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CARGO portside grill -- the popular restaurant garnering rave reviews in historic downtown Brunswick, Ga .-- is only 10 minutes from St. Simons or Jekyll Island, and noticeable by the cars with Sea Island, St. Simons and Jekyll Island stickers parked out front for dinner. Many guests are already familiar with the exceptional quality of cuisine, because they are former customers of Chef Alix Kenagy, when she owned Atlanta's INDIGO COASTAL GRILL... and PARTNERS MORNINGSIDE CAFE', winner of "Best Seafood Restaurant" and "Best American Bistro" in Atlanta for 10 years in a row. Now, CARGO portside grill is a fresh, updated reference to both.

The intimate dining room seats 68 and guests are encouraged to "Wear a golf shirt and relax." A full bar, international wine list with many "by-the-glass" choices and imported beers are reasonably-priced.

Contemporary in design, with stunning enlarged, tinted photographs of historic ship activity in Brunswick's port (courtesy, Bruce Fendig, maritime author) the space feels "hip," as guests dine beneath a large (9 x 12) loose canvas impressionistic painting of a steamship by artist Brent Baker.

Two hundred year old heart pine tables and a handsome bar fashioned from the original floor joists of the 3-story, 112 year old "Elliot Building" were featured by HGTV's "If Walls Could Talk," Southern Living Magazine, Atlanta Homes and Lifestyle, N.P.R, and Georgia Trend Magazine.

Kenagy lives in a light-filled third floor loft in her renovated building, which received a "Main Street America/ Private Sector" award, with views of shrimp boats. She just filmed a PBS cooking spot on regional shrimp and is often seen clipping fresh herbs from sidewalk pots -- or buying local produce at the wharf market one block away.

Kenagy's reputation as a chef in Atlanta has kept her dining room full as she presides over a well-trained staff serving her signature dishes. Remember to treat yourself to CARGO's desserts, particularly the famous Georgia Peach Poundcake, often photographed for magazines... ports and sherry enhance cheese and fruit finales... CARGO'S fare changes daily and inspiration is endless as Kenagy is passionate about her cuisine.

But don't take our word for it. Here's what the reviews have to say:

Awarded "Top Ten Dining Destinations in Georgia"

Georgia Trend Magazine

"Let us assure you that there isn't a restaurant where we would rather be in the entire area. With her inimitable flair and decisive style, (Alix Kenagy) has amazed the wealthy islanders, who come flying over the bridge to taste her sensible yet refined cooking. ... the service has a big city edge, and the decor distills every bit of glamour and longing we associate with the big oceanliners ... ."

Knife & Fork
Atlanta, GA

"CARGO's food is exceptional and the ambience stimulating. ... It's great fun to savor a restaurant with good food, charming atmosphere and a colorful owner. CARGO is the latest - and one of the best - of many new restaurants opening in renovated downtowns across the state. ... This CARGO has arrived."

Georgia Trend Magazine

"This is, by far, the top restaurant in the area. The food is fresh, innovative, and a bit sassy with some southern background."

Southern Living

Winner: "Best Crabcakes"
Seafood Challenge / Golden Isles

Dining room available Sunday and Monday evenings for private functions, and the private "Loft Above CARGO" (seating fifty) is an ideal location for private parties, business presentations, rehearsal dinners, and family gatherings. . CARGO also books limited catering, from contemporary casual to extraordinary gatherings.