Tiffany Vanessa Remington-Bell

Lower East Side, Manhattan

On a rare 3PM visit to Ray’s Bar, the Busboy team found ourselves hustling to get this interview together, and fast. By the time we arrived, Tiffany Remington-Bell was already waiting for us with the cool and relaxed nature that every great bartender has — after all, they know to hustle with composure better than anyone. It’s no small secret that Ray’s lives up to it’s slogan of “hometown bar”, complete with packed evenings, lots of laughter, rounds of pool, and great light beer. That feeling also crosses over to their staff, who are consistently welcoming and simply make you want to hang around for last call. Let this interview serve as one of those hang around conversations, but this time the bartender gets to tell-all.

Full name, age, where are you from?

Tiffany Vanessa Remington-Bell, 37, NY, NY 

What is your title and where do you work?

Bartender, Ray’s 

Was food a big part of your upbringing?

My father owned a restaurant on the Upper West Side called West Side Story. The mantra was, “You don’t have to like it, but…you have to try it.” 

Food was the number one topic…After the meal was over, you just started talking about the next one. 

What are your earliest memories of dining out?

Growing up, we lived above Hunan Park on the corner of 95th and Columbus. We called sesame noodles “peanut butter noodles”. My sister and I lived off them. 

If you could give a piece of advice to someone who wanted to pursue your career, what would it be?

Stay in school

What do you think working in this industry has taught you?

Patience…

The power of multi tasking. 

What's your favorite drink or dish on the menu?

We have glorious mozzarella sticks. And our Fries! **chef’s kiss** Eat the fries! 

What is your favorite place to go out and eat at and what are you ordering?

Il Posto Accanto. Get EVERYTHING! Make sure to get the grilled calamari. 

You’re on a desert island, what are the 5 kitchen items you need to run your business?

Liquor (it’s in my kitchen) 

And four glasses…

It’s better not to drink alone.