Sip the Emerald Isle Still craving a diversion from our usual scene, we ponder where Portland can take us next. We decide the antidote to our Poly- nesian detour is Ireland. Ordering a pint of Guinness at an Irish bar–cliché? Perhaps. But cheerfully indulgent? Always, and es- pecially at Rí Rá. The pub, located on Com- mercial Street, offers an expert pour of your favorite Irish beer or whiskey. We settle in- to a little alcove next to a window. The flick- ering candle atop our table lights up the red-and-gold wallpaper. I order a Guinness ($6.50) and observe a lively mix of young and old conversing animatedly. The dark wood of the tables and bar, the leather- cushioned seats, and the collection of black- and-white prints of Ireland pull together to deliver the homey pub atmosphere found overseas. True authenticity is delivered by the patinated bar and snug, which were shipped to Maine from an pub in Annagas- san, Ireland. Though at times Portland may feel small, drop into the right places, and you’ll feel halfway across the world. Bottle Popping, Globe Trotting Of the several Mexican joints in downtown Portland, Taco Escobarr stands out as a