Best Reuben Ever
Finbarr’s Irish Pub & Kitchen Dinner Review 7/11/12
I must say, I was a bit hesitant about dining at Finbarr’s Irish Pub & Kitchen as I usually don’t associate pubs with delicious, high-quality food, but I am happy to report that my assumptions were proved spectacularly wrong. The service was speedy, everything arrived at the table as ordered, and the food was so tasty.
My dinner companions and I – my 14-year-old brother and his friend – chose a table in Finbarr’s outdoor seating area, smack in the middle of the brick-lined mall. Given that I love people watching, our spot was perfect. The interior of Finbarr’s, which I checked out prior to our meal, is a chic sports bar. I can see how it attracts all different crowds – maybe not for a “ladies’ night out,” but great for the dudes and families.
The three of us started with an appetizer of asparagus fries, falafel, and artichoke fritters served with a lemon aioli. (The healthiness of the asparagus and artichoke cancels out the calories of the “fried” aspect… right?) I give this dish a big, greasy thumbs up. The fairly standard falafel was amped up by the aioli, the asparagus was crispy perfection, and the artichoke fritters… holy cow! I could have eaten an entire plate of them by myself. The artichokes are breaded and then fried, creating a delicious blend of soft and crunchy.
Deep Fried “Goodness”
curried shrimp salad
In a classic Sydney move, I ordered an entree I knew I wouldn’t enjoy as much as the entrees of my companions. I searched the menu, filled with items like tacos and poutine and grilled meats, for something light and healthy, and finally settled on the Grilled Shrimp Salad. What was described as curry spiced shrimp turned out to be a pretty basic arugula salad with four medium-sized grilled shrimp. The only place that I tasted curry was in the ginger-lime vinaigrette. Obviously the dish was still tasty (it’s hard to mess up shrimp and lettuce), but my eyes kept wandering over to the other dishes at the table.
My brother had ordered what I think is the best Reuben I’ve ever tasted. Served on Jewish-style rye with melted gruyere and swiss, and topped with thousand island dressing (hold the sauerkraut), this Reuben was warm, tangy, and dripping with deliciousness. It’s a great size – neither overwhelmingly large nor unsatisfyingly small – and comes with a side of your choice.
My brother’s friend ordered the fish and chips, a pub staple. The beer-battered cod bites were served with fries in a paper bag and accompanied by a side of curry dipping sauce. The fries received an A+ from the table, and the fish bites were crispy and super
Fish & Chips
flavorful when dipped in ketchup. The curry sauce, though, might have been better used to marinate my grilled shrimp.
Our full bellies kept us from ordering dessert, but I was really tempted by the warm brownie sundae and Guinness pot of chocolate. Just an excuse to return, I suppose!
Finbarr’s, opened in the December of 2011 by Denis and Kelly O’Donovan, is a fantastic addition to Aspen’s extensive list of eateries. In the little chat I had with Denis, he said of his wife, “She’s an amazing woman… she put so much of the concept together.” With this strong and compatible team running the show, I’m not surprised Finbarr’s Irish Pub & Kitchen has proven to be a success.
-Sydney M.
Sydney, an 9-year resident of Aspen, CO, is currently attending Brown University where she is majoring in Brunch. Her status as a “lactard” frequently interferes with, but does not overcome, her unmatched love for froyo and grilled cheese. Sydney enjoys traveling, photography, eating, eating while traveling, and photographing what she eats. She is always available for a lunch date.