The Good Plow

Today my daughter Jane and I headed down the coast to Carpinteria, anticipating a carefree day of walking around a town we both love. I’ve written before about a marvelous day I spent here, and, like last time, the highlight of this outing was an outstanding meal.

A year ago I read a review of The Good Plow, written by my friend George Yatchisin, in the Santa Barbara Independent and was intrigued. In addition, friends who ate there reported on their incredible meals which further encouraged me to give it a try. I have no good excuse for why this was my first time eating at The Good Plow, but I can guarantee this will not be the last!

We arrived in Carpinteria at an awkward time for lunch, around 2:30, and I worried that the kitchen would be closed. Our elation upon learning we could order anything we wanted from the menu could not be overstated as we were both very hungry. Normally when I enter a new eating establishment, I like to take in the decor and if there is a merchandise area, I peruse it before ordering. This time, Jane and I immediately read over the menu and gave our order. Jane chose the Bimbap Bowl.

I was vacillating between the fish tacos and banh mi sandwich and asked the attentive cashier what she would recommend. She told me that once she described them aloud, I would be able to choose, and she was correct. I ordered the mind-blowing sandwich because I enjoy getting something that features a number of ingredients which may not be sitting in my fridge or pantry. Menu items that are thoughtfully created with various flavors and textures appeal to me, and this sandwich was that and more.

Iced tea and green veggie drink in hand, we headed outside to the patio area which was inviting with its spacious seating area. Soon our food arrived, looking enticingly beautiful with its bright colors. Jane tucked into her salad made up of spindly cucumber noodles, pickled red onion, a uniquely spiced date sauce, fried shitake mushrooms, and roasted sweet potatoes. My banh mi sandwich was a wonder. Instead of the usual pork, The Good Plow’s version showcased spidery chunks of fried oyster mushrooms. Perhaps that does not sound enticing, but seriously, they were phenomenal when resting on a crisp baguette that had been drizzled with Green Goddess Dressing (a verdant dream), thin slices of pickled carrots, cucumbers, and red onions, and bright basil and cilantro leaves. I feigned generosity by not cringing when Jane took a big bite of my sandwich, and tried not to snatch it back from her before she could take another one.

After lunch we took a little tour around the store inside, appreciating the warm, honey wood decor and healthy potted plants. Along with a refrigerated case featuring local fresh produce, we saw cool woven baskets, local wines and beers, shrubs, pretty colored candles, and bottles and jars of fun picnic foods. For once, I was not tempted to have a sweet following our meal. Our lunch had been sublime, so perfect, that we chose to bask in that blissed-out, sated state. But believe me: I will be back!