This elegant, Irish style restaurant and pub features high quality cuisine in a very tasteful setting. Before its opening three and a half years ago, owner John Cregan completely renovated the interior of this fine restaurant which is located on a prominent corner of Woodhaven Blvd. and Fleet Court in Rego Park. Rich, dark wood and etched glass surround leather banquettes and charming wood tables. Regal red wallpaper emblazoned with gold filigree sets a very elegant and sedate mood in which to enjoy the honest, well-prepared cuisine.

You'll feel at home right away as the lovely staff, led by manager Bryan Stack, greets you and brings you to your table. A basket of Irish raisin biscuits and crusty rolls arrives soon after, as do your favorite cocktails, wine or beer from the convivial, horse-shoe shaped bar that is central to the restaurant. The onepage menu features the best in steak, fish, pasta, chicken and vegetables, and the menu changes seasonally to reflect the best available at market.

Appetizers include bacon wrapped sea scallops, memorable for their plump, juiciness and the teriyaki glaze that finishes them ($8). Pan fried crab cakes with mango relish burst with sweet crab meat and crispy vegetable spring rolls are ideal for sharing along with the Asian dipping sauce. Mussels are available two ways; with roasted garlic, olive oil and white wine or with the chef's zesty marinara sauce ($8). For a real treat, try the oven roasted, barbecued baby back ribs with bourbon sauce. These tiny ribs are so tender, the meat just falls off the bone. Freshly tossed salads can be ordered as a first course or an entrée when topped with garlic shrimp, sliced sirloin steak, blackened chicken or tender calamari. I loved the salad topped with warm goat cheese, crumbled bacon and herb balsamic vinaigrette.

Deciding on the main course might be a challenge, considering the tempting selection. Rack of New Zealand lamb with Dijon mustard and pancko breadcrumbs is cooked to perfection, while the osso bucco with root vegetables is the perfect meal for this time of year ($19). Classic steak frites grille is a pub favorite, prepared straight up or with peppercorn sauce and oh so crispy fries ($18). The purist steak eater will undoubtedly enjoy the certified black Angus sirloin, and a nicely roasted half chicken with pan gravy is the ultimate comfort food. A featured special of the evening was traditional pot roast with garlic mashed potatoes.

Fish dishes feature prominently as well on the menu, and there is also a catch of the day special. This evening it was pan-fried skate fish, flaky, tender and crisp on the outside, with sautéed fresh spinach and

capers in lemon, butter and white wine sauce. A popular item on the menu is the sesame crusted tilapia fillet served with jasmine rice and ginger soy glaze. Atlantic salmon can be ordered blackened or barbecued with mixed baby greens, citrus vinaigrette and fried onions ($19).

Woodhaven House has a fabulous Prix Fixe menu for just $20 served Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 11:00pm. You'll choose either the soup of the day or a salad to start and one of the evening's special entrées, followed by dessert and tea or coffee. This is an economical way to sample the wonderful food and atmosphere at Woodhaven House. Another great idea is weekend Brunch, where you'll choose among breakfast items such as Swiss cheese, ham and tomato omelets, smoked salmon with eggs, grilled sirloin and eggs or a traditional Irish breakfast with all the sausages and potatoes. If you prefer, sink your teeth into the Woodhaven House Burger, the grilled chicken and Portobello mushroom sandwich with melted mozzarella or the quiche du jour.

Always save room for dessert, especially the black and white chocolate decadence, apple pie a la mode, Junior's cheesecake or key lime pie. The coffee is good too.

Woodhaven House is the ideal place for a private party, with room for 50 people seated, or 75 standing. Call John or Bryan now to reserve your space for your holiday office party, shower, birthday or any special occasion. The food is terrific, the staff is friendly and efficient and the setting is tasteful and comfortable.

Woodhaven House is open seven days a week for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch from 12:00 - 3:30 Saturdays and Sundays. Dinner is served until 11pm but the bar stays open until 1:00am and you can get tasty bar snacks there to munch on. Visit Woodhaven House for good food in a friendly, comfortable setting.