The Other Critics

Contra Costa Woman Rushes to Defense of Guy Fieri, Raves About Johnny Garlic’s

The Dublin location is one of five.
The Dublin location is one of five. Photo: Courtesy of Johnny Garlic’s

Critic Chrissa Ventrelle of the Contra Costa Times decides that in the wake of last week’s breathlessly reblogged takedown of Guy Fieri’s new NYC restaurant by Pete Wells, she needed to see what the Dublin location of his Johnny Garlic’s chain was like for herself. And you know what? She finds it surprisingly terrific as suburban chain restaurant food and service goes. “I expected to stand in line to order from a guy in a bowling shirt, but was greeted by a very professional server delivering complimentary onion-topped focaccia.” Also, that same server “knew every crevice of the menu,” and was most professional. Ventrelle uses words like “restraint” and “mildly aromatic” to describe dishes, and she’s delighted by Fieri’s Cajun chicken fettucine, imagining he invented the dish despite it dating to the early nineties. Her only real complaint: Despite finding the JG Famous Caesar “skillfully dressed,” she admits “we didn’t happen upon the promised focaccia croutons or uncover the merits of its self-proclaimed celebrity.” In conclusion, “Johnny Garlic’s is a versatile spot for a family dinner, date night, or to watch a game,” and she gives it two and a half stars, with three for ambiance. [CC Times]

Contra Costa Woman Rushes to Defense of Guy Fieri, Raves About Johnny