Centuries ago, when Brits started feeling hangry in the afternoon with late-evening dinners still hours away, they came up with a civilized solution: afternoon tea. This sweet tradition, usually pictured with tiered pastry towers, crustless sandwiches and mandatory scones, never really made the leap to the U.S., where its domain is typically restricted to high-end hotels and the occasional tea room.
Not so in Las Vegas. Irish pub Ri Ra at Mandalay Place recently announced an expansion of its afternoon tea menu, which now offers guests two options: classic and elevated tea time experiences. Served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Dunbrody tea ($24) is a traditional service, offered on mismatched china with a variety of teas, simple finger sandwiches, homemade scones and assorted desserts. The MacNean Tea ($35) is a more refined option, with the same fresh baked scones and sweets offered alongside a fancier array of savory sandwiches, from smoked salmon with creme fraiche to ham and caramelized onions.
For a fee, guests can add a glass of Champagne or a cocktail to their afternoon snack time: a Las Vegas twist on a British institution.
For more information, visit rira.com/las-vegas.