Posts in: 'Republic of Ireland'
Shanahan’s on the Green, Dublin 2
Posted: 18 May '10 by Ciara
Shanahan's on the Green, Dublin 2
My 30th birthday fell on a Friday this year so before the party that was planned for Saturday night my husband and I decided to celebrate my joining of the 30 club by taking a trip to Shanahans on the Green for one of their renowned steaks.
Being huge fan of steaks it rates at the top of our “favourite restaurant” list – they serve certified Irish Angus beef which is cooked in a special broiler, charring the surface of the meat while keeping the centre tender and moist.
Shanahan’s is situated at the top of St. Stephens Green in Dublin 2. Founded by John Shanahan, born in Boston Massuchussets, who always identified with his rich Irish heritage, he embarked upon Shanahan’s on the Green to try and capture his love of cooking and his passion for Ireland.
In addition to its scrumptious menu, which includes those certified Irish angus beef steaks, Irish seafood, hearty sides and mouth-watering desserts, it also has top class service. The elegant service together with the top class food is complimented and heightened by the beautiful old Dublin décor of the restaurant. “The Oval Office”, the restaurant’s downstairs bar featuring historical documents and mementoes from each of America’s presidents of Irish Heritage and also JFK’s original rocking chair from air force one blends both cultures and histories together classically.
We always enjoy a drink in the Oval office before dining in the restaurant as the comfortable leather green chairs and low lit table lamps and frequently lit fire add to the relaxed and friendly atmosphere helping us to unwind and ponder over the menu and beautiful wine list.
Each of the staff at Shanahans are also extremely professional and friendly and if you ask them about any of the artifacts they will willingly give you a history of the restaurant.
The details
For the wine I choose a Portugese red, Duas Quintas Reserve, 2006. This was quite full bodied, quite strong at first but delicious with the steak. Since Cor doesn’t like wine he choose his usual, an Austrian beer called Stiegel – Shanahan’s is one of only a few places in Ireland that serve it.
After making final decisions on our food order our waitress bought us over a selection of fresh breads, cheese and onion flavoured crusty bread and chilli flavoured muffins, still warm from the oven. I decided to have a slice of each, conscious of my huge steak that I was determined to finish. I opted out of a starter and Cor went for the sizzling black west coast mussels presented on a huge plate along with shallots, garlic, fresh herbs, lemon and butter. I watched in horror, not being a fan of fish, as Cor devoured the whole plate. I shook my head laughing telling him he’d never finish his steak.
When our 12oz medium done fillet mignon’s arrived my mouth watered in anticipation. I waited patiently as our waitress placed our beautifully presented side orders of whipped potatoes with butter and chives, sautéed wild mushrooms and Shanahans renowned large portion of onion rings on our table in their copper pots.
We exchanged satisfied smiles and tucked into our meal.
As always, we were thrilled with our meal: the steak was mouth-wateringly satisfying and cooked to perfection, as were the creamy whipped potatoes, the thin and crispy onion rings and the mushrooms, all of which combined to create the perfect meal.
The only downside was that I was so stuffed after my main course that I almost couldn’t breathe.. But not so stuffed that it prevented me from getting a dessert! We shared a huge portion of cookies and cream cheese cake. I was so full at this stage but had to keep eating as it was too nice to leave (and Howard from Take That had arrived into the restaurant with his friends at this stage so I took my time eating the cheesecake while glancing back and forth at him and his companions).
| Starters | |
|---|---|
| Sizzling Black west coast mussels | €19.75 |
| Main Course: | |
| Fillet Mignon x2 | €48.50 ea. |
| Whipped potatoes with butter & chives | €9.25 |
| Sautéed wild mushrooms | €9.25 |
| Crispy fried Onion rings | €9.25 |
| Dessert: | |
| Cookies and cream cheese cake | €12.50 |
| Sundries: | |
| Duas Quintas Reserve, 2006 | €65.00 |
| Stiegel Beer x5 | €6.00 ea. |
| Total: | €252.00 |
Our verdict
We have been to this restaurant quite a few times and have yet to be disappointed. To me, it ticks all the boxes. The intimate, relaxed, classic and historical atmosphere, the beautifully presented and largely portioned food, the extensive wine list and the lovely staff all add up to make my perfect night out.
It is pricey but you do get what you pay for and, as my father-in-law says, “money spent on good food is money well spent.”
Shanahan’s on the Green
119 St. Stephen’s Green,
Dublin 2
Ireland
T: 00353 (0) 1 4070939
W: www.shanahans.ie
You can also find Shanahan’s on Google Maps.
Categories: Republic of Ireland > Restaurant Reviews
