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| - It feels great to finally remove Ri Ra from my bookmarks list.
Let me explain: Back when I started actively Yelping a little over a year ago, I saw someone review this place, and when I checked the menu, I saw an item that I HAD to try: Irish Benedict. Eggs Benedict on potato pancakes instead of an English Muffin? You had me at "Potato."
Yesterday, we were celebrating my dear friend's birthday, and my completion of a pretty intensive diet and exercise program, so for a treat, we came to Ri Ra.
I'm really angry that I waited so long, but at the same time, it was worth the wait.
The pub is easy to find in Mandalay Place, and has a very cozy feel to it. Like so many Irish pubs, its a bit on the darker side, with dark wood tables, bars, and chairs. There is a stage for live music, and they have several rooms, with TVs and projector screens so that people can watch games or matches.
Our server, Victoria, was a treasure.
She was friendly, offered recommendations, and answered our MANY questions about the menu, and the Scotches. She offered us extra soda bread, and even continued to take care of us when we asked to take our Scotch flights in their parlor room, when that wasn't her section.
Speaking of Scotch!
They have a whole wall full of Scotch and Whiskey. I was in heaven. SO many good ones too!!! They have some pretty amazing flight deals, which I will touch on later.
So now, onto the food.
We ordered the following:
The Potato and Leek soup with bacon and Irish Cheddar, served with soda bread: THIS was delicious. I can't say I've ever had a leek soup before, and I just loved this. Sadly, I didn't order it, my fella did, but he loves me, so he shared.
Fish and Chips: Two of the three manly men at our table ordered the small fish and chips...and it wasn't exactly small! We'd heard amazing things about the fish and chips here, even that it was better than another Irish Pub that we frequent, and so we had high expectations. I don't know that I'd say that they were "better" but they were very different. First, rather than a few small pieces of fish, for the "small" portion, they give you a HUGE fillet of battered fish! Let me say it again...HUGE! The batter had a nice crunch to it, and for me, was very light. My fella said it was a touch greasy towards the middle, but also said that he enjoyed the way the batter soaked up the malt vinegar and salt.
The chips were pretty standard: could have been a touch more crisp, but they were very good.
The Kilcullen omelette: The only issue with this one was that it was overwhelming mushroom flavored. It was still good, but I think we could have done without so many mushrooms, and a bit more corned beef.
Finally, the Irish Benedict: Let me tell you, this was 150% worth the wait.
The potato pancakes were thick and rich, with a thin rasher (Irish bacon), and a poached egg, smothered in hollandaise...and there were two! This was almost too much food, since it also came with a side of beautifully spiced potatoes, and a grilled tomato. The rasher was delicious, and while the eggs were overcooked just a touch (the yolk was just a little more solid than a poached egg should be), I am not going to nitpick about that, because the flavor was delicious, and my friend prefers her eggs this way, so they were perfect for her.
After our meal, the gentlemen decided to take their Scotch flights to the "Parlor Room" which has couches, another little bar, and really cute decoration.
The Scotch flight that my fella got has to be the best deal I've seen for a flight... 3 FULL CASK strength scotches, and really good quality scotch too...for $20. To put this in perspective, the Laphroaig full cask was $14 for a dram on its own...so for $6 extra, we got 2 additional great Scotches. My favorite was the Aberlour. So smooth!
Prices were really not too bad, especially for being on the Strip, and they do have an email club that gives you coupons, etc. I received a $5 off coupon just for signing up (although it took a day or two to come through in my e-mail.)
The hostess let us know too, that they offer a locals discount on Fridays, which sounds pretty incredible. I'm already planning my next visit! I think the shepherd's pie might be next to try.
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