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....Tybee has some real class in a fine
restaurant disguised as a inn called the Hunter House. The owner, John
Hunter, is a handsome gentleman who followed a lovely lady to Tybee Island several years
ago. He immediately fell in love with the laid back atmosphere and decided to stay awhile.
"I grew up in Florida, and Tybee reminded me of many of the beach towns there before
all of the commercialization occurred," said Hunter. "Possibly because it has
one road in and out and the fact that the island doesn't have enough room for a golf
course could be why time has stood still here."
Hunter found a 1910, three- story building that was
being used as a residence for shrimpers, bikers and artist and bought it. Though the old
building was in a state of disrepair, he envisioned the restoration that eventually
brought the old structure back to the elegance of the time it was built. Though the Hunter
House is now called a inn, it is actually the best restaurant on the small
island.
In fact, John Hunter employs two excellent chefs.
One grew up locally and, even without formal training, has proved to have a unique
aptitude for making magic with Southern dishes. His partner in the kitchen has Cajun
background and chef training, and the two of them, together and separately, produce
culinary magic.
The night I was there, the special was a spicy Cajun
gumbo over a bed of rice with mustard greens and corn bread. Unlike most restaurants, the
portions of shrimp, sausage and tender chicken in the gumbo were bountiful, the vegetables
were mouth watering and the sauce had a real Louisiana tang to it -- the best gumbo I've
ever had this side of New Orleans. Besides the great food, the atmosphere in the Victorian
dining room was romantic and the servers were both efficient and friendly. Also, each
guest is always greeted personally by John Hunter at some point during the meal, which
only adds to the elegant experience of eating at the Hunter House.
After the meal, one can move to the tiny bar for a
nightcap or sit outside in on of the rocking chairs on the wrap around porch and enjoy the
ocean breezes. If you happen to be one of the lucky ones who are spending the night in one
of the guest rooms or the four-room suite, you will find the accommodations very
comfortable. A visit to Tybee Island is a unique experience, but a meal at the Hunter
House can make it unforgettable!
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