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.

Executive Chef Jared Krausen

Chef Bio

After 25 years of living on Maui, Chef Jared Krausen has become a master of Island-Cuisine.

Born and raised in Southern California, Krausen quickly made the hop over from the mainland to Maui in 1997 right after graduating from the University of Santa Cruz. He began his culinary career with the established T S Restaurant Group, working his way up from entry-level kitchen positions at Maui hot spots such as Kimo’s and Leilani’s.

In 2002, Chef Jared was hired as a Lead Chef at the Ritz Carlton-Kapalua where he helped oversee all of the resort’s food outlets and took on a leadership role in the resort’s Banquet Kitchen executing high volume events. After 8 years at The Ritz, Chef Jared was appointed Sous Chef at Umalu Restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Maui. He led all aspects of the all-day dining locations, serving over 1,000 covers daily including in-room dining and poolside service.

In 2015, Krausen became Senior Executive Sous Chef at the famous Royal Lahaina Resort in Maui. He oversaw the Royal Ocean Terrae Restaurant and additionally executed over 300 weddings, 100 banquets and 20+ off-site events annually. During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Chef Jared assisted in reopening the resort’s culinary department and navigated challenges such as product shortages and lack of staff.

Chef Jared was named Executive Chef of Kapalua’s renowned Plantation House Restaurant in February 2021. He currently oversees for all heart-of-house operations, including but not limited to creating seasonal menus, sourcing fresh local product and executing for weddings, corporate gatherings and golf events with on-site partner Troon Golf.

There is no denying Chef Jared’s passion for being in the kitchen. He thrives on presenting the highest quality product, whether it be for an intimate date night for 2 or a 300 Guest wedding. In addition to sourcing the freshest ingredients for his dishes, Chef’s favorite aspect of being in the kitchen is being able to mentor his Heart-of-House Team. “I believe the only way to grow as a chef is to make a lot of mistakes and learn from them,” Krausen says. “Being in the kitchen is all about being thrown curveballs, you have to be ready for anything and use every experience as a way to improve your skills.”

Internationally celebrated culinary maestro Alvin Savella, affectionately known as “The Kitchen Assassin,” commands the kitchens of Duckine and assumes the helm as the acting head chef at Māla Ocean Tavern, both located on Front Street in Lahaina on Maui. A culinary virtuoso, Chef Savella weaves an intricate tapestry of flavors that captivate the palates of locals and visitors alike. Born and raised Lahaina, Chef Savella’s culinary journey took flight after completing his education, leading him to a decade-long odyssey in the culinary mecca of Los Angeles, California. There, he sharpened his skills under the guidance of a diverse array of culinary luminaries. In 2012, drawn back to his roots, Savella returned to Maui, where he graced the kitchens of the prestigious Ritz Carlton in Kapalua before ascending to the esteemed position of Chef de Cuisine at Humuhumunukunukuapua’a at the Grand Wailea. The year 2020 marked a pivotal chapter as Chef Alvin Savella assumed the role of executive chef at Māla Ocean Tavern, seizing the opportunity to collaborate with the Māla owners and carve his unique culinary path. This culinary virtuoso’s journey culminated in the grand unveiling of Duckine in October 2022, an epicurean haven where Chef Savella’s signature style takes center stage. Fusing the essence of his Hawaiian upbringing with the diverse influences gathered during his travels, “The Kitchen Assassin” consistently pushes culinary boundaries, delighting discerning diners with an innovative and elevated local Asian fusion cuisine that stimulates the senses and redefines gastronomic expectations. Embark on a culinary adventure with Chef Alvin Savella, where each dish tells a story of his life, his island, and the global flavors that dance on his plates.