>> IRISH PUB FARE AT BRANDON'S PLACE IN CULPEPER IS MAGICALLY DELICIOUS BRANDON'S FOR BANGERS, BREAD PUDDING AND BEER
Brandon's Place in Culpeper does Irish right
Date published: 5/24/2007
By Nancy Dearing Rossbacher and Stephen W. Sylvia
FOR THE FREE LANCE-STAR
She: We drove by Brandon's Place twice before we found it. Tucked into a building at the back of Culpeper's Cameron Street parking area, it's easy to miss. But it's a mistake to do so.
He: Brooklyn-raised Brandon Santos--half Puerto Rican, half Irish--channeled his maternal line when he opened his Irish pub and eatery months ago. In addition to having the right genes for it, he studied cooking in Ireland for three years.
Exposed brick walls lend a rustic touch to the interior, and the bar area in one corner is painted an inviting crimson. Tall windows shed light on the downstairs dining area, which has gleaming wooden tables imported from Ireland.
Upstairs is an overflow-crowd loft, most often used on the weekends when there's live music.
She: The one-sheet menu doesn't represent all that's available; check the chalkboard near the bar as well. Porridge, bangers and mash, shepherd's pie, fish and chips--Brandon isn't playing when it comes to offering the mainstays of Irish pub fare.
When I joked about whether the crab cakes were authentically Irish, he smiled and said they were if he said so. I make it a point never to argue with anyone from Brooklyn, and I'm glad, for the two gently fried crab cakes ($12.95) were bursting with backfin. A mound of thick, hot fries--excuse me, chips--accompanied.
He: A full Irish breakfast ($12.95) is available all day. Flavorful discs of white (pork) pudding and black (don't ask if you're squeamish) pudding nestled beside a large sausage link and traditional Irish back bacon. Two potato farls (potato cakes) were perfect for dipping into two fried eggs.
She: The not-too-sweet bread pudding ($5.95) was nearly fluffy and flanked by dollops of whipped cream with cherries, as if a banana split had traveled to the Emerald Isle and come back the better for it.
He: The fare leans toward hearty, but there are options for lighter appetites, such as a salad of mixed greens and cranberries topped with Irish Cashel Bleu cheese ($5.95).
She: Adding to the appeal of Brandon's Place are the draft beers, including Guinness, Harp and Smithwick, and the sweetish Woodpecker cider.
He: Last thoughts: authentic Irish pub fare, and more, in an attractive, comfortable setting.
She: We congratulated Brandon on his venture, and he said to tell everyone. He had no idea we'd tell this many people.
Nancy Dearing Rossbacher and Stephen W. Sylvia publish a Civil War magazine together. She likes to cook. He likes to eat. To reach Rossbacher and Sylvia, e-mail them at
Email: editor@nstcivilwar.com. Or call 540/374-5448 with comments about today's restaurant review.
| BRANDON'S PLACE
Address: 110 E. Cameron St., Culpeper (at the East Cameron Street parking lot)
Phone: 540/829-1025
Hours: Lunch--11 a.m.- 3 p.m. daily (closed Wednesday). Dinner--Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 5 p.m.-midnight; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sunday, 5-8 p.m.
Prices:
Menu items and prices may vary, and there are numerous specials. The general range for appetizers to entrees is $4.95 to $12.95.
Desserts: $5.95
Beer, cider and wine: $5-$7.50
Full bar available.
Atmosphere: Airy, yet cozy. Casual and family-friendly. Wheelchair-accessible. Nonsmoking.
Payment: Major credit cards accepted.
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Date published: 5/24/2007
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