THE BEST OF THE WEST
A Culinary Adventure with chef James Rigato
APRIL 12-20, 2026
SOLD OUT!
JOIN DETROIT CHEF JAMES RIGATO ON THIS EXCLUSIVE SMALL GROUP GUIDED CULINARY TOUR OF IRELAND
LIMITED TO JUST 12 GUESTS
Join us for an epic culinary journey on Ireland’s west coast as we eat, drink, and engage in revelry with our friend and fellow world traveler, chef James Rigato, owner of Mabel Gray in Hazel Park, Michigan.
This all-inclusive trip focuses on Ireland’s west coast and celebrates the culinary heritage of Connemara, Galway, and the Burren. The Irish, like James, are known for their humor, music, hospitality, and craic—this trip is not to be missed! We’ll stay at the best hotels, eat incredible food, and spend a lot of time outdoors at the beginning of the Irish tourist season. We’ll also have the opportunity to cook alongside James and some of our mutual friends as we journey along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Header & image below courtesy of Chaosheng Zhang.
ABOUT CHEF JAMES RIGATO
James Rigato is the chef/owner of Mabel Gray in Hazel Park. A Michigan native and Schoolcraft College graduate, his cooking philosophy stems from a lifelong love of food and an appreciation for the diverse agricultural area in which he was raised. A seasoned traveler averaging five countries a year, Chef Rigato is a student of the world who lives for throwing himself into a new culture and new city to deep dive the food, beverage and hospitality scene in a way that only a chef can: stomach first.
Chef Rigato's contemporary American cuisine with a Michigan focus has garnered regional and national attention, including The Detroit Free Press 2012 & 2017 Restaurant of the Year award, 2012 Food & Wine The People's Best New Chef: Great Lakes nomination, 2015 Food & Wine The People's Best New Chef: Great Lakes Award and appearances on Cooking Channel, Food Network, NatGeo and was a cheftestant on Top Chef Season 12. He was nominated Best Chef: Great Lakes by the James Beard Foundation in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2022. When he's not cooking or traveling, you can find him in his yard or up north in the Keweenaw with his partner Samantha and their beloved dogs, Lady Mae & Chandler.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Incredible, responsibly-sourced food, including all breakfasts and most lunches and dinners; private transportation; private tours with local guides & experts; behind-the-scenes visits with artisanal producers, farmers, & chefs; exclusive access and tastings; hands-on cooking & foraging experiences; guided activities & adventures; Bog & Thunder guides at your disposal for the duration of the trip; unique hotel accommodations.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
International airfare; transportation to trip’s starting point; food & beverage not specifically included in itinerary; hotel incidentals; alcoholic beverages not specifically included in itinerary; personal spending money; gratuity for tour leaders or local guides.