Growing up in the restaurant business, in Laguna Beach California was an amazing experience.  Did I, Lauren Levinson know this at the age of 10, I would begin cooking?  Absolutely not!  Now, I cannot imagine my life without food and the world of Culinary Arts.  I remember at the age of 10, I had a gathering for my best friends’ father, it was his birthday.  I cooked dinner for 50 guests, it was a true surprise to everyone.  This is when I discovered my passion for food.  I recall all the famous Artisits whom attended this event and I wanted to become one myself.

I studied graphic arts in college at, Otis Art Institute of Parsons School of Design located in Los Angeles, California.  I began working for the surf industry immediately after graduating from Laguna Beach High School, designing t-shirts for the top surf companies in Southern California.  I still continued working  diligently in the restaurant business as I felt compelled to continue working in this arena.

My parents, Ellen and Steve Levinson owned multiple restaurants at the time.  My Father was born into a 200-year-old meat packing company, Hoffman meats.  For all whom remember, , “Horray for Hoffy”, Pat Boone, this was it!  My family continued in the Restaurant industry for nearly fifty years.

SAVANNAH, my daughter was born, August 1995, in Laguna Beach, California.  I watched Laguna change and become overdeveloped and thought it would be appropriate to relocate to raise my daughter in a small town and safer environment.  I decided, Sedona Arizona would be my relocation destination.  I had always dreamed of starting my own restaurant.  I had been told by many that this was my destiny.  I had continued working for my family, running their restaurants and specializing in Catering and Events.  I figured with many years of knowledge and experience under my belt, it was time for me to retired the idea of traditional arts and working for my family and gave it a go at Culinary Arts.  I opened my own restaurant and have not looked back since.

Prior to the established, Savannah’s Steakhouse and Cajun Bistro and upon my arrival to Sedona, I worked for Arizona Catering, hosting, booking and designing very large events for many famous people.  I was then offered a Job by Show Me Arizona, a destination management company working with fortune 500 companies.  I managed the Sedona office and designed group events from beginning to end, until 911 hit.  This is when I decided to make my own dreams come true.

Today, I reside in Sedona Arizona.  My passion for cooking is where I devote my lifelong skills and artistic capacity at its fullest.  Today I am the Executive Chef and Owner of Savannah’s Steakhouse and Cajun Bistro.

I owe all the credit for my talents today to my parents.  Mom is an incredible Artists.  Her works of fine art, ceramics and jewelry can be discovered at Savannah’s.  Dad was a business man who loved to cook.  Every time people would visit our home the aroma of garlic, onions and streak could be ingested by smell for miles away.  This is when I became a child prodigy in the works.

Of course, if you find yourself in the halls of Savannah’s lobby on the way to the restrooms, you can entertain yourself with Savannah’s works of art.  As her Mother, I can only hope that she will follow her dreams.  She is a true talent and artist herself.  She is awesome and so supportive.  She is an old sole in a young body.  I hope she will result to cooking, more than just breakfast for herself, but at this point, designing shoes and clothes seems to be her spark of magic.  When you walk-in to Savannah’s, you may be greeted by the namesake herself.

Today, due to the countries current economic status, I decided that it must be time to add more affordable items to the menu.  What better way, then to add the cuisine of my heart, “CAJUN”.  I continue to serve the Savannah's’s famous U.S.D.A Prime Beef, and top quality Seafood, which we are known for (hand selected, of course).  However, in case you needed to have something more affordable, and just as delicious, try out my Etouffee.  NO NEED to travel to New Orleans, I have prepared it right here for you.  You can now get the highest quality food at the most reasonable prices.

I, welcome you into our home.  It is time to experience the four-award wining dining experience.  ***Voted, best Steak, Seafood, Bar/lounge and Wait staff***  I look forward to seeing you.