Place Category: Breakfast, Gastropubs, Irish, Mandalay Bay, and Private Dining
Rí Rá Irish Pub, in Mandalay Place, epitomizes a true Irish pub experience, with a comfortable neighborhood environment where conversation flows as smoothly as Guinness ebbs in the glass. Constructed from a pub meticulously restored in Ireland then shipped to Las Vegas, it’s a hotspot for locals and visitors alike, offering an impressive line-up of live music, a comprehensive drink list and fare that defies pub standards.
FROM CHILD PRODIGY TO HEAD CHEF
I OFTEN GET ASKED HOW I BECAME A CHEF. THE SIMPLE ANSWER IS BECAUSE OF MY MOTHER. YOU MIGHT THINK HER AMAZING MEALS INSPIRED ME TO CREATE MY OWN; NOT EXACTLY.
I was raised by a single mom who worked three jobs and put herself through college at 36. So at around 12 years old I got tired of eating Kraft mac and cheese and started watching cooking shows and creating my own meals. I’ve always been creative and I like to make people happy, so cooking for others was the perfect match for me.
I attended a culinary vocational high school in Buffalo, NY and then went to the premier culinary college at the time, the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. I did externships in Idaho and Virginia, after graduation I worked at one of the top hotels in Philadelphia and I eventually made my way down south to New Orleans, LA. I worked at some hotels and local restaurants. I ended up working for House of Blues and becoming a corporate training chef. After opening 3 HOB’s I decided to stay in Las Vegas after opening there store in Mandalay Bay.
After moving upstairs to their fine dining room, the foundation room, I moved on to become a chef for an Italian concept. I spent the last 10 years mostly executive chef-ing for Italian restaurants. Finding myself back in Vegas, after a short stint in Phoenix, AZ, I wanted to do something new. So I decided to get back to my roots.
My family is Irish American and my great grandparents immigrated from Ireland to the US. I joined the Rí Rá family in January of 2012, about 9 months after they opened. In the last 4 years I’ve helped fine tune our menu adding some of my own dishes and focusing on putting out excellent Irish American bistro food. I’ve also had the opportunity to travel to some of our other pubs and help train new chefs. And in 2014 I won a company sponsored trip to Ireland. I spent a week there, immersing myself in the culture, cuisine, pubs and history. It was a trip of a lifetime.
Rí Rá has become family, as well as a great job. My older children love coming here for Paddy’s day and their birthdays. I held our baby shower in the pub last year. And ever since my son was born he has become a staple in the pub and all the servers love when I bring him in.
SPACES
Food and drink is at the heart of any Irish celebration and with our warm Irish hospitality your event at Rí Rá will be an experience not to be missed. Whether it’s an intimate occasion or a larger event we can guarantee that it will be special, memorable and unique. Born in Ireland and meticulously restored here at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Rí Rá brings you an unrivalled authentic Irish experience that you and your guests will remember long after you leave Las Vegas.
Let our Irish and American staff look after you and your guests and wow you with their charm and humor. Expect the experience to be packed with great food, drink and most importantly a fun atmosphere. Speak with our event co-ordinator for enquiries and pricing.