Savorez — Restaurant in Wilmington

Today was my first visit to Savorez and chose to go early lunchtime in an attempt to avoid the lunch rush. Going early was a brilliant idea, as it turns out. Savorez was recently ranked in the Yelp top 50 spots for brunch across the U.S. so you know they have something special going on PLUS I've been wanting to go here for awhile now. Chef Sam Calhoon is on to something here with his Latin-inspired twist on food art.

FOOD: Sweet Potato - Goat Cheese Guacamole; Langousta Y Coco; Churrasco Tacos with Yucca Frites; Ice water with lemon to drink. Beginning with the "guacamole" dip, it was my #3 favorite thing tasted and it wasn't easy since it all was so good. Without knowing any ingredients other than the sweet potato base, I was mind-blown. The subtle heat from fresh jalapeno, oh-so good goat cheese and the marriage of sweet potatoes with avocados (yes, there is avocado in this, too) is something difficult to describe in words. The creamy, yet fluffy, consistency was perfect and I'm still trying to wrap my head around how Savorez even thought of this idea. Oh, and their housemade tortilla chips to dip in are nothing to sneeze at either: salted well with plenty of crunch. Next up was the langoustine lobster ceviche with a coconut cream sauce. This was my #1 dish tasted today. On every pinnacle level of greatness, this dish....I want it again right now as a matter of fact. The fresh chunks of young lobster bathe in this irresistible coconut cream sauce that has hints of ginger, bell peppers, cilantro and what I thought was dill, but ended up being fennel. At first bite, that ginger punches you. Wasn't sure how I felt about it at first, but then it slowly fades away and showcases the true flavors of lobster meat and coconut. Each bite was progressively better and I wanted to lick the bowl clean. As for the banana chips? My guess is that they're garnish but hell...I ate 'em anyway bc they had been marinating in that cream sauce. I loved this so much I dare to say it's quite possibly the best ceviche in town. Yeah...I said that. Moving on to the main lunch course...the Churrasco Tacos with yucca frites (fries). The yucca fries are my #2 thing tasted just bc they tasted like the thickest and freshest potato fries, but lighter, more crisp and hell...better for you. The seasoning was flawless and that dip...oh baby that dip. I can't describe that dip either other than you need to try it for yourself. The tacos rank at the bottom at #4 for me but it's not that they tasted bad. The steak was uber tender, spiced just right and the corn tortillas were solid. Where the tacos fell short for me was the arugula. Not that it was arugula...but that there was a very generous amount of the bitter greens garnished between the steak and salsa fresca. The first couple of bites were semi-sweet and very bitter from the arugula, overpowering the steak. After I removed half of the arugula and salsa from the second taco, I was able to find the balance and could appreciate the ancho balsamic BBQ spread much more, thus...making me appreciate the blended flavors more. SCORE: 4.5 STARS!!

SERVICE: I had the honor of meeting most of the staff, including Chef Sam and my server, Nicole, today and all I can say is....they value your service and patronage at Savorez! Nicole was prompt in her follow ups, everyone was masked up and they certainly enforce the mask rule. One entitled customer felt it necessary to cause a stink once he entered since he was told he needed a mask. Savorez's staff explained that they are doing what is cautious and courteous to other patrons and handled the situation well. Other than that...Nicole was very friendly and knew exactly what to suggest when I asked. My bill came soon after my meal, empty dishes did not sit long and I was thanked for coming in. SCORE: 5 STARS!!

OVERALL SCORE: I'm going back for the Langousta Y Coco soon. I want more. The service...y'all got it and keep that schitt up bc it...

Update: Based on the owner's reply, I feel it necessary to update this review. First, I appreciate the thorough investigation into the situation. While my scallop was indeed undercooked, and I was NOT offered a replacement or informed of a discount, I value that the management felt the need to look into the matter and provide a detailed and thoughtful reply. I'd like to clarify that my server, Emily, was lovely and did nothing wrong. Though she did not ask about our glasses specifically, she was adequately attentive. The server who I mistook for management I did so due to her treatment of literally every other table in the restaurant and the manner in which she took our plate following the complaint. The implication of racial discrimination is a reflection of how I felt as the only person of color in the entire restaurant, not including kitchen staff, and the cold manner in which I felt I was regarded by both the other said server and the manager on staff at the time. This treatment was felt by my entire party, including my child who initially mentioned being ignored by the other server. I've updated the rating on this review simply to reflect the care with which the ownership replied to my complaints. Though I again will not return nor recommend this location, I feel that a mark of a successful business is the intentional care and attention to their guests and their concerns.

Original Review:

Our experience started off really well. We arrived just as they were opening so we beat the rush. The service was good, the atmosphere was really nice and the food was excellent if a little overpriced. About halfway through our time there, when I was wanting a refill on my water, I noticed that the manager was checking on every table and refilling their waters. I patiently waited for her to come by ours, but she never did. She never even looked in our direction. This went on for about 20 minutes as she went by smilingly checking on every other table but ours. Our food arrived and everything looked and tasted delicious. However, one of my scallops was heavily undercooked. It was stringy, hard to cut and very pink in the middle. Normally I would just eat it because I love scallops. However, since I am pregnant and didn’t want to risk undercooked food, I let the server know that the one scallop was undercooked and I was expecting a replacement. She let us know she would inform the manager, who angrily came to our table to remove our plate without a single word or even a glance. We were offered no replacement, exchange or discount. Another manager came by to simply apologize and did not offer a replacement or any remediation. It was extremely disappointing after paying $32 for three scallops. I am not the kind of person to play the race card or accuse anyone of prejudiced behavior. However, it’s hard not to feel this way when you are the only person of color in the entire restaurant and you are treated with this amount of negligence. We paid $100 for dinner for two adults and one child, and had it not been for this experience, I would have recommended this spot to give a try despite the price. However, I left this place still hungry and in tears. After feeling so unwelcome, we will definitely never be back and would not recommend to any of...

SAVOREZ (402 CHESTNUT STREET) RESTAURANT REVIEW I just had dinner at a hidden gem of a restaurant called SAVOREZ, in downtown Wilmington. It is one of those restaurants that just makes an evening. I haven’t reviewed many downtown restaurants and thought it was time to do so. This is a small restaurant on the corner. It may have been a drug store or a small grocery store in years past. The size of the building, the modest, but excellent remodel, the use of interesting art and warm colors, give this restaurant an intimate and inviting atmosphere. It is clearly a “local” place that serves many repeat customers. The food and the service were outstanding. Our server, Zellina, or “Z “ as many people call her, did an excellent job. She explained the menu very well. Her tableside approach was welcoming and comfortable. She was also the bartender the night I was there. My marguerita was one of the best I’ve had in Wilmington. The use of fresh fruit juices, and an above average quality tequila, made for a delicious drink. Savorez is a derivation of the Spanish word “sabores” meaning flavors; and flavors this menu has! The food was the “star of the show.” The chef makes excellent uses beef, chicken, seafood, and a variety of cheeses and vegetables in combinations that make their dishes flavorful and exciting. The plate presentations were excellent and made the food just that much more appealing. I started with Guacamole and it was delicious. The avocado was fresh as were the tomato, onions, jalapeno and cilantro. Sipping the margarita and noshing on this excellent guac was a great start for the meal. Zellina stopped by at just the right time to collect abundant compliments for the drinks and the guac. I had empanadas as my entrée. I selected the chorizo and goat cheese combination empanadas. I must admit, I am not a goat cheese fan but these empanadas were “over the moon” good. I inhaled them. They were stuffed with abundant filling and were cooked to perfection. I also ordered the smoked tuna and gruyere empanadas and they were equally outstanding in texture and flavors. My greatest wish was that I would have been hungrier so I could have tried more empanadas! This is a great little restaurant featuring wonderful food and drinks, and very nice people working there. I highly recommend that you take the time to search out this unique place and the culinary delights it has to offer.

Dennis Matthews The...