WAIMEA,
Hawaii, July 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- One of
Hawaii's most legendary
restaurants will welcome a new Executive Chef this
summer. CanoeHouse at Mauna Lani, Auberge
Resorts Collection announces Rhoda
Magbitang is joining the 'ohana on August 1st, leading culinary experiences as
CanoeHouse's first woman Executive Chef.
Born and raised in the
Philippines, Chef Rhoda arrives to the Island of
Hawai'i by way of Los Olivos,
California, where she led as Executive Chef for The Inn at
Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Resort Collection. Her passions for
sustainability and local culture inspire her creative yet
approachable take on cooking – a cleverness that earned prestigious
Michelin Guide recognition for Mattei's Tavern in 2023, just months
after its opening.
Chef Rhoda's culinary experience dates back to her childhood,
when she cooked for her five siblings as part of her daily chores.
She later went on to work for world-renowned chefs including José
Andrés, Suzanne Goin and
Josiah Citrin, quickly establishing
herself as a leader in the food and beverage industry and ascending
the ranks to become Executive Chef at two of the most iconic hotels
in Los Angeles: The Chateau
Marmont and Petit Ermitage. Recently, Magbitang was featured on the
PBS docuseries "Hope in the Water", spotlighting her collaboration
with a local aquafarm in Santa
Barbara and her creative use of uni and abalone as
sustainable ingredients.
In her new role at CanoeHouse, Magbitang will carry on the
restaurant's legacy as the birthplace of Hawai'i Regional Cuisine,
a major food movement in the 1990s that shifted focus to
locally-sourced ingredients and cultural influences of the Hawaiian
islands. Pioneered by former CanoeHouse chef Alan Wong, and later modernized by his
successor, Allen Hess, the culinary
movement lives on at Mauna Lani today.
"CanoeHouse has an incredibly rich history, both in the culinary
world and in the local community," says Magbitang. "I feel honored
and excited to contribute in a meaningful way – and to start
sourcing some incredible local ingredients from the Big
Island!"
"We are excited to welcome Chef Rhoda into the Mauna Lani 'ohana
and share this new chapter of CanoeHouse with the island of
Hawaii," says Pete Alles, General Manager of the Mauna Lani
resort.
Chef Rhoda will lead CanoeHouse alongside the restaurant's new
General Manager, Stephanie
Pawlikowski, who was recently promoted to the role after
two years as Assistant General Manager. Drawing from her years of
fine dining experience, and a degree in pastry and food management
from Johnson & Wales University,
Stephanie will oversee all day-to-day operations at CanoeHouse and
lead its restaurant team to design memorable dining experiences by
generations of Mauna Lani guests and locals alike.
Foodies are invited to meet the CanoeHouse team this summer at
the 2nd annual Mauna Lani Culinary Classic, a four-day food
festival over Labor Day weekend (August 29th–September 2nd)
featuring James Beard Award-winning
chefs, mixologists, and sommeliers from all over the world.
www.aubergeresorts.com/maunalani
About CanoeHouse
Long before its reputation as the premier dining destination
among the Hawaiian islands, CanoeHouse – Mauna Lani's signature
oceanfront restaurant – stood as a canoe storage site where
Duke Kahanamoku and Babe Ruth sought
respite in the idyllic beaches surrounding the soon-to-be
restaurant. After opening its doors in 1989, this beloved
institution has since become a gathering place for generations of
friends, families and neighbors.
Helmed by Executive Chef Rhoda
Magbitang, CanoeHouse features thoughtful, seasonal dishes
that celebrate Hawaii's landscape
as well as its farmers and purveyors. With a focus on
locally-sourced, farm-to-table ingredients, CanoeHouse showcases
innovative twists on Hawai'i classics and Japanese-inspired
creations.
About Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
Situated along the sun-drenched Kohala Coast on sacred land
marked by royal fishponds, natural lava plains, lush tropical
gardens and alluring beaches, Mauna Lani – meaning "mountain
reaching heaven" – is an inspiring spiritual haven defining a new
era of experiential luxury on the Island of Hawaiʻi. Among Travel +
Leisure's Top 500 Hotels in the World as well as Top 15 Beach
Resorts in the U.S., Mauna Lani underwent a complete reimagination
in January of 2020. Contemporary accommodations, oceanfront dining
at CanoeHouse, three distinct pools, a signature spa and wellness
haven including an on-site goop store, Kainalu Ocean Sports and
Living Culture programs, and an interactive Holoholo Kids Crew set
the tone for enriching and transformational experiences. For more
information on Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection please
visit
www.aubergeresorts.com/maunalani
About Auberge Resorts Collection
Auberge Resorts Collection is a portfolio of extraordinary
hotels, resorts, residences and private clubs. While each property
is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the
soul of the locale to life through captivating design, exceptional
cuisine, innovative spas, and gracious yet unobtrusive service.
With 26 one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts, Auberge invites guests to
create unforgettable stories in some of the world's most desirable
destinations.
For more information: aubergeresorts.com
Connect with Auberge Resorts Collection on Instagram, TikTok,
Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn @AubergeResorts and
#AlwaysAuberge
About The Friedkin Group
The Friedkin Group is a privately-held consortium of automotive,
hospitality, entertainment, sports and adventure companies. These
organizations include: Gulf States Toyota, GSFSGroup, US
AutoLogistics, Ascent Automotive Group, Auberge Resorts Collection,
AS Roma, Imperative Entertainment, 30WEST, NEON, Diamond Creek Golf
Club, Congaree and Legendary Expeditions. The Friedkin Group is led
by Chairman and CEO Dan Friedkin.
For more information, visit www.friedkin.com.
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mauna-lani-auberge-resorts-collection-welcomes-rhoda-magbitang-as-new-executive-chef-at-historic-restaurant-canoehouse-302211233.html
SOURCE Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection