Downey's Restaurant Review

January 20, 2009

Sunday night I had the pleasure of dining at Downey's restaurant on State Street. Located a few doors down from the Arlington theatre, Downey's restaurant has been wowing the Santa Barbara food scene for years. John Downey is the master of using the best ingredients and making the flavor's pop. The menu is filled with great offerings. We were met at the door by Jo who showed us to our table, but it only took a few moments to be welcomed by Liz Downey. Liz and her team of two worked that dining room gracefully, professionally, and to perfection. While I never felt that there was any airs of haughtiness, I knew that this was a dining room to be respected.

My date and I chose the "Taste of Santa Barbara" menu, which is pre fixe offering of three courses: Shredded Crab cake on toast, followed by the salad: Tom Shepherd’s Greens with Choice of Two Dressings, followed by the entree: Grilled Duck with Cabernet Sauce, Roasted Artichokes, Pearl Onions & Potatoes.

The crab cake was extremely fresh and perfectly prepared, reminiscent of eating cracked crab on Pier 39 in Stearns Wharf. The presentation and perfection of tastes combined as it were an entree and not just an appetizer.

My date and I received the wrong dressing on our salads, which was quickly fixed for my date. I kept the vinaigrette and wished I had the blue cheese. Not being one to appreciate oil dressing I was no judge for this dressing. But the salad itself was amazing. The blue cheese dressing was divine. This was the only mistake the staff made all night and thus could easily forgive.

The duck breast was grilled to perfection. The wine sauce and side of dark leg meat was not overdone. Being a great fan of duck, I grill quite a bit. This duck was fresh and yet not gamey. While it was cooked medium rare it was not cold or too rare. The sauce and and side was a perfect accoutrement to a perfect meal.

Liz Downey recommended a gerwurtzaminer to accompany our crab and salad. This white wine was perfect for these courses. For our entree, I chose not to go with her suggestion of a half bottle of a wine (whose name I cannot recall,) but instead chose the Stolpman Hilltops Syrah.

http://www.stolpmanvineyards.com/

I was so pleased with this wine that I searched 5 local shops in search of a bottle. Needless to say I was unsuccessful. I sensed that this may not have been the wine that Liz would have chosen for us, but her wine list is amazing and this wine in particular is now one of my all time favorites.

Our dessert was an Apple treat that I can only describe as ambrosia. The tastes cannot be described with mere words. Now that may have been the Syrah speaking, but nonetheless, the dessert was fantastic.

Downey's restaurant always delivers. Years ago when I would recommend this dining room, people would thank me a hundred times over. This is a restaurant to enjoy again and again for all occasions. The kindness of the staff: Jo, Karen (Who turns 21 in 6 weeks) and the regal Liz will make you want to return.

While Zagat ranked this restaurant: 28 for food and 28 for service, I would have to say that there was no air of hautiness often found in a dining room of such caliber. I would have to encourage a visit to experience such a wonderful dining experience for yourself. I look forward to hearing your comments.





Years ago when I was asked what was the best restaurant in Santa Barbara, I would pause for effect then say: Downey's. Absolutely Downey's. Now new restaurants come and go, some good and some great, but Downey's remains a constant in the culinary world of Santa Barbara. I will continue my review of the wonderful meal I had after Christmas. Have a wonderful Holiday. Be safe and healthy.

January 13, 2009.
Happy New Year. I got inspired by my post and booked a trip to lovely Santa Barbara. I called Liz Downey and booked a reservation for this Sunday at 7pm. Liz is a consummate professional and lovely woman who took great care with my request on the phone. I look forward to our dinner. I will give a review early next week.