“The Ri Ra Irish Pub Experience!”
By Sandy Zimmerman
(Photos by Sandy Zimmerman)
From the moment I saw the striking dark wooden paneled entrance to the Ri Ra Irish Pub, it was evident that this evening would be very special! It was like walking into another world, the world of an authentic 19th century Irish pub, a friendly place to relax and enjoy.
It seemed like a movie setting out of the past, this very close replica of an Irish pub. The owners demanded authenticy to the nth degree and arranged for all of the artifacts to be shipped from Ireland. What a charming view of Irish culture and traditions!
Ri Ra has everything- their restaurant serves both Irish and American specialties, their bar offers an extensive variety of whiskey in addition to other spirits, and authentic Irish entertainment.
Ri Ra’s menu was a surprise with such a big selection and the chef cooks a wide variety of specialties using several different spirits and beer.
Their Cider Glazed grilled Pork Chop sounds so good, the chef uses Magner’s Irish Cider glaze known as the “the original Irish cider” produced and imported in County Tipperary in Ireland. The pork chop comes with Pub-style Mashed Potatoes and grilled asparagus.
With all of these imports, just imagine the variety of flavors! The chef prepares the Beef and Guinness stew with beef stewed in Guinness and it is so tender. This comes with barley and root vegetables, and a dollop of pub mashed potatoes.
The chef prepares the Pub-style Mac and Cheese in a different way with mushrooms, garlic, herb toasted crumb topping, and you can choose to add grilled chicken or grilled shrimp to make it a meal! This dish is still comfort food but with a twist!
Everything is special at The Ri Ra Irish Pub and their Irish chicken curry is exciting!
They import Mc Donnells Irish Curry Sauce, a company that has been a part of Irish life since the 1980’s. The chef dices the chicken, adds bell peppers, and onions. I think using hand-cut chips instead of store bought chips shows their efforts for perfection. You can choose either their hand-cut chips, rice, or ½ and 1/2.
The Ri Ra Irish Pub, located at The Shoppes at Mandalay Place, is inside the Mandalay Bay Hotel, 3930 S. Las Vegas Boulevard. For information, call 702-632-7771. www.rira.com
Sandy Zimmerman produces television programs, documentaries, and travel specials
around the world in Beijing and on the Yangtze River Cruise in China, and in addition to
travel specials in Italy and other countries as well as for Bryce Canyon National Park,
Zion Canyon National Park, the Grand Canyon North Rim National Park, a real Cattle Drive siimilar to the early westerns, in Reno, Nevada, and other destinations in the US.
With 20 years’ experience as a syndicated Show and Dining Reviewer, Travel/ Luxury
writer, Health, as well as a Photographer/ Videographer, Editor, and Talk Show Host of
Sandy Zimmerman’s Las Vegas TV Show and Discover the Ultimate Vacation travel
specials.
For information, questions, comments please contact Sandy Zimmerman:
sandyzimm2003@yahoo.com 702-515-0846
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