In the Kitchen with….
Ellen Anderson
Fannie’s on the Beach
By Alaina Loughridge
I love my job!!! I meet the coolest people with amazing talents and when
I get to sit down and chat with one of Tybee’s most talented chefs and
learn her secrets … well, who doesn’t like food and the expertise to
know what to do with it? Dinner shouldn’t be a chore every night for the
rest of your life. It should be an experience! Let’s sit down with Ellen and
learn her secrets!
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Ellen did her school thing, graduating from
Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama with a Bachelor
in Science and Psychology (she’s whip smart too). At 24 she moved to
Atlanta to broaden her horizons and with the love of cooking always
simmering on the back burner, Ellen got into the restaurant industry at
first serving, then bartending and cooking and everything else that being
12 TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | MARCH 2020
involved in this industry requires before moving on to a catering company
for the next 12 years. She learned various tips and tricks wherever she
went and whoever she worked with, including Espy (we all know Espy!),
as well as from a Cordon Bleu trained sauce chef!
In 1987, Ellen went to Savannah for St. Patrick’s Day and a few years
later, Atlanta was history and Tybee became home. Starting at the Hunter
House waiting tables, it was only a matter of minutes before Ellen got
back into the kitchen. In 2007, she moved on to Marlin Monroe’s and
began a 10 year affair, both managing and cooking simultaneously, as
well as in the kitchen at Fannie’s too. In 2017, she moved to Fannie’s
permanently and that’s where we can find our girl today!
I asked her Life’s Most Important Questions:
Tybee Life: About 30 years going to and fro, but always knowing this
is home.
Passion: Cooking for people – being able to please people
gastronomically.
Grow Up: Nope. Not gonna do it.
Spirit Animal: Dolphin, a water creatures that loves to play – right in
tune with her zodiac sign – Pieces.
Super Power: Knowing what people want before they realize it
themselves.
Super Power She Wishes She Had: Walk on water!
Ellen’s favorite go to and pleasure to make is of all thing’s sushi! Using
mostly gut instinct and only fresh ingredients is her secret. Ingredient
staples too are Siracha and Red Bean Paste. Knowing that not everyone
can do sushi, I asked her for her second go to favorite dish, and I couldn’t
agree more. Ellen’s Premium Buffalo Dip is a drool worthy yummy town
and perfect for any occasion. Like breakfast, lunch and dinner! Here is
how you do it:
Ellen’s Premium Buffalo Dip
Shredded Chicken – a lot of it, because I’m coming over
Ranch Dressing – yes
Shredded Colby Jack
Cream Cheese
Buffalo Sauce – pick your own speed.
Mash the whole situation together and top it with bleu cheese
crumbles. Bake it for 30 minutes at 350 degrees and you have yourself
a masterpiece. I think it’s good as a straight meal, but apparently, it’s
a dip so whatever works for you.
You can catch up with Ellen at Fannie’s on the Beach, 1613 Strand Ave. If
you are nice, she might even share a secret sushi recipe with you. Either
way, your dining experience is going to be one of a kind!