Best Chef in Maui

In the overall scheme of things the Chef of the restaurant is really what the restaurant is all about.  Now there are things like location, furnishings, staff, etc. but the Chef is THE key component of a great restaurant.

Here are the winners for 2009:

• 1st Place – Beverly Gannon of Seawatch Restaurant
• 2nd Place – Michael Lofaro of Humuhumunukunukuapua‘a
  Restaurant at GrandWailea Resort Hotel & Spa
• 3rd Place – Alex Stanislaw of The Plantation House Restaurant

1st Place – Beverly Gannon of Seawatch Restaurant

Beverly Gannon graduated from Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Europe and has appeared on national TV programs and has authored a new cookbook.  The Seawatch Restaurant in Wailea, is where Beverly is Chef.  I’ve not been to this restaurant yet but on our next visit to Maui we will definitely have dinner there.

The recognition that Bev has gained for her island-influenced dishes, has built a following of critical acclaim across the country. In 2004, Bev was nominated for the James Beard Foundation’s “Best Chef Award: Hawaii and Northwest Region,” and as Executive Chef of Hawaiian Airlines, her food was named “Best Food in the Air in North America” by readers of Conde Nast Traveler (2003, 2004, 2006.) This restaurant is 45-minutes south of the Honua Kai.

100 Wailea Golf Club Dr
Wailea, HI 96753
808.875.8080
www.seawatchrestaurant.com

Michael Lofaro of Humuhumunukunukuapua‘a Restaurant at GrandWailea Resort Hotel & Spa

Six restaurants are located on the Grand Wailea grounds, including Humu, specializing in Polynesian-Hawaiian dishes in a romantic setting. The thatch-roofed structure floats on a lagoon occupied by tropical fish.  This restaurant is a 45 minute drive from the Honua Kai.

3850Wailea Alanui Dr.
Wailea, Maui
808-875-1234
Website: www.grandwailea.com

Alex Stanislaw of The Plantation House Restaurant

Executive Chef Alex Stanislaw brings years of experience and Eastern European influence to The Plantation House Restaurant – a perfect complement to its traditional warm Hawaiian hospitality.This restaurant is about 10 minutes away from the Honua Kai, but to be honest we’ve not been there – will try to make it next visit.

2000 Plantation Club Dr.
Kapalua, Maui
808-669-6299
Website: www.theplantationhouse.com