Peachy Picks Scallywags Our Coverage Sponsored by Cosmopolitan Dental, Official Dentist of Whom You Know
The Best Dentist in Manhattan
&
Official Dentist of Whom You Know:
30 E. 40th Suite 1001
212 683 1960
& see how fantastic an experience it is to visit Cosmopolitan Dental:
Our Editor-in-Chief has met quite a few Scallywags on both sides of the pond, but we're not sure she's found one more than this one, which is the new name of the venue that was previously called Albert Hall. Owned by Dubliner Mike Doyle, a total peach, Scallywag's is a lovely little pub on 9th Avenue that is clean, new and fresh and happening, in our newly-acquired "Absolutely Fabulous" speak. So what is different about this compared to every other Irish pub? The difference is that Mike Doyle is here, and this is his first Manhattan venture since he arrived in America from the South Side of Dublin. Doyle came to New York in the 1980's and for anyone keeping track, he has the D12 accent since he is from Greenhills Estate, Walkinstown! (And for goodness sake, if you're not Irish, that is a Dublin zip code silly!) He owns other places in New York state upstate. Peachy started with a Magner's/Bulmer's....
You know Peachy just loves to celebrate her Irish heritage in every way, shape and form and we discussed our recent BBC Home Entertainment documentary that we reviewed on Ireland geographically via Scallywags placemats above. Peachy has been to more counties in Ireland than she has states in America...
You know we love love love to start with a salad, and we can verify that the Scallywags salads are indeed tremendous. You could have this for your meal, but Peachy did not as she wants you to see many options of this fine pub. The succulent little shrimps were grilled just perfectly, the avocado slices were fresh and soft, the citrus vinaigrette was refreshing, and all other salad elements confirmed that this was among the best salads we've had in a pub setting. Thumbs up Scallywags, and Peachy would order this again.
You know her shoes like to take place in the reviews too....the Houndstooths sipped an imaginary Dewars...
The menu is quite complete, full of options that will please everyone and they're absolutely a step above traditional pub fare. Another huge plus is that an authentically Irish waitress is there and make sure you work with Orlagh Reilly from County Meath. Welcome her to New York because she certainly will welcome you to Scallywags and maybe she'll even speak to you in Gaelic. Peachy Deegan decided on the Fresh Atlantic Salmon served with lemon butter, and mashed potato was on one side, and broccoli on the other.
Masterfully grilled, the salmon was so fresh and flavorful it melted in Peachy's mouth. This is no ordinary fare here and you'll leave quite full - and the mashed potoatos were simply heavenly.
The broccoli was crisp and a terrific companion of nutrition and green to round out the plate.
Do not ignore the Truffle Mac & Cheese that graces the menu! It is to-die-for delicious and the crusty top is particularly enticing. The smell was so appetizing we dug in right away and note this is an entree that we chose to try as a side dish.
Peachy knows that Nana Deegan made bread pudding and Peachy has the recipe (but has yet to make it herself) - and we hope it is as good as this! Brioche Bread Pudding is a staple of Irish desserts and you cannot pass go and collect $200 without trying this standout dessert.
Our esteemed panelist adds:
If you're in the mood for great food in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere with an Irish flair, look no further than Scallywag's! In the space formerly known as Royal Albert Hall, Scallywag's has changed its loyalties from England to Ireland, and the result is a charming, homey Irish pub. Owner Mike Doyle moved to the U.S. from Ireland in the mid-80s, and his philosophy behind dining is that it should be fun and relaxed. Well, he certainly achieves this at Scallywag's.
The staff (Mr. Doyle included) are welcoming and congenial, and there is a spirit of fun and cheerfulness in the air. Of course, the most important thing when dining out is the food - and Scallywag's excels here, as well! The menu is very well-rounded, with a little something for everyone. There is, of course, an "Irish Pub Fare" section, featuring dishes such as Fish and Chips, Bangers and Mash, and Traditional Irish Breakfast (which is served all day), but other items include steak, pasta, burgers, sandwiches, and a raw bar featuring oysters, shrimp, and mussels. With such a wide variety of offerings, it was difficult to make our selections, but I ultimately opted for the Crab Cakes as an appetizer and the Curry Chicken for my main course.
The crab cakes were delicious - perfectly browned on the outside, with sweet tender crab meat combined with bread, peppers, and scallions. They were served with a delicious mustard aioli, which was the perfect accompaniment. The curry chicken was also outstanding.
It's usually served with french fries or rice, but I threw caution to the wind and tried it with both! The curry sauce was perfect - spicy, but not overly so, and the chicken was tasty and tender. Cooked with green and red peppers and onions, it was a wonderfully satisfying dish. I accompanied my meal with a lovely Pinot Grigio, which was a great complement to the spicy curry dish. Although we were quite full by the end of the meal, we just had to make room for dessert - which, in my case, was a delectable chocolate mousse cake, served with whipped cream.
Perfectly sweet and chocolately, it was the perfect ending to a terrific meal.
Peachy Picks Scallywags!
Scallywags is Recommended by Whom You Know.
Peachy and Mike Doyle
