Ri-Ra Irish Pub [Mandalay Place] - Restaurant Review

In creating a pattern that balances Irish charm with Vegas accessibility, authenticity in terms of creating an Irish pub is essential. Some have tried. Nine Fine Irishmen [New York New York] balances with a texture of one that has succeeded but sometimes while sacrificing a notion of old world grandeur despite the roots of the timber that fills their halls.In a similar fashion, Ri Ra [Mandalay Place] understands this structure. In its first foray into the West Coast, the management structure understands the need to bring parts of Ireland, both in the structure and in the human element to bear on this new venture.Entering inside the almost mall entrance (which almost seems completely antithetical to the pub's inherent identity), the consumer is almost immediately transported because of the "authenticity" of what it seen.Add to this that most of the voices one hears and speaks to are undeniably of Irish accent. This is key to the recruiters who interview and bring workers from Dublin and around the isle. This kind of realness is hard to recreate no matter what is done except by the real deal.Take,  for example, a server: Tommy, who himself has been in Vegas for a couple months on a year work visa. He hails from Wexford on the South East shore. From this reporter having visited that town, his inherent knowledge of the pubs, the players, the events and the general vibe perfectly sync.From a simple structure point of view, reclaiming is a big part of creating these kind of pubs. Across from the main bar which is adorned with a pearl structure stands a statue of St. Patrick unearthed from the insolation of a cathedral while grate pew ornamentation now glows light from below. Saving and reaffirming the history and knowledge of where the items come from is inexorably important to the staff in both creating ambiance but also a notion of nationalism and pride.Food also makes this undeniably true. While pubs enjoy their stature from the undeniable bent of ales and whiskeys, its fare to replenish the starving stomach is unrepentantly essential.Simple balance enhances this kind of perception which revels in the fact that Ri Ra has the vision of many beers from Guinness to Smithwick on tap but also understands the nature of tasting which so many bar structures get wrong. The key is allowing the customer to know indeed what they like so they can get more. Sampler platters are well known at microbreweries but in bringing it upwards into a pub setting (much like they do in parts of Europe), the ingredients of good business emerges.Revolving back into the texture of Irish food which has been refining to take advantage of the great amounts of produce across their land, the menu here is aware that moving slightly off the path of expectation is a necessary strength as long as the ending sweep sells the customer.Tantalizing itself as a starter, the Whiskey Garlic Mussels, fresh from Penn Cove, WA, provide workmanship with a sense of accomplishment simmering the seafaring creatures in white wine before serenading the progression with a whiskey garlic finish for a great blend of texture.In ruminating a lunch structure without overdoing it ,The Kilcooley, a wondrous light concoction of a sandwich doesn't sacrifice taste while not trying to overfill. Its light wisps of deli turkey aptly heat emblazoned with smoked bacon and melted cheddar cheese with Marie Rose sauce (think a mayo/ketchup mix) balanced with sly apple slices to give that indeliable savor of crunch and freshness. It is an order not to miss. Add fresh cut fries with a mayo alioli (to say nothing about the possible curry dip) to form the perfect structure.While most experiences would end there, the great motivator behind Ri Ra is that it is one of the first places (at least in Vegas) to truly integrate the notion of Guinness in the US which is balanced out by the first official Guinness Store Stateside at Mandalay Bay.When looking upon the Guinness Sundae, there gleams a sense of intimidation but once taste takes over, the experience becomes one of complacency. A black and tan brownie begins the progression with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Continuing with the velvety and necessary structure of Guinness chocolate sauce mixed with candied walnuts, sliced strawberries and whipped cream, contentment breeds the final word.Ri Ra Irish Pub, hidden within Mandalay Place between Bay and Luxor, understands that the balance of ambiance, human interaction, good brews and savory food are inherently necessary to create a place of connection which can be both fun and a gateway. Hopefully the rest of Vegas feels the same.