Retaurant Review: Mount Mellick

On the menu: At the top of the dinner menu you'll find Steak and Guinness Pie. This is an Irish Pub after all.

If you don't fancy that, there are plenty of other choices. How do you like the sound of a Thai green curry, pasta, a beef or chicken burger, beer-battered fish and chips, stuffed chicken breast or a Mellick steak meal?

Kids' meals and vegetarian options are available as well.

I'll have: The Mellick Loaf ($7.50) as a starter - two crisp garlic baguettes served with tomato and basil pesto. I had the sirloin steak ($28) with mushroom sauce, salad and fries as a main. The steak was fantastic, cooked to perfection. The best I've had in a long time.

She'll have: The sizzling garlic prawns ($14.50) as a starter. I swiped two off her plate when she was busy checking out the books and Irish artefacts around the place. She had the lamb shanks ($28.50) as a main. It was a generous portion, slow-cooked for four hours, served with vegetables, sauteed potato, and with gravy made from the meat juices.

She said it was just like her granny used to cook it.

We shared: An "adult only" dessert sounds exciting so we shared the Baileys icecream sundae. Four scoops of icecream drizzled with the famous Irish cream liqueur. Delicious in its simplicity.

To drink: The wine list isn't long but the choices are fine and, of course, there are plenty of drinks to choose from at the bar.

The buzz: I've been in many Irish pubs over the years and some can look a bit plastic in their efforts to look authentic. Not the Mellick, the atmosphere here is all right. It's a good-sized pub with plenty of little nooks to enjoy a meal, or a few quiet ones. On nights with live music, there's plenty of space to party, and we liked the spacious courtyard at the back, too.

The staff: We showed up on Thursday, which is members' night. The bar area was already packed.

The guys and girls at the Mellick are hardworking, attentive and friendly.

The chef deserves a special mention as we really had no idea that pub grub could be so good.

The verdict: It's a great pub with surprisingly good food. With Paddy's Day on a Saturday this year, the Mellick will no doubt be packed all day this Saturday.

I can't think of a better place to go and enjoy the Craic.

Price range: Lunch: $9.50-$18.50. Light meals and snacks: $7.50-$23. Entrees: $7.50-$25. Mains: $19.50-$34 Deserts: $9-$10.50.

The details:

Mount Mellick

Where: 317 Maunganui Rd, Mount Maunganui

Phone: (07) 574 0047

Email: mtmellick@xtra.co.nz

Open: Daily: 11am-1 am