Having a famous older sibling is never an easy thing, there are always continual comparisons and unrealistic levels to live up to, and when your older sibling is one of the world’s most famous beach bars, you could be forgiven for taking your time to find your way. Savannah and Café Mambo book end the sunset strip, one regularly hosts international superstars and the other goes about its business catering to an ever-growing loyal clientele. Tonight, for example, as we head to Savannah to check out the new menu, Axwell is playing in Mambo, meaning everyone will be at that end of the strip right? Wrong.
Savannah might not be as instantly recognisable as it’s older sister but it has carved out its own niche in the last few years. It offers a slightly different experience for sunset and beyond, an experience that has seen it become one of the most popular bars on the island. When we reach Savannah every terrace table has gone, inside and out. James Reid might not be as famous as his counterparts down the street but the Savannah DJ is putting together an amazing sunset sound track, which has people at every table nodding in time to the music as well as debating what the next track is before it kicks in properly. The vibe is very chilled and the view for the sunset is perfect.
We’re not just here to catch the legendary Ibiza sunset however, Savannah has changed its menu this summer and we have been invited down to check it out. For starters, we opt for the goats cheese salad and the crunchy prawns. Goats cheese salad is a popular dish around the island, so much so that you could probably rate venues on how they deliver it. Grated is a popular choice but slightly toasted with a strawberry balsamic sauce is how Savannah rolls and it is without a doubt one of the two best we have sampled this summer so far. At the speed that the prawns are demolished I would suggest that they were to the satisfaction of our trusty snapper.
People watching is a great past time of ours and sitting at the front of the Savannah terrace offers the perfect vantage point. It’s that time of night when the sunsetters think about heading home to get ready for the night ahead while some of the early birds are already on their way out, a strange changing of the guard scenario but one that makes great viewing. It’s ASOT in Privilege this evening so the Tron–like parade marches up and down the strip catching everyone’s attention. The main courses arrive, perfect timing, the starters have just cleared the way. Grilled chicken in Peri Peri sauce, Kobe beef burger and steak, Essentialibiza is full of carnivores! As with the starters, the presentation is amazing, almost a shame to dig in and destroy it but needs must. Cooked to perfection and full of flavour is the easiest way to sum up. It’s not hard to understand why the new menu has been causing quite a storm on the strip. With friendly, attentive staff looking out for your every need and food of this quality, Savannah has definitely come of age.
With the sun off to sleep for another night the beats step up a notch as James Reid gets us in the mood for gong out later, but not in such a way that interrupts the flow of the diners. It’s a difficult skill DJing in a restaurant, there is a fine line and this particular DJ has mastered it. We were ready to leave but decide to take Jess up on her offer of a cocktail to finish things off and give us another chance to enjoy the beats and take in the view. Savannah has not only come out of the shadow of its older sibling, it has carved out an experience in its own right and one that is proving to be very popular with the people visiting the sunset strip. We’re definitely looking forward to our next visit.
