August 2008 - Irish American News

22 IRISH AMERICAN NEWS August 2008Full IrishBreakfastby Maureen CallahanMystified at Lakeview’s Mystic Celttory includes the fierce and mightyCelts. We often forget that this is apeople which shaped and coloredthe landscape of all of WesternEurope during the Iron Age (750BCE to 43 CE), spanning almostliterally, the whole continent. TheCelts we think of today mainly livein the area of present-day Ireland,Wales, Scotland, the Isle of Man,Cornwall and Brittany, France.Leave it to the Vaughan familyto operate a pub in Lakeview inhonor of our lively ancestors.If you’re lucky enough to catchmanager Les Fitzgerald at work,you’ll not only get a traditionalIrish welcome, but also some greatstories about late nights working inDublin’s Temple Bar district whenU2 would randomly stop in.This pub has some of the bestfare around, for traditional grubwith a classier flare. The baconwrappedmeatloaf in sweet chilisauce with mash is the best inany pub, anywhere. The Guinnesssteak pot pie is another fine choiceto keep the cold away this winter.Comfort choices abound in shepherd’spie, bangers and mash anda great version of mac and cheese,the first I’ve ever seen to includechicken, if you wish. There are alsoa few chicken creations, a NewYork strip or salmon to pick from.The salad choices are also ratherexpansive. The Mystic Cobb, thehouse version of an everything salad,features eggs, bacon, avocado,olives, apple and turkey. The goatcheese and chicken offer a breakfrom the usual salad menu, as doesFrom the ancient castles surroundedby folkloric tales to windingcobblestone roads giving wayto the tall, majestic Cliffs of Moher,Ireland is a country whose traditionis steeped rich in mystic tales.But it is not all myth and fantasy.An important segment of Irish histhesouthwest salad, topped withcheddar, black beans, avocado,corn and tortilla.Vegetarians are often left outof any choice on the Irish pubscene, but the Celt offers the bestchoice of meatless options I haveseen in awhile. From the margaritapizza to the hummus and veggieappetizers, to French onion soupor chili, also offered in a meatlessoption, to the grilled vegetablewrap to the mac and cheese, thosewho don’t care for meat won’tleave hungry.There is also a lighter, but notless filling menu offering wrapsand sandwiches. Traditional favoritesfrom burgers to barbecuedchicken to salmon to a tasty clubmake another great alternative toaccompany the excellent draughtGuinness.Stop by on the weekend andgrab a plate in the buffet brunchline between 9 and 3. At $9.95,it’s one of the neighborhood’sbest values. Wash it down with $4Bloody Mary’s to help chase awaythose hangovers. If you’re hungrylate, this is also a great option,offering a full menu until closeevery night, while you watch allsoccer, rugby and football gameson the flatscreens. $4 burger andfry Tuesdays, or half-price appetizersand bottle-of-wine Mondaysare just a few of the reasonsto come by.While you’re here, give thestaff your email to be included onthe monthly email list for an invitationto a free party sponsoredby various liquor distributors.Or throw your own for up to 80people in the spacious back roomof the bar.For a great Irish pub with a realneighborhoody feel, stop by TheMystic Celt at 3443 N. Southportin Chicago’s Lakeview district.773.529.8550 www.vaughanhospitality.comMaureen Callahan is a Chicagofreelance writer and columnist;missmaureencallahan@yahoo.com.