Bar Raya: Disappointing cocktails & spirits
Our recent visit to the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel was a mixed experience, starting with a disappointing evening at Bar Raya. The agave list was underwhelming, featuring tequilas that might have been popular in the mid-2000s. Every tequila was a big-brand, additive-inclusive option. Unfortunately, there were no additive-free tequilas available, which was a significant letdown for us.
The whiskey selection was equally disappointing. The majority of their whiskeys, such as Woodford, Bulleit, and Buffalo Trace, are decent but not what we expected from a high-end establishment. These are commonly found as well whiskeys at any nice bar in Los Angeles. These bottles cost approximately $20 to $30, so it seemed very unreasonable for bar Raya to charge $20 or more for a single pour of these whiskeys. I'm happy to pay 1/4, 1/3 or even 1/2 the cost of a bottle for a single pour when it's an exceptional or generally hard-to-find spirit, but I've never seen an establishment charge a 1:1 pour to bottle ratio, and especially not for such ubiquitous, unexceptional spirits.
The cocktails were equally disappointing, and were reminiscent of those you might find at an Applebee's or Cheesecake Factory in terms of quality and creativity. They felt low-brow, not particularly tasty, and lacked sufficient alcohol content. Despite this, the prices were in the mid-twenties to low-thirties, which is on par with the high-end cocktail establishments in Los Angeles where actual mixologists are using skill, ingenuity and quality ingredients to create a craft experience. Similar to the spirits, the offerings felt overpriced and underwhelming.
Additionally, when I ordered my whiskey neat, it was served in a regular tumbler without the option of a Glencairn glass, which is fine, but i would expect more given that they were charging $20 for Buffalo trace (which, again, is a $22 bottle). For anyone who enjoys their spirits neat, the importance of proper glassware cannot be overstated. Just as you wouldn't serve wine in a tumbler, whiskey should be served in a glass that allows it to aerate and capture the aroma. This oversight further diminished the experience, especially when combined with the pricing.
While the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel boasts a beautiful setting and exceptional service, Bar Raya fell short of our expectations. The disappointing drink offerings and poor presentation left much to be desired. For an establishment of this caliber, we expected a more refined and thoughtful approach to their beverage program. Addressing these issues could significantly enhance the overall guest experience. read more