Walking into the Dublin Pub, I had a strong
sense of déjà vu. Of course I noticed the hints that
something had changed: a new sign out front, a fresh coat of green
paint on the walls, and some new menu items, such as pizza, gave it
away. Plus, as a food writer, it’s my job to know about these
things. But I don’t think most people would realize they
weren’t walking into D’Arcy’s Pub, which
previously occupied the space in the Town and Country Shopping
Center.
In fact, the management of the new pub, which
opened in May, has obviously decided not to reinvent the wheel
— or the horseshoe, shepherd’s pie, or pot roast, in
this case — and that’s a good thing. The things regular
patrons of D’Arcy’s dearly loved, such as the hearty
dishes and friendly atmosphere, are still in place. In fact, I
wouldn’t be surprised if the Dublin Pub quickly became a
favorite neighborhood watering hole and eatery with the same
standing-room-only crowds that D’Arcy’s enjoyed.
The interior has the feel of a real pub:
green walls, Guinness posters, several televisions broadcasting
sporting events, a noisy atmosphere. An antique oak bar dominates
one wall. But even though the new establishment looks and feels a
lot like the old one, several things, starting with the menu, set
the Dublin apart.
Diners have a choice of 14 appetizers,
including spinach-and-artichoke dip, seafood-stuffed mushrooms,
chicken wings, homemade meatballs, and nachos. Soups and salads
include a deluxe taco salad, chili and a soup of the day. A nice
array of burgers and sandwiches — including a Reuben; the
Dublin Dip (sliced roast beef on a grilled hoagie with jus); Italian sausage
with grilled peppers, onions and cheese; and barbecue pork —
is offered. One of the most interesting burgers is the Bourbon
Street, a half-pound patty topped with peppers, onions, Cajun
spices, and pepper-Jack cheese.
During a lunchtime visit, my husband and I
tried the traditional club sandwich and Buffalo-chicken wrap. The
triple-decker club was stacked so high with turkey, ham, bacon, and
all the trimmings that it was difficult to eat. It was good, but
the wrap was better: The chunks of chicken were dipped in spicy
wing sauce and topped with sautéed peppers, onions,
mushrooms, and ranch dressing, then topped with pepper-Jack cheese
and wrapped in a tortilla. The dish was reminiscent of a fajita but
boasted more flavor.
The restaurant claims to serve the
“Original Leland Hotel Horseshoe,” using the
cheese-sauce recipe from the Springfield landmark credited with
inventing this local favorite. At the Dublin, ’shoes come
with a choice of vegetables or meat — chiliburger, meatball,
walleye, corned beef, turkey, chicken, or roast beef. On another
occasion, I tried the Buffalo-chicken ponyshoe with white
American-cheese sauce, and it was delicious. The spicy breaded
chicken breast was covered with just enough hot sauce to wake up
the mouth. The ’shoes come dressed with a choice of three
homemade cheese sauces: classic, yellow, or white. For $5.25, this
may be not only the best horseshoe in town but also the best deal — the ’shoe so
large, two people can share it.
My husband tried the shepherd’s pie, a
hearty mix of beef and vegetables topped with a thick, fluffy layer
of mashed potatoes and then baked. Served piping hot, the pie was
the ultimate in comfort food.
Other dinner entrées include pot
roast, corned beef and cabbage, steak, roasted pork tenderloin, and
bourbon salmon. Diners may also order Vic’s Pizza, which is
located on the city’s North End. Both places are owned by Joe
Rupnik, who also claims the Pasta House and Joe’s Chili Bowl
as his own.
The Dublin also offers daily specials as
meatloaf, pasta, chicken and noodles, and country-fried chicken or
steak. Walleye and catfish are served every Friday.
The Dublin Pub is located at 2413 S.
MacArthur Blvd.; 217-793-6876. Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Thu., 11
a.m.-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun. The bar is open until 1
a.m. Mon.-Sat.
Chili marks the spot
Chili has replaced chocolate-raspberry cremes
in the Town and Country Shopping Center. Joe’s Chili Bowl,
located next door to the Dublin Pub, has opened in the space that
once held the Fannie Mae candy store. The small eatery offers
chili, chiliburgers, tamales, hot dogs, and chilidogs, plus salads,
soups, and ice cream. Chili is available by the pint or quart.
Carryout and sit-down dining are available. Hours are 11 a.m.-8
p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun.; 217-793-0613.
Westwoods special
Westwoods Lodge Pub & Grill, located at
2406 W. Jefferson St., has made a couple of changes. First, the
restaurant’s signature ponyshoe has been added to the lunch
menu as a special every Monday. Second, the restaurant now caters
to both nonsmoking and smoking diners. The dining room has been
designated a nonsmoking area, but smoking is permitted in the bar.
Red, White, and Blueberry Crisp
Ingredients
2 cups blueberries
2 tablespoons sugar,
divided
2 cups strawberries, hulled and quartered
1/2 cup
uncooked old-fashioned oats
2 tablespoons unpacked
brown sugar
2 tablespoons
reduced-calorie margarine, melted
1/2 cup
light whipped topping
Directions
Toss blueberries with 1 tablespoon of
granulated sugar in a small bowl; set aside. Toss strawberries with remaining
tablespoon of granulated sugar in another small bowl; set aside.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Stir together oats, brown sugar, and
margarine in a third small bowl; spread mixture on a sheet pan and
bake, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned (about 15 minutes).
Spread blueberries and strawberries in an 8-by-8-inch glass dish,
alternating to create stripes. Sprinkle with oat topping, decorate with
whipped topping, and serve. Yields eight servings. (Courtesy of Weight
Watchers)
This article appears in Jun 30 – Jul 6, 2005.
