Rick Moonen
Chef
Rick Moonen Seafood
Las Vegas, NV USA
“Find your passion, because that's what you are going to be best at, and that's what's going to make you kick the covers off in the morning. ”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationRick Moonen
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
Says that growing up as one of seven children, it took him a while to find his own unique self-identity.
He went to a local college for two years, where he kind of just floated around, tried to find what he liked, what felt right.
Started volunteering in the kitchen at a nursing home and he knew that he'd found his passion.
Enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America; says that moving away inspired him to make a clean break and reinvent himself.
That reinvention started on his very first day of classes; despite his crippling fear of public speaking, he stepped up as a group leader.
After school, he stuck around to work at the Institute's restaurant, which is where he really started pushing himself to be a better chef.
Says that the pressure and excitement of the hectic kitchen environment has always felt like home.
Tells road-trippers they'll be "fine" doing anything, but if they decide to pursue their passions, that's when they'll truly succeed.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Career
Chef
I'm a seafood chef and passionate advocate for sustainable seafood and ocean conservation.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Business
Food
Being Creative
Interviewed By
Las Vegas - Phoenix
After arriving in Las Vegas, Nev., the Roadtrippers meet up with Rex Doty, a toy maker that creates toys for children in need, who inspires the team through his passion for giving. Next, the team heads to the restaurant Rick Moonen's rm Seafood to speak with none other than its charismatic chef and owner, Rick Moonen. Afterward, the team gets back on the road where-after taking in the picturesque scenery at the Grand Canyon-they head to Phoenix, Ariz., to speak with Larry Colbert, a blind motivational speaker and author. The Roadtrippers hear Larry's moving story of overcoming obstacles to do what made him happy, despite others not believing in him.
