Chef Bio

Maneet Chauhan is a James Beard award-winning chef, author, restaurateur and Food Network personality. As a leading American-Indian chef, Chauhan is the co-founder of Morph Hospitality Group in Nashville, TN, where she currently run two restaurants, Chauhan Ale & Masala House and The Mockingbird, in addition to eet by Maneet Chauhan in Disney Springs near Orlando, Florida. Chauhan’s two critically acclaimed cookbooks, Flavors of My World and Chaat: The Best Recipes from the Kitchens, Markets, and Railways of India, are reflections of her upbringing surrounded by the local markets & street vendors of India and have been featured in publications like the New York Times, Food & Wine and more. On television, in addition to her role as a judge on “Chopped,” Chauhan also competes at the highest level on shows like Guy Fieri’s Tournament of Champions, where she brought home the championship title in both 2021 and 2024 as the first-ever, two-time champion. When she’s not in the kitchen or traveling, chef Chauhan can be found at home in Franklin, Tennessee, with her husband, Vivek Deora, their daughter, Shagun, and their son, Karma.

Chef Alfonso Acevedo has been a notable figure in Maui’s culinary scene for several decades. His career includes significant roles at esteemed establishments such as the Old Lahaina Luau, Hula Grill Kaanapali, and other renowned Lahaina hotspots like Pacific’O, Planet Hollywood, and Longhi’s. His culinary journey began humbly in 1994, washing dishes at Avalon after moving to Maui from California with his sister. With a growing passion for cuisine, he completed the culinary program at Maui Community College in 1995. Armed with fresh knowledge, a tireless work ethic, and a heart for people, Chef Alfonso quickly advanced through kitchen ranks—from Prep Cook to Lunch & Dinner Cook, Kitchen Supervisor, and eventually Chef. In 1999, Chef Alfonso joined Kimo’s Restaurant in Lahaina as a Night Line Cook, hired by Scott McGill. Over the next decade, his culinary skills and leadership flourished, culminating in his promotion to Chef of Kimo’s in April 2011. For over two decades, Kimo’s became his home away from home, making him one of the longest-tenured chefs within T S Restaurants. Following the tragic destruction of Kimo’s during the Lahaina wildfire in August 2023, Chef Alfonso transitioned to Duke’s Beach House Maui, where he currently holds the position of Executive Chef. His extensive experience and dedication continue to enrich Maui’s vibrant culinary community, ensuring that every dish reflects both his technical expertise and deep love for the island’s food culture.

Arnulfo Gonzalez, “Chef Arnie” has 32 plus years in the culinary industry. A Mexico native, born in Tepatitlan Jalisco, Arnie lived in Southern California before moving to Maui in 1992. Working at Lahaina Grill from his early days in Maui, he assumed the role of Executive Chef at this prestigious Lahaina restaurant for 27 years. He is continually his culinary legacy at Honu Oceanside, in Lahaina Maui. Chef Arnie is known for the extraordinary flavors he brings to each dish he creates. When he is not commanding the kitchen, he is spending time with his wife and children.