The Shamrock…a grand dining experience!
Dining Review by SE O'Callaghan & friends

Recently, some friends joined me for a toothsome visit to the Shamrock restaurant in Dalton, Massachusetts. I knew of the place from hearing the Sunday morning broadcasts of the Sounds of Ireland radio show, but this was my first Shamrock experience.

Owner Dick Stockwell greeted us in a very gracious style. He ushered us to the table and sent over Tara to assist us. I had recently returned from a trip to Ireland (occasionally visiting a pub) and it occurred to me just how familiar it looked, from the snug atmosphere of tasteful, subdued wood paneling and green plaid carpet to the extensive menu to, most importantly, the good cheer of the patrons.

There are many artifacts from Eire festooning the walls, including a large banner welcoming the delegation that recently visited from Ballina, Pittsfield's Irish Sister City. It really should be noted that this tasteful décor is visible, but subtle; one not need be Irish to feel quite welcome, a fact confirmed by several of my non-Irish tablemates. The menu was varied and included a number of items known in Ireland as "pub grub," a high compliment indeed. In addition to appetizers, there are several daily soups "from the kettle, " regular specials during the week and a kid's menu "for the fussy little leprechaun."

We started with a platter of crackers, pepperoni and cheese. This brought on a powerful thirst and, to my great relief, found a pleasing pint of Murphy's Irish Stout to help slake these matters; a crisp Chardonnay served the needs of my dining companions. Gooey mozzarella sticks with a dipping sauce helped prepare our palates for the entrees. These soon came, piping hot and delicious. Our party ate thusly: one swordfish steak ("Grilled to perfection…flaky and fulsome, with a hint of a mild spice rub"), a filet mignon (served with toast and coated in Stockwell's own secret formula of gravy and demi-glace), a tub of scallops (no comment, for by the time I attempted to spear one with my inquisitive fork, the lot had been consumed, accompanied by groans of delight) and, finally, my own quite excellent meal of scrumptious pork-chops and roasted potatoes. This is a small restaurant, and this precisely part of the charm; each dinner had obviously been carefully and individually prepared in the manner of home cooking. This is "comfort food" of the best kind.

Halfway through the meal, we were delighted to hear the sounds of Piano Joe, a lively and versatile musician who provided appropriate dining music. He also took requests and after our meal we stayed to hear him explore a variety of popular music. He appears approximately once a month and "packs the house" on the Saturday nights he plays.

Our verdict on the Shamrock? It was thumbs up all the way around and we urge any local folks or travelers looking for a satisfying meal in a family-friendly pub-style atmosphere should come to the Shamrock on Main Street in Dalton.

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