No potato famine here
July 14th, 2009 by Cliff Bostock in Restaurants
Monday was Wayne’s birthday, so I suggested we head to Top Flr. He was unable to go two weeks ago when I visited and was anxious to try the Monday night menu. Hey, you can’t beat a $15 birthday dinner.
Unfortunately, the place was slammed. We had to park a block away and things seemed chaotic at the door. So I suggested we make a reservation for next week and go somewhere else. You should take that as a warning to make a reservation yourself.
We ended up at the new Rí Rá Irish Pub (1080 Peachtree St., 404-477-1700). The name, according to the chain’s website derives from the phrase “Rí Rá agus Ruaile Buaile,” which it translates as “devilment.” Whatever. We were kinda spooked that it’s next door to RA Sushi. There’s a lot of Ra going around.
Be careful what you order, or you’ll end up potatoed-out. I started with these potato cakes, above, which were tasty enough.
Then, for an entree, I had more mashed potatoes in the form of Shepherd’s Pie. I didn’t think to change one of the two after I was told my initial entree choice, corned beef and cabbage, wasn’t available.
Wayne started with smoked salmon and Irish soda bread. I didn’t find the combination appetizing but Wayne was all nostalgic about Ireland, where he spent a good bit of time biking in his distant youth. So everything tasted good to him.
His entree was this gigantic portion of fish (haddock) and chips. The fish was actually pretty good, made with a virtual tempura batter and obviously cooked to order. More potatoes.
More in Grazing later this week.
(Photos by Cliff Bostock)
July 14th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
I’ll second the need for Monday Night reservations at Top Flr, since it seems word’s definitely gotten out about their special. I got there with my group of four just after 7, which seems to have been the right time to come, though we still spent a frustrating 15-20 minutes at the door waiting, and were probably asked at least 3 times, by different staff, if we had reservations. Finally after another 30 minutes at the bar we were able to sit upstairs (no problems with air conditioning at least) and enjoyed a wonderful meal.
July 14th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Was my college R.A. playing Ra Ra Riot over the sound system?
July 14th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
My wife and I went to Ri Ra last week. I too had the fish and chips, and thought it was great! Reminded me of the fish and chips we had in Dublin (although we got ours from a to-go place, which served it wrapped in paper with a light drizzle of salt and vinegar on top).
The place is very clean, and supposedly all the wood they used in constructing it comes from Ireland (or something like that). There are several bars in this enormous space (which reminds me of some of the “super pubs” you’ll find in the Temple Bar area), and the menu is quite large. They do have a smaller late night menu. I thought everything was affordable.
And my new addiction is the “Guiness Butter” they serve along with their complimentary soda bread. That stuff was unreal!
It a great addition to the neighborhood. I like it a lot more than its “clubby” neighbor RA Sushi. I have not heard very many positives about that place, other than the outdoor space.
July 14th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Cliff, I’m sure you’ve read that Ri Ra is a national chain — which, for no discernable reason, has a location in my hometown of Evansville, IN.
(Just to be clear, that’s not a point in its favor. This is a city where, when I was in high school, the Olive Garden was considered the pinnacle of fine dining.)
Anyway, in the handful of times I’ve been there, I’ve found Ri Ra to be surprisingly tasty and certainly among the better chains I’ve encountered, comparing favorably with Fado.
Sadly, Atlanta has more than its share of underwhelming Irish-themed pubs, so Ri Ra should make a welcome addition.