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by Lisa Kampeter

  It’s not often that the Dining Divas stay north for our dinner outings. When we’re fortunate enough to get a new, non-chain restaurant in town, many of us living in the area check it out before we think about getting the group there. This month, at the request of a couple North County Divas, we went to Irma Jean’s Neighborhood Restaurant & Sports Bar, even though a few of us had already been there.

Prior to Irma Jean’s, the location was Deaver’s and before that was Copperuz. Many of us in the area were sad when Deaver’s closed down because there are not many non-chain restaurants to choose from in that area off Shackleford.

Although Irma Jean’s doesn’t take “reservations”, when I called, they did put down that a table of 12 would be in that night, and fortunately, we were seated right away. And I was glad we weren’t put in a party room away from everyone else.

It was great to see the Summer-Traveler Diva return from her six weeks stay in Florida. Enjoying the perks of being a teacher and having her summers off, she was back in town long enough to join us but was heading out on another vacation in Montana that week. We also liked meeting the Guest Diva from the Sunshine State who was spending much of her visit enjoying cocktails with the Cultured Diva.

The Nurse Diva brought along her sister recovering from a knee surgery. She’d been spending her days helping her mend from the surgery in hopes of a quick recovery so she could get the other knee replaced soon.

   Ironically, the Divas that had requested we go to Irma Jean’s made a happy hour stop somewhere else before coming to dinner. As well as drinks, they took advantage of some happy hour food so they weren’t very hungry. They shared a few appetizers of Potato Skins, Smoked Pork Nachos, and Toasted Raviolis. The raviolis were their favorite.

You can’t go wrong with the Champion Wings as attested by the Diva Junior. When she joins us, most likely she’s going to try the wings, and she was happy once again with her choice. Apparently, their wing sauce is a well-known and loved, award-winning wing sauce. It’s also served on a Champion Chicken sandwich and was just as good.

The Calorie-Counting Divas shared Jerry’s Loaded Chicken. At first, we thought Jerry drank too much, and the chicken would be marinated in booze. But instead it was topped with caramelized onions, peppers, and cheese. It was delicious and guilt-free of calories.

Irma Jean’s signature foods are smoked meats and barbecue. Their Pulled Pork is really good. Too often than not, Beef Brisket ends up being a disappointment, but not here! And if you feel like fish instead of barbecue, the Catfish Sandwich is a also great choice.

The plates and sandwiches come with sides. You can still get a Copperuz classic, their salad, which is called the Cop Salad. Made with broccoli, bacon, cauliflower, onion, and their sweet parmesan dressing, it’s as good as it’s always been. The Pineapple Coleslaw had just a hint of pineapple and wasn’t too overpowering. And the other typical sides were good choices too.

This night, the Dining Divas brought in tee-shirts to donate. The Educator Diva and her kids enjoy going downtown and delivering clothing and other items to homeless people. She opens her trunk and hands out clothing to those in need, and they really take the time to talk to those less fortunate. She says it’s such a powerful experience for her and her family, and we all were happy to help out.

It was an enjoyable summer night for the Dining Divas, and this Diva is happy that it happened in our neighborhood. We’re glad Irma Jean’s is another North County option, and we hope it’s here to stay.

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