RESTAURANT REVIEW:Garlic Jo’s isn’t stingy with the garlic

My life is not filled with a lot of firm beliefs, but a strong one is that a person can never have enough garlic.

I was introduced to it by my parents, who instilled this principle in me, and I have expanded on it through the years.

One of the best appetizers I have had to this day was several years ago in a restaurant in Northern California that took a whole garlic, cut off the top, stuffed it with brie cheese and baked it. Roasted garlic and melted brie cheese around it sticks in my memory 10 years after I ate it.

Garlic Jo’s was able to add to my memory bank, and I am convinced they can accommodate most any garlic lover’s request.

Just about everything on the menu comes with garlic, and if it doesn’t, you can certainly ask for it. If you want extra garlic on an item they will do that as well.

The aroma greets your nose at the entrance of the restaurant.

Parking was a problem at the original location and when Margaritaville closed, it provided Garlic Jo’s with the perfect place and ample parking.

They have retained the original layout, but made improvements to the bar area, which is in the middle of the dining room.

The bikers and partyers who used to congregate on the weekends to listen to blues music have been replaced mostly by couples, whom restaurant-provided jazz and folk singers entertain.

They also are treated to some incredible food. Warm focaccia bread is brought to each table with a sesame seed dip that includes garlic and ginger.

The best appetizer on the menu is the scallop carpaccio. The tender scallops are served in a light oil and garlic sauce and are outstanding. I overheard one diner requesting soy sauce for the appetizer, but I like the way the chef prepares them. Soy sauce would drown out the taste of the scallop.

The pizza is also a good choice to split with a group, and I would go with either the original garlic pizza, which is made with Gouda cheese and sliced garlic, or the Thai-style pizza. That is also made with Gouda cheese and garlic, but a Thai basil sauce and sweet chili sauce is added.

One appetizer that didn’t do anything for me is the crispy cheese wonton. It is deep fried, with cream cheese, garlic, sweet chili sauce and mango sauce. It was tasty, but didn’t seem worth the price.

The best bargain on the menu might be one of the three prix fixe (fixed priced) selections, which include garlic steak, chicken or fish.

The garlic steak might be the best of the three. It is a New York steak, though filet mignon can be substituted for $4, and is perfect for two people. Before the steak is served, diners get garlic bread, spinach, Thai style or chef salad, a choice of pizza and either garlic fried rice or pasta.

The servings of all are extremely generous and it is a nice sampling of what the restaurant offers.

My choice for this day was another dish I highly recommend. The jambalaya spaghetti is a mixture of chicken, shrimp, mussels, chorizo, asparagus and red and yellow peppers, tossed with regular spaghetti and a Cajun garlic mixture that is truly unique.

It is the first time since that appetizer of garlic and brie I thought about how good it was many days after I ate it. I am also happy to say the garlic didn’t stick around as long, pleasing anyone who came in contact with me, but it won’t be long until I fill up again on this healthy and delicious member of the onion family.

Address: 2332 W. Coast Hwy, Newport Beach

Phone: (949) 673-8444

Cuisine: Eclectic

Specialty dish: Original Garlic Steak

Alcohol served: Full bar, beer and wine

Dress: business attire and dressy casual

Family friendly: Yes, junior menu with three items

Credit cards accepted: MasterCard, Visa, American Express

Rating: *** 1/2