Festive food for St. Patrick's Day

Originally published in the March 16, 2011 issue of the Coast Report
By Priya Gupta and Hanna Fry, Views Editor and Editor-in-Chief

When one goes to an Irish restaurant for traditional Irish fare, one might not know exactly what to expect.

Those who frequent Skosh Monahan’s, however, know that they can expect something wildly unfamiliar yet totally delicious.

While the restaurant boasts a variety of everyday favorites, even going as far as to healthful offer gluten-free options, the traditional Irish cuisine is a must try for the more adventurous among us.

The atmosphere in the restaurant was like being in your hometown pub, but with all of the contemporary amenities. It’s a comfortable mix of dark wood, dim lights and plasma TVs.

The traditional food is nothing like what you find at your hometown pub though.
Skosh Monahan’s sheppard’s pie was definitely a pleasant surprise with its hearty and flavorful meat and potatoes. The gravy that came with the dish had a slight spicy kick to it and made for a perfect pairing.

The cabbage and corned beef was also quite delicious. While pickled cabbage in not everyone’s cup of tea, it was definitely worth trying and the beef was spiced and brined enough to give it flavor but not so much as to overpower the natural flavor of the meat.

On the other hand, the bangers and mash were less than satisfactory. The sausages seemed a tad overcooked and, accordingly, had a very dry, tough texture to them.

The mashed potatoes which were served with the sausages were light and fluffy and paired with the afore mentioned gravy. Interestingly enough, that gravy seems to taste great on just about everything.

The restaurant also features a full bar with all the traditional drinks and a selection of Irish beers and liquors.

For all those looking to go on a mouth-watering Irish adventure, Skosh Monahan’s can be found at 2000 Newport Blvd., on the corner of 19th street and Newport Boulevard, in Costa Mesa.

Prices range from $5 to $15 for appetizers and $10 to $30 for entrees. The traditional Irish favorites cost about $15 each.