For the Naked Truth
Tybee Blue/Tybee Green
By Tim Arnold - Tybee Clean Beach Volunteers
Even though Salt Island Fish & Beer has been open only a
little more than a year, it has quickly become a favorite
among locals and visitors alike. What’s not to love?
An extensive and eclectic craft beer menu, good
wine choices, and a menu of fresh, creative
small plates, entrees, and seasonal fare using
local ingredients that requires many visits to
fully appreciate. When owners Eric & Emily
bought this place last year, they remodeled
using existing materials from historic
properties, creating a warm and inviting
space, complete with outdoor seating.
Curious about the newcomer, I had lunch
there shortly after they opened, and realized
as I finished my last bite of a tasty version of
the classic Banh Mi sandwich that there was not
a scrap of waste on the table … not even a paper
napkin.
Seamlessly, it seems, this dynamic couple has managed to
reduce the waste the restaurant produces to near zero. Manager Emily
takes home glass bottles for reuse instead of throwing them in the trash;
14 TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | SEPT 2019
Chef Eric takes and donates aluminum cans; leftover catch
of the day is made into the amazing smoked fish dip
that I can’t seem to get enough of … the list of small
actions to reduce waste goes on and on. You
simply won’t find any single-use, throw-away
plastics in this place, including styrofoam.
Even the take-out cutlery is made from
bamboo.
Since coming to Tybee, Eric & Emily have
embraced our community, donating catering
services for good causes, partnering with
non-profits, joining the Post Theater Board,
and offering buckets & grabbers for patrons
to clean the beach across the street.
Great food and drink, a cool place to hang, a lowwaste
meal, a full-on hug of our Tybee community –
these folks are the real deal. So next time you’re looking
for someplace new to try, or are returning, slide into Salt
Island Fish & Beer and enjoy yourself. And be sure to say thanks to
Eric & Emily for getting it just right!