Tuesday, September 1, 2015

09/01 SHELLEY KEKUNA, KAANAPALI BEACH RESORT ASSOCIATION, HAWAII FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL, TETSUJI YAMAZAKI, SHERATON MAUI RESORT & SPA, EVENT MAUI ON MY MIND, EXECUTIVE CHEF GREG GASPAR

SHELLEY KEKUNA - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, KAANAPALI BEACH RESORT ASSOCIATION 

ABOUT KAANAPALI:
Kaanapali is a three-mile stretch of beach that has been touted as one of the best beaches on Maui, and even in America. Long ago, these sands and lush gardens were enjoyed by Hawaiian kings and queens who sought a relaxing, rejuvenating retreat. The land itself was once comprised of green sugar cane and taro, grown with the help of the Maui sun and a freshwater spring. This magical spot is steeped in culture, from when it was used as a training ground for Hawaiian warriors in ancient times, to the romantic days of “Old Hawaii” in the ’30s and ’40s, to the present.

Today, couples, friends, and families still gravitate here for all this renowned beach has to offer, but also for its fabulous resorts and condos. And Kaanapali Beach Resort provides the best of the best, with easy access to everything you want to see and do. For beauty, excitement, convenience, and comfort, it simply can’t be matched.

TETSUJI YAMAZAKI – GM, SHERATON MAUI RESORT & SPA 

About the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is where the legend of Ka‘anapali began. Situated on Ka‘anapali Beach at historic Pu‘u Keka‘a, Black Rock, the oceanfront resort is nestled among 23 acres of tropical landscaping with 83 percent of the resort’s 508 rooms and suites facing the ocean.
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa was named the Starwood Hotels & Resorts 2007 “Hotel of the Year” for the Sheraton brand, and recognized in Conde Nast Travelers’ 2012 Top 25 Hawaiian Resorts. Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa has also appeared in TRAVEL + LEISURE magazine’s World’s Best Awards “Top Resorts in Hawaii” in 2007, 2008 and 2013.


EXECUTIVE CHEF GREG GASPAR - SHERATON MAUI RESORT & SPA

OVERVIEW ON DINING
Dining options at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa are as rich and varied as the hues in a Kaanapali sunset. Here you’ll find international favorites, contemporary Hawaiian creations, and exceptional fine dining menus.

With sweeping coastal views and a delightful menu of island-influenced creations, the Black Rock Kitchen is the perfect choice for casual dining. East and West culinary delights combine at Teppan-yaki Dan, where guests will enjoy a fusion of delicious culinary traditions, as master chefs prepare originally inspired dishes at your table.

And for cool tropical drinks, light menus and lilting slack-key guitar, try The Cliff Dive Grill, follow the garden paths to the Mai Tai Bar, or let the trade winds carry you to the Black Rock Lounge.
Experience Sheraton Maui's own luau. Located beachfront on Kaanapali Beach, the Maui Nui Luau shares the music, dance, and history of the islands right here at the foot of the famous cliff diving point, Black Rock.

Traveling with kids?  Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) members may take advantage of SPG Kid Pass, all-inclusive dining program for children ages 4 to 12 years old. SPG members enjoy a flat daily fee of $20 per child that features all-inclusive access to Keka'a breakfast buffet at Black Rock Terrace, special keiki menu offerings and beverages all day at Cliff Dive Grill and Mai Tai Bar, and dinner offerings at Black Rock Steak & Seafood when dining with an adult. Visit our front desk to sign up and participate in this program or call 808.661.0031.

BIO
Executive Chef Greg Gaspar joined the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa in 2010 and created the distinguished dining program at the resort that includes two signature restaurants, Teppan-yaki Dan and Black Rock Kitchen, as well as two poolside bars – The Cliff Dive Bar and Mai Tai Bar.  Chef Gaspar is also responsible for catering and banquet operations along with the creation of specialized menus for large groups.

He has practiced his craft in the Hawaii hospitality industry for over 25 years. Originally from California and classically trained in French and Italian cuisine, Chef Gaspar found himself at home as a chef in Hawaii creating menus emphasizing locally sourced products to create colorful presentations with Asian flavors.  His culinary talents have been honed from his experiences in celebrated restaurants in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Boston, and New York.  Chef Gaspar was selected as one of six local chefs for Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau’s “Master Chefs Cuisine”.  He also was amongst Hawaii’s talented chefs chosen to represent “Chefs of Aloha – Hawaii’s Cuisine on Tour” promoting Hawaii as a food destination.  Chef Gaspar has been recognized for his award winning menus and has been featured in Food Arts, Spa Magazine, Bon AppĂ©tit, Restaurant News, Gourmet Magazine, and Hawaii Magazine.


HAWAI’I FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL:
Ka‘anapali Fresh has evolved into the Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival Maui! We’re pleased to announce that the Maui event will take place 9/4-9/6, 2015 in the lush paradise of Ka‘anapali Beach Resort and will feature a roster of over 15 internationally renowned master chefs and culinary personalities. Co-founded by two of Hawai‘i’s own James Beard Award-winning chefs, Roy Yamaguchi and Alan Wong, the Festival in Hawai‘i Island, Maui, Honolulu, and Ko Olina Resort will showcase wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, one-of-a-kind excursions, and exclusive dining opportunities with dishes highlighting the state’s bounty of local produce, seafood, beef and poultry.