Al fresco recipes from Claddagh Irish Pubs

The Claddagh Irish Pubs, located in Mason, OH (5075 Deerfield Blvd.) and Newport, KY (1 Levee Way, Suite 2122), are taking the “beer garden” to new heights! The newly revamped large patio spaces are complete with flower and foliage displays, shade features to block the sun’s hot rays, and fire pits to keep the party going during summer nights and, when the weather turns cooler, help maintain a comfortable temperature well into autumn. In addition, Claddagh has added summer-inspired menu items, perfect for enjoying the pub’s genuine Irish hospitality with friends and family throughout the season.

“People often think of traditional Irish pub fare as something best enjoyed in the winter, so we wanted to lighten up the menu and offer some fun, from-scratch summer appetizers and entrées,” says Karen Murphy, Claddagh corporate director of food & beverage. “We’re using local and regional products where possible to make these dishes wallet-friendly as well.”

Claddagh’s summer menu starters include shareable platters of Salmon Mousse ($7.99), a luscious blend of smoked salmon, cream cheese, lemon juice, and fresh dill, served with flatbread crackers, and a bright Bruschetta ($7.99) of diced fresh tomatoes, garlic, red and green onion, basil, and olive oil with a drizzle of balsamic reduction and served atop French bread. The Chicken Satay Shots ($5.99), marinated chicken skewers served with a satay dipping sauce, are the perfect kick start to a summer meal, particularly alongside a refreshing pint of craft or imported ale. For a cool vegetarian salad, Claddagh offers the Tomato Mozzarella Salad (S5.99), layers of fresh tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella, sprinkled with chopped basil and cracked black pepper and drizzled with balsamic reduction.

The seasonal entrée selections at Claddagh include Chicken Kebabs ($14.99), grilled skewers of marinated chicken, red pepper, mushroom, and red onion, served over rice and seasonal vegetables, and vegetarian-friendly portabella Mushroom Ravioli ($13.99) tossed lightly in butter and served with a savory sage pesto-alfredo sauce drizzle. For a summery seafood medley of cod, smoked salmon, and mussels in a creamy sauce, the pub offers Seafood Pie ($14.99), which is capped in a crunchy layer of breadcrumbs.

For summer, Claddagh has also introduced new thirst-quenching Sangrias ($7.50/glass, $25/carafe) with fresh fruit and topped with a splash of Sprite. The cool white sangria is made with a base of Pinot Grigio and peach juice, and the ruby red sangria features Merlot and pomegranate juice.

The Claddagh Irish Pub-Mason, OH (5075 Deerfield Blvd., 513.770.0999) is open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Claddagh Irish Pub-Newport, KY (1 Levee Way, Suite 2122; 859.581.8888) is open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.