TRINITY RESTAURANT & BAR:
190 Jericho Turnpike, Floral Park, 516-358-5584

Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. lunch; serving until 10 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, until 11 p.m. Wednesday,
and 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday; Sunday brunch 11 a.m.- 3p.m.

Parking: Street/curbside

Credit cards: All major

Once you’ve been to Ireland, there are certain things that you become particular about. You want a pint of Guinness that’s dark, almost sweet and has a shamrock on top. You want fish and chips like they served you at Mother Red Cap’s Pub in Dublin with malt vinegar on the side. You want your Irish coffee to have a deep black color and a thick layer of fresh whip cream.

You want to eat at Trinity.

Unable to resist the name, my dining companion and I began with the Cockles and Mussels appetizer ($7.95). The description said "tender mussels and sweet New Zealand cockles steamed in white wine, garlic and fresh herbs. Alive-Alive Oh!" The reality was enough for two to devour and completely enjoy.

From the "family recipes" section, we tried the Dublin Fish & Chips ($10.95), and I can attest that the fresh filet of sole deep fried in a batter that is light and not at all greasy is truly authentic to the delicious fare sold in Dublin.

We also tried the Trinity Breast of Chicken ($12.95 . . .boneless chicken breast topped with mozzarella cheese and light white wine sauce and roasted red pepper on a bed of sautéed spinach) and were enchanted. Accompanied by fresh vegetables and a bed of rice, the chicken was moist and the sauce light and flavorful.

From the pictures of Trinity College in Dublin on the walls to the cozy dinning room area, and from the large dark wood bar to the friendly and helpful servers and host, this little piece of Ireland is a must for anyone who misses the old country or simply loves really good food.

If your appetite is light, Trinity is also a great stop for lunch with a hearty and inexpensive menu that includes half sandwiches and soup combinations for those who like to eat light.