Foodie A.
Yelp
Foodies are much like cats in that they also fit the feline description of, "Curiosity killed the Foodie." Meaning, we are curious creatures and on some primordial level, we must do, and we must go, where we are driven to eat. So, either this review will scare thee away, or you will be compelled by sheer Foodie carnal curiosity. Especially the latter when I tell you that Shabazz Seafood Restaurant is home to one of Savannah's Top 10 Area Foodie Delicacies. So thustus you mustus. I mean why let a little thing like the owner being the founder of The New Black Panther Party or him one time saying, "there are no good crackers," really bother you? Its been said, he's also the nephew of Malcom X, and really to me, all of those things have made this place irresistible. Trust me, no one has ever given me the evil eye or made me feel unwelcome here. And, isn't funny how there's always a completely charming and uncannily nice wife behind the New Black Panther guy? Yeah, I've always thought that ironic too. I've met the wife a few times, adore her, and other than the restaurant's food, she might be hubby's saving grace. But now I can only imagine what she thought of my complimentary nudges, to get her husband to bring the restaurant more into the tourist sections, or to open another one here in Savannah! She seemed warm and excited by the idea, but something tells me, this Foodie Ghetto Grub Fab joint is always going to be straight up hood. So be it. All I've ever wanted was for the visiting Foodie or local one, to give this place a voyage.Trust me, the one item is reason enough and then everything else about this Foodie Joint, gets high marks for character. Patience reader, I will name this sacred Foodie object momentarily. But first, let's get into history and appearances. At one time, this was the ultimate Foodie Ghetto Grub Fabulous joint because it was seriously in the geeto, and some would still tell you its "fringe" area. Even if but a stone's throw from Savannah's bootyful Historic District. Like 2 seconds from it really. I'm here to tell you, that unless you're a redneck or member of the KKK, you can go here, order, even sit and eat, and never have a problem. When this colorful, wonderful, African looking shack first hit my Foodie eyeballs some 20 years ago, I immediately thought of Jamaica or Africa. Which, one can often find dreadlocks well on display at what is really just a food stand with some picnic tables outside. And yes, Shabazz is advertising Nation of Islam, or good quality, wholesome, Islamic diet type food. So yes, the usual restrictions apply, and so one can expect Vegetarian items. And really, this Foodie Agent has only ever consumed two things here, and one of them, the delicacy, is something that I've even ordered multiple of, when considering a party's dessert fare. Oops, I've hinted. The fried whiting fish, is truly a send of Allah to the tastebuds. Flaky, rich with flavor and may be one of the key items that people flock to this place. Those that enjoy white fish and consider themselves prolific Foodie critics of it, often pay great compliment to what's served here. So to the delicacy friends, and then I'll be done with Shabazz for now. Ready? You sure? Its simply called "Bean Pie." Or as I like to refer to it, "round mouth happiness." Mostly sold by the slice, but also whole pies can be pre-ordered by phone, and to me, it is one of Savannah's Foodie Delicacies, in terms of desserts. But even just on the general, Top 10 List, it hits my radar as one of those classics you have to have to really appreciate what is here and enjoyed in Savannah. So if you have that Foodie Bucket List as it were, you've got to add this one to it. The Bean Pie is really the cousin of pumpkin pie, but a custard made with white or navy beans, and from a flavor stance, its almost indistinguishable from pumpkin pie. But don't get all "Eeewww" on me with the bean thing. I would call it sweeter than pumpkin pie but depends on what you've had. I simply love it from the buttery crust to sensational, sugary core. Its also interesting to note, or to some, that these are often sold as part of the fund raising effort for the Nation of Islam. And if ever in downtown Atlanta on a Sunday, and you're at a red light at a large intersection, a very interesting phenomenon can occur, when suddenly you see dozens of dashingly dressed, young Farrakhanites, with that typical 1960's sunglasses look of Malcom X, approaching your car with bean pies in hand to sell you. Can you beat that? Foodie amazement! Some unfamiliar might be intimidated to flee, but we Foodies, are often first to roll down the window to donate, if just for the sake of our house of worship, The Church of Foodies. Go see Shabazz! CASH!