When the FARM Hospitality Group opened Common Thread, they told all their friends and fans of their original restaurant FARM in Bluffton, “Come try us out!”
I was a bartender at La Scala at the time, so their first guests would pop in from across the street and rave about the new restaurant. Tons of excited comments about inventive plates and rich, sustained flavors—the kind of things that turn you into a fan girl… or fan boy.
Then, I discovered Strange Bird, where they showcase their elevated Mexican flair. And later, Wildflower, their artful lunch space located inside the Jepson Center: Popping flavors and pink lemonade tart with full views of Telfair Square.
An honored legacy.
Back in the Day Bakery closing was a lingering heartbreak. I’d been enjoying those luscious cupcakes (perfect to soothe any kind of heartbreak) and those delicious curry chicken sandwiches for years. I moved to Savannah in 2005, and this place was part of my Savannah love tapestry.
I’m sure it was for many.
Cheryl Day had a following, from her bakery to her beloved cookbook.
That cookbook is part of the “Basic Savannah Starter Kit.” Throw in some Spanish moss, some ghost stories, and a to-go cup with a drink of choice. Then you’re all set.
But now, the iconic turquoise and white corner building has been taken by this new concept by FARM Hospitality Group, Flora and Fauna. It’s almost like they built their fanbase and following, and then said, “What haven’t we covered? Breakfast and baked goods? Let’s do it.”
At first glance, the space is beautifully decorated: An approachable elegance all around. Thirteen tables and a setup for parties of ten or more. It is evident that they expanded their seating space from the previous setup. I remember this space being tiny and having very limited seating.
While I explored them online before visiting for the first time, I read about their upcoming “Supper Club style dinner service.” Imagining still the Back in the Day Bakery, my first thought was… “Where will everyone sit?”
I was left in awe.
EVERYTHING is baked in-house, which is always amazing. The bread for their sandwiches is crafted and baked in the morning. Their decadent pastries for the day get put out at 7 am, warm and luxurious. It is uniquely thoughtful and exciting that they feature “Cheryl’s Biscuit or Breakfast Sandwich,” paying homage to the Day family.
For all of us who have that fluffy and warm biscuit engraved deep into our nostalgia, they honor them by making it the first item on their menu.
What kind of pastries are offered?
A friend who currently works at Wildflower Cafe mentioned that their croissants are as good as authentic French croissants!
As someone who spent three months in the south of France at 14 years old and ate croissants every day from this hole-in-the-wall bakery run by this sweet little old lady, no croissant has ever been better than that.
I’m a croissant diva, all the way.
I’m also a die-hard Auspicious fan.
The croissants at F & F are good. I’m not breaking up with Auspicious anytime soon, but I am mostly intrigued by Flora and Fauna’s decadent pastry options: Morning Glory Bundt, Pain Suisse, and Butterscotch Bread Pudding.
Oh, bread pudding… in all the years and places around town where I have attempted to be a bartender, every other day a guest will hopefully ask, “Do you guys have bread pudding???”.
That or crème brûlée.
It’s like catnip for people looking for comfort desserts. I’ll hear things all day like, “Oh no, I CAN’T POSSIBLY have another bite! No dessert for me!… Unless you have bread pudding?” And “How come you don’t have bread pudding?” And of course, “Do you live here? Where can we get some good bread pudding?”
Well, here you have it, you bread-pudding adoring people. A fantastic option to satisfy your shameless cravings.
What’s for brunch?
A glance at their brunch menu promises “Chocolate Pot de Crème” for dessert.
I know few things as decadently French and verbally exuberant as the classic “pot of custard” dessert.
The first time I heard the name, I couldn’t help but picture someone with a big wooden spoon and a full-sized pot of custard in a hedonistic display.
How are the French so slim and chic, and then create things like these foods?
Eternal mystery.
Of course, this particular chocolate treat is a more delicate, elaborate, and restrained option. A small pleasure… perhaps? I haven’t seen the size of this pot de crème yet.
Brunch also includes inspired plates like Fried Chicken Gumbo and Mushroom Conserve. It’s the kind of elevated comfort food that everyone has come to love and expect from the FARM Group.
Feels a little bit like Common Thread opened for lunch.
When to visit?
Flora and Fauna aims to please all day: opening daily from 7 am to 2 pm (9 am on Saturdays and Sundays). Closed on Tuesdays, and currently working on their dinner opening hours and evening offerings.
Menu and available hours for the evenings are soon to be posted! Supper Club promises to be a 3-course menu for a prefix price.
Go give it a try. Bring along a good friend for a fabulous breakfast, lunch, or brunch.
Truly, this is the kind of spot where I would only bring my best friends.
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