When Irish Eyes (and tummies) are smiling
By JR Grant 12/03/2009
Garman’s Restaurant & Irish Pub
932 E. Main St.
Santa Paula
933-4600
$3.50-$16.95
Not many people think about venturing to Santa Paula for an Irish pub meal in an upscale contemporary bar.
However, for the last six months, many, many people have been doing just that at Garman’s Restaurant and Irish Pub. A full pub menu with outstanding and innovative selections (and of course the Guinness, Newcastle Pale Ale and Southwicks on draught) makes Garman’s a serious go-to location. Located in a newly renovated building on Main Street, this bustling pub is a very welcome addition to Santa Paula’s somewhat distressing slate of empty businesses.
As Garman’s is a proper pub, a review ought to celebrate its fine selection of ales, stouts and lagers, and also its very fine choices of Irish and Scotch whiskeys, but I ventured to Garman’s to check out the cuisine, and I’ve returned several times to feast on the excellent offerings. These recent chilly nights have been perfect weather for Garman’s traditional Dublin stew, a very tasty combination of tender sirloin tips braised with onions and stout, with carrots and leeks. The sweet yet bitter flavor of the Guinness combined perfectly with the juices of the beef and the nearly caramelized onions; and with the scrumptious freshly baked bread, this hearty meal is a perfect winter night treat.
This great dish is a real bargain at $9.95. My companion had bangers and mash and I must say I was really happy tosee proper English sausages being used for the bangers. Chef/owner Clint Garman knows what is meant to be served in a proper pub, and these bangers are right on.
On another visit I opted for the corned beef, cabbage and mash, and the roasted corned beef brisket was so good and tender that I long to go back next St. Patrick’s Day for this very traditional feast. I also ordered the black and tan onion rings, the batter of which is made with Garman’s favorite tout, and the rich texture gives new meaning to beer-batter fried. This side dish is sweet and inviting and a must for table sharing. The last time I was there, we actually ordered another plate — the first one disappeared so quickly amidst our hungry palates.
Another great and interesting starter (or lunch, if you prefer) is Dave’s Irish tacos. This curious dish consists of four corn tortillas topped with cubed tender corned beef, and then covered with shredded cabbage and cilantro, with an amazing cilantro ranch dressing as the “salsa” — a delectable combination of flavors, and an interesting twist on small rolled tacos. This is a very filling lunch, but also a great sampler if you are enjoying a nibble with your Guinness. I’ve had several soups at Garman’s, and have always enjoyed the daily special, but I am particularly fond of the potato leek. In my memory of this soup in the British Isles, Garman’s version seems extra creamy and is topped with cheddar and green onions. A great lunch is the half and half (Caesar or house salad with a cup of soup), this is an ideal winter’s mid day meal.
One dish on this menu rarely seen outside of Ireland is the boxty, a potato pancake usually made with leftover mashed potatoes. Garman’s version serves it crepe style with a variety of fillings, including chicken and cheddar or salmon and dill. The last time I was there, the filling I chose was Guinness beef and gravy with carrots. This hearty dish was like a Guinness-soaked pot roast wrapped inside an oniony potato pancake. For me, this is comfort food at its most rewarding, and at $11.95, a good value.
I’ve yet to have the fish and chips, but the several orders I’ve seen being served look authentic, crispy and delicious. I can’t wait to try them on my next visit. One day at lunch, my companion had the grilled portobello melt. Delicious, and at $8.95, a filling and very satisfying lunch.
Desserts are also unique and satisfying here: the bread pudding topped with vanilla ice cream and an Irish whiskey caramel sauce is outstanding, but I will always go back for the berry boxty à la mode: one of the griddled pancakes wrapped around a berry filling and topped with ice cream and berries. I can’t think of a more filling and scrumptious dessert anywhere for $5.95.
The drinkers in your crowd will surely enjoy the Irish coffee ($5.95) or the Guinness float (obviously an Irish variation of the root beer float), also $5.95. In sum, this is a great Irish pub, both for grog and for grub. Who knew downtown Santa Paula had such a treat in store for hungry and thirsty palates? I am returning frequently, and judging by the many full tables and the bustling bar, it appears many others are happily doing just the same thing.
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My wife and I have been to Garman's Pub many times, often with friends. We have always had an outstanding meal with friendly service..... sometime you may get a hug, as well !!
Clint, the owner, is always greeting people and making sure that your meal is perfect. We drive in from Ventura since it is only 15 minutes away and have never been disappointed.
One very cool thing is the air hand dryer in the bath rooms, when you place your hands under the unit, the fan is like putting your hands behind a 747 at takeoff !
Bottom line: Great food and drink, friendly service, truly an outstanding Pub !
Cheers !!!!
Dr. Bob and Wendy Pazen