When you think of Irish food what comes to mind?  Fish and chips?  Potatoes- lots of potatoes?  How about bland, dull, flavorless?  One meal at Raglan Road will change your tune (and probably put a lively jig in your head).

Raglan Road has two US locations, the first being in Pleasure Island Downtown Disney in Orlando, Florida.  The second, which is much more accessible to me, is in Kansas City, Missouri.  As you can see in the photo above the Kansas City pub brings together the welcoming and comfort of your corner pub with luxurious touches that can make you feel like you are sitting in a private Irish manor house.  The buildings actually came from Ireland- some portions may be from an old pub, others may have come from a crumbling manor.

Master Chef Kevin Dundon (Ireland’s Chef of the Year 2009) has created a menu rich in the traditions of Ireland but unlike the Irish food you “think” you know.  Sit back and enjoy an edible tour of Raglan Road- but you may want to wait until you’ve eaten.

Our first taste of Raglan Road came during Kansas City’s Irish Fest.  Raglan Road opened early and served a traditional Irish breakfast.  It was every bit as good- and filling- as the breakfasts I’ve had in Ireland.  The restaurant doesn’t skimp on its products.  (They also made a very nice French Toast.)

My understanding is that the Irish Breakfast will soon be returning to the Kansas City restaurant’s menu.  Don’t be afraid of the black pudding- it’s delicious.

You’ll want to come hungry as the appetizers are incredible.  The Scallop Forest is succulent, the Dalkey Duo (Dalkey battered cocktail sausages) are addictive and the flatbreads- in imaginatively delicious combinations-well, they are a meal by themselves

Kids get special treatment at Raglan Road.  Their favorites (burgers, chicken fingers, cocktail sausages) are served with fresh cut chips and presented in a fun way.

Don’t think the presentation is only for the kids.  While the food can stand on its own, the presentation only makes it more delicious.  The beef and lamb shepherds pie seems to float in a port wine jus, the beer battered fish and chips are in a paper cone- just much fancier than a street vendor- and the beef and Guinness stew arrives in a cauldron.

Want something a bit less “traditional”?  Try the Drunk Chicken- marinated whiskey glazed chicken kabobs; the Portobello Mushroom Cap- a mushroom cap sandwich filled with Dubliner cheese and tomato relish; or the Salmon of Knowledge- fresh salmon topped with smoked salmon, baked and served in a maple glaze.  Mmmm…

I hope you’ve saved room for dessert.  Think of all those words you use to describe delicious desserts.  Sinful.  Unbelievable.  Incredible.  They all apply here.  The Bread & Butter Pudding comes with a caramel sauce that is just heavenly (and drinkable, as my daughter shows below).  The Dunbrody Kiss is a chocolate lover’s dream.  And the Bailey’s Crme Brule Tart is just amazing, creamy and must be seen-and tasted- to be believed.

Raglan Road Desserts Photo by Jody Halsted

Raglan Road also has a full bar serving both Irish and American favorites and both pubs feature nightly entertainment.

Hours:

Raglan Road in Kansas City is open daily 11 am til 2 am.

Raglan Road in Downtown Disney is opens at 11 am for lunch (til 3 pm).  Dinner service begins at 3 pm and ends at 11 pm.  Live entertainment runs 6 pm til midnight.