We recently connected with Rang Tan and have shared our conversation below.

Rang, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

The greatest risk I have ever taken as a restaurateur was the very first one: choosing to open a restaurant in Las Vegas—a city famed for its food and hospitality—without any formal culinary training or prior restaurant industry experience. Unlike many in this field, I started with no established playbook, relying solely on my unwavering passion for food and a distinct, personal vision of what dining could be.

Rather than viewing my unconventional background as a disadvantage, I turned it into my greatest strength. Freed from traditional constraints, I was empowered to embrace my individuality, crafting both a fresh, creative menu and a guest experience that is deeply authentic. Every decision was guided by my commitment to quality and an uncompromising belief in my vision. It demanded relentless effort, resilience, and countless hours, but I knew there was room in the market for something genuinely different.

Today, that initial leap of faith has been resoundingly validated. My restaurant has been recognized as the highest-rated woman-owned restaurant in the United States on Yelp. I am further humbled to have received the 2024 Rising Star of the Year award from the Nevada Restaurant Association’s Culinary Excellence Awards. These accomplishments are more than just honors; they are living proof that meaningful risk—when fueled by passion and hard work—can achieve truly exceptional results.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My love for food began early—I was the child who would try anything at least once, always eager to discover new flavors and textures. When I got married, cooking became not only a hobby, but my creative outlet. Our home was often filled with the laughter of friends and family enjoying meals I prepared, and their enthusiastic praise encouraged me to experiment even further.

Friends started asking if they could order from me so that their families could try the food too. What started as friends requesting for me to cook for them soon turned into a catering business as demand quickly grew beyond my immediate circle. When friends of friends began to place orders, I realized I needed to properly price my dishes, and from there, everything took off. For six years, I poured my heart into catering, honing my craft and learning invaluable lessons about flavors and cooking techniques. Eventually, my family and I took the leap and opened a restaurant—a dream that has now thrived for over two and a half years. Our approach is simple but uncommon: we offer meticulously crafted Spanish and Italian dishes, all elevated with ingredients and flavors from my Filipino heritage. Many of our creations are truly one-of-a-kind, drawing diners from across the city who are eager to taste something they can’t find anywhere else.

Our signature dishes—including Lengua Salpicao (tender beef tongue prepared with olive oil, garlic, and a savory soy-based sauce), Aligue Pasta with Garlic Shrimp (pasta tossed in rich crab fat, topped with succulent garlic shrimp), USDA Prime Bistek bathed in a citrus-soy glaze, Chilean Sea Bass with Lemon-Coconut Sauce, and Seared Foie Gras on Truffled Mushroom Risotto with Mango-Adobo Sauce—have become beloved favorites.

For our Filipino guests, these dishes are a nostalgic celebration of flavors they grew up with, while for others, they offer a novel and unforgettable culinary experience.

We have been honored as the highest-rated woman-owned restaurant in the United States and recently received a Culinary Excellence Award from the Nevada Restaurant Association. Yet my greatest pride comes from the heartfelt responses of our guests. There are customers who give standing ovations when I step out of the kitchen to check on their tables, and some who are surprisingly literally moved to tears, giving me hugs and making a point to let me know how much the food means to them. These moments are more meaningful than any accolade—they are proof that our food touches lives and creates lasting memories.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Our reputation has grown organically, fueled almost entirely by word-of-mouth. We believe that every guest who enjoys an unforgettable meal with us becomes an ambassador, sharing their experience and inspiring others to visit. This natural growth comes from our unwavering commitment to excellence—both in the kitchen and in our service. We are deeply involved in every aspect of the restaurant, personally ensuring that each detail reflects our passion and dedication. Above all, we genuinely care about our guests, welcoming them as if they are part of our family. This authentic hospitality is at the heart of what we do, and it’s what keeps people coming back—and telling others about us.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When we opened our doors in Las Vegas, we were complete newcomers to the city, without connections or a built-in support network. We didn’t even host a grand opening—we knew too few people. That first year was incredibly challenging. Nobody knew about us. We scrutinized every expense, cutting costs wherever possible, and focused all our energy on delivering impeccable food and heartfelt service.In those early days, I wore every hat imaginable—cleaning, washing dishes, handling repairs, prepping ingredients, and cooking on the line. It demanded a lot of patience, resourcefulness, and a steadfast sense of purpose to navigate those tough months.

The restaurant industry truly tests your spirit. Without resilience and a genuine passion for your craft, burnout is inevitable. But it was that love for what we do—and the hope of building something meaningful—that carried us through.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rangscocina.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rangslasvegas?igsh=YnRoZ2t3NnNybmhh&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rangslasvegas
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/5JyrrK9kP3