Another round, your honor

Andrew Glazer

COSTA MESA -- Gary Monahan can hardly wait. After spending four years

dreaming and planning, Costa Mesa’s mayor finally will open his idea of

the perfect neighborhood restaurant here -- a cozy Irish pub serving

juicy steaks, creamy Guinness Stout and Gaelic good humor.

Chef Michael Doctulero, recruited by Monahan to reign over the kitchen,

is amped, pacing back and forth in the steamy kitchen. He said he thrives

on the pressure, excitement and uncertainty of opening a restaurant.

And bar manager Donna Marie, a redheaded transplant from Derry, Ireland,

is also eager for Skosh Monahan’s doors to open on Newport Boulevard.

“I hope to find me second husband here,” she said in an Irish brogue.

The restaurant officially opens Friday, following a private opening for

investors, a Chamber of Commerce mixer and a Thursday night preview party

featuring Ms. Costa Mesa.

“The last few months of planning and getting ready was like climbing to

the peak of a roller coaster,” said Monahan. “Now I’m just bracing myself

for the wild ride.”

Green leather booths, an oak bar, hanging brass chandeliers and framed

maps of Ireland, the Monahan family crest -- “at least that’s what they

tell me” -- and a signed Riverdance poster lend rustic Irish authenticity

to the pub.

Monahan said he hopes it to be as cozy as a pub in Ireland, a “second

living room” for the neighborhood.

“We expect the after-work crowd, locals and families,” Monahan said.

“People who want to have a good time.”

The menu will include steaks, stews, burgers and fish.

“We’re going for very simple and very good food,” said Doctulero. “With a

restaurant, you only get one -- if you’re lucky, two chances -- to hook

regular customers.”

Skosh Monahan’s comes from a nickname the mayor earned from patrons of

the Goat Hill Tavern during his 10-year tenure there.

“Skosh,” in Japanese, means little portion.

“I’m not sure why they called me that,” said the diminutive mayor.

Monahan said he welcomes giving his constituents the opportunity to catch

him in a T-shirt and jeans, and not suit and tie. Some might not

recognize him.

“My handyman came in, saw me and asked if my father was there,” he said.

“Once I explained who I was, he said ‘Oh, you look much older and taller

on TV.’ ”

FYI

* What: Skosh Monahan’s

* When: Open daily beginning Friday, with tentative hours of 4 p.m. to 11

p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 4 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays;

and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays.

* Where: 2000 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa

* How: Call (949) 548-0099