Review of Ruan Thai Cuisine, Savannah, Georgia - Vegan Dining in Savannah

Vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Savannah, Georgia, are somewhat scarce for a city of its size. This is particularly true in the historic downtown area, where dining options are centered around seafood, Southern and French with a few of the usual tourist traps and chain restaurants thrown in the mix. Fortunately, a little bit of effort in searching will produce some rewarding results.

Thai restaurants are usually a reliable standby for vegetarians and vegans. During a recent visit, Ruan Thai Cuisine was selected for that reason, but far exceeded expectations. Located at 17 W. Broughton, Ruan Thai Cuisine is a short walk from most downtown attractions, inns and hotels. The decor is modern, warm and artsy; the service was attentive and friendly.

Cashew Nut Stir Fry

We started our meal with an order of spring rolls. A plate arrived with four rolls cut diagonally in an array around the plate. They were hot (temperature-wise) and delicious, crispy on the outside with soft vegetables on the inside.

As is typical with Thai restaurants, most entrees offer several protein options: chicken, pork, beef, shrimp or tofu. We selected a Cashew Nut Stir Fry and Garden Noodle. The latter had rice noodles, vegetables, tofu and peanut sauce. When the dishes arrived, the care taken in preparation and presentation became apparent. Both the tofu and vegetables were cooked just right. Everything was very flavorful and seasoned appropriately. We had opted for medium hot, spice-wise, which was about right. There was also a condiment caddy with chili sauce to add if additional heat was desired.

Desserts looked tempting, and there were vegan options, but we were too full to try any. Ruan Thai Cuisine has a full bar, a fairly good wine selection and the usual assortment of Asian beers. It is highly recommended for vegans and vegetarians visiting Savannah.

So Long to West Side Transmetropolitan

Word is out that Transmetropolitan on the west side of Athens will be closing this weekend. It seems like only a short while ago that both Transmet and Hendershot's - its next door neighbor for several years - were both doing well. Now, Hendershot's has moved to greener pastures, Transmet is closing and One Coffee never really got off the ground in the Hendershot's space.

It would be easy to blame the lack of parking at the Oglethorpe Avenue location. Still, Sr. Sol, about a block away, has limited parking while continuing to thrive. My last experience at Transmetropolitan on Oglethorpe was not a good one. A simple order got lost in the kitchen and took about 45 minutes to arrive. Our waiter ended up comping the food. It's only one story, but if there are many others like it, then a reason for closing becomes apparent.

There is potential good news for Westsiders. There are plans for a new restaurant in the perennially challenging location in The Arbor building on Mitchell Bridge Road that formerly housed Los Coyotes and the Iron Grill. Four Brothers is slated to be a sports bar with an emphasis on local food sources. If rumors of a dozen or more beers on tap and boiled peanut hummus are true, I'll be among the first in line for a late February opening.