Growing up, I was taught to go to new places and try new things.
So, what a wonderful surprise to a find a two-week-old eatery named, “The Globe,” in historic Garden Grove. There is no sign out front, but inside is a bar made of dark wood that draws you in. The walls are filled with foreign currency and large maps of the world. Feels like you are traveling somewhere outside of the United States.
Growing up, I was taught to go to new places and try new things.
So, what a wonderful surprise to a find a two-week-old eatery named, “The Globe,” in historic Garden Grove. There is no sign out front, but inside is a bar made of dark wood that draws you in. The walls are filled with foreign currency and large maps of the world. Feels like you are traveling somewhere outside of the United States.
“We are bringing a European flavor to Orange County,” said Bruce the bartender, who got me to sit down with a sample of a yummy strawberry Belgium beer. Tasty but not my speed, so I ordered a large Stella for $5, which is a steal in Southern California.
The menu featured many Belgium beers such as the St. Bernard and who doesn’t love a big, frothy dog? Dark, light and fruity beers plus a few gin-based signature cocktails (Bronx, Fallen Angel and Tropical Delight) were there for the sipping.
As the restaurant started to fill up with the early drinking and dinner crowd, the owner, Michael Pauwels from Belgium, introduced himself with a handshake and a warm smile. Seems to me a place where locals and visitors can patron for the “everybody knows your name” feel. Even the back patio started to fill up with those folks who cannot get enough of the August air a few detours from the Pacific Ocean.
The menu is not overwhelming but offers good eats. Interesting pizzas topped with salmon, shrimp and meats. Hot and cold sandwiches with New York-style-deli meats. Salads, appetizers and “The Globe” specialties include stews and curries.
I decided on a hot Bratwurst on a mustard-smeared French baguette and a personal pizza.
Just the right combo with a Stella; the spice of the 6-inch Brat was notched up with every nip. It was also smothered with sautéed onions and peppers. However, an insignificant, teeny tiny 1-inch pickle was placed on the side of the plate. It was so small it seemed the Brat, in all its oniony, peppery glory, was laughing at the pickle.
Regardless, I will say that this is the best Brat west of Chi-town, where I’m a regular visitor to the south side.
The personal pizza, topped with peppers, spinach and black olives, was pleasingly tasty to a pizza-snob such as myself (Can you blame me? I hail from New York City. Enough said.). That pie managed to keep its integrity through each bite, contained the right amount of cheese and tomato sauce and was none too greasy. How does a Belgian guy like Michael make such a solid pizza? Turns out, Belgians dig pizza, too.
Michael is creating a wonderful hot-spot for those of us who take pleasure in trekking to a different part of the world every now and then. Feeling as if you were in the Benelux, even if only for an evening, was an enjoyable experience highlighted by good beer and good food and you know what?
Historic Main Street, known for its down-home bar grub at Doug’s and Louie’s, and a nearly-100-year-old old deli called Zlaket’s, and, of course, the wonderfully weird Azteca restaurant, can now boast of a globe-trotting experience, and you don’t even have to leave Orange County to do it.
The Globe
Where: 12926 Main St., Garden Grove.
Phone: (714) 537-7471
Website: theglobeoc.com
