Behind the Apron
THE JOURNEY
My culinary journey began humbly in Burlington, Illinois, a small town outside Chicago, working as a dishwasher at age 13. By 16, I discovered my passion for cooking and realized the endless creative possibilities the profession offered.
With degrees in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Restaurant Management, my craft has taken me around the world: from Chicago to South Beach Miami, the British Virgin Islands, Australia, and finally to Maui, where I served as Chef de Cuisine at Fleetwood's on Front St.
In 2017, I co-founded Hua Momona Farms in Kapalua, dedicating myself to understanding local agriculture and self-sustainability. As Executive Chef and Lead Farmer, my 6-12 course farm-to-table tasting menus are built around what the land provides: thoughtful dishes that honor Maui's soil and seasons.
20+
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
2x
TV SHOW
FINALIST
CONTINENTS
4
1st
BEST OF FEST
2025
A smooth blend of fresh cilantro, jalapeños, lime juice, and garlic creates the perfect balance of heat and brightness. This green herbaceous sauce is fantastic on everything: chicken, fish, steak, vegetables, the list goes on! This no-cook sauce comes together effortlessly and stores beautifully in the fridge.
Aji Verde Sauce
5 min | Easy
From the Recipe Box
Light as air and infused with tropical coconut flavor, this modern sponge cake uses culinary techniques to create an insanely fluffy texture. Aerating the loose cake mixture with CO₂ cartridges in an ISI siphon ensures a light and fluffy texture. This dessert comes together in minutes for an elegantly simple treat that's sure to impress.
Coconut Sponge Cake
10 min | Easy
Tender cutlets of veal are lightly dredged in flour, pan-fried until golden, then bathed in a luscious lemon-butter sauce spiked with briny capers and white wine. The result is perfectly balanced yet refreshing,
with the acidic citrus and briny capers cutting through the buttery sauce.
A must try, one of my favorites!
Veal Picatta
30 min | Easy
RECOGNITION
Awards & Achievements
International Competition
4th Place | Team USA
43 Countries at Macau International Master Chefs Competition
2025
Published Work
Featured in:
"To Lahaina with
Love" Cookbook
Profiled in:
Distinct, Modern Luxury
& Embrace magazines
A Culinary Canvas
CHECK ME OUT IN
Media Appearances
