Reach her at nguan@gannett.com or on Twitter @nancyguann.

For Do Savannah

It is almost impossible to think that Savannah was once the first city to institute prohibition and ban the sale of alcohol and alcoholic beverages. Although the ban ended in 1933 nationwide, speakeasies are still popular places today.

Do Savannah spoke with Mary Noelia Githens, who owner of the bar Mint to Be Mojito as well as Latin Chicks. The young entrepreneur, who has enough energy to power a small city and is filled with great and innovative ideas, decided to create a speakeasy.

The new speakeasy, called The Apparition, sits within the walls of the already popular Mint to be Mojito.

Subscribe to Spanish-language newsletter:La Voz Latina is the Spanish-language news source for Chatham County

"The best thing about the bar is that not many know it exists. They enter the Mint to be Mojito (and) they see groups of people who enter the bathroom, but then disappear. Until a few brave and curious people ask the bartender: 'Hey, where do they all disappear to?' And so "The Apparition" was born," Githens said.

Mint to be Mojito is located on E. State St., next to the popular Wright Square. Historians tells us that underneath all the beauty of the oak trees is the blood of many that have been shed there since Savannah's founding in 1733.

Wright Square was one of the original four squares that were placed in Savannah's historic district. In the southwest corner of the plaza, which extends beneath some of the buildings, is where the bodies of the first buried in Savannah. A common theme you'll find in all of Savannah's apparitions is that buildings and roads were often built over cemeteries and so a few ghosts are said to roam in that area.

As to not disturb the already obvious mysterious history of our city, Githens has created a clandestine bar with a fantastic vibe. The Apparition appears for the brave and is one of the few places where locals can escape tourists in the downtown area. Just by asking for the secret code for the private bathroom, your bartender will give you the secret code gain entrance into the speakeasy.

"Here at Mint to be Mojito, we specialize in drinks of Latin origin with fresh fruits and juices to create the best cocktail you can drink," Githens said. "From the Puerto Rican coquito to Peruvian pisco and the best Cuban mojitos in many different flavors. We are a specialized bar and when someone in the city craves a good mojito our bar is the one that comes to mind."

Since both bars happen to be in the same location, they will maintain a symbiotic energy and customers will be able to move between both premises and experience a different atmosphere since they both maintain their own energy.

The Apparition maintains its prohibition era spirit of a clandestine bar from its entrance to the decoration. The place has enough space to relax and even dance. Mint to be Mojito on the other hand has a more casual energy that reminds me a lot of Miami. The space and the sidewalk tables on front which are perfect to sit and sip on a mojito while watching the city and people move about.

One thing that both establishments are going to share is an amazing menu starting in February.

"At the moment, we offer snacks and small bites to snack on (such as ) empanadillas and Cuban sandwiches but starting in February, our menu will expand greatly," Githens said.

"Since it is going to incorporate a chef who will create dishes and a more complex menu to be able to offer more substantial dishes during dinner hours. Our chef is currently traveling to Peru and other Latin American countries, which will bring new recipes and decadent dishes."

It is a new year and I hope you dare to share and enjoy one of the new and most delicious cocktails in our area. Visit “Mint to be Mojito” and don't forget to ask for the secret code. Who knows what The Apparition might bring you?

The Apparition and Mint to be Mojito are located at 12 W. State St. and found online at minttobemojitobar.com/home.