Chef Mavro
Hawaii's most recent winner of the
James Beard award for Best Chef Pacific Northwest/Hawaii
to join our Women's Wellness Retreat this summer on Oahu.
Born in the sunny Mediterranean city of Marseille in Provence, Chef Mavro has set deep roots in Hawaii embracing the people and taking inspiration from the Island’s diverse culinary traditions. A legendary champion of Hawaii’s fishermen and boutique farmers, he says, and why we love him, “Sometimes buying local means the cost is higher and it takes more time, but local farmers succeed, and my guests enjoy fresh regional ingredients and a dining experience they could only have in Hawaii.”
After top positions at Halekulani and Four Seasons Maui, he created Chef Mavro restaurant which became Honolulu's top restaurant. Throughout its 20-year history, this trendsetting restaurant earned global acclaim including AAA Five Diamond status.
Guests of The Coconut Traveler are always delighted by Chef Mavro. Rave reviews, an easy way about him, and legendary cuisine make him our go-to celebrated chef for private dinners in residence. He dedicates his talent to personally customizing and producing exclusive private dinners for us, and the world. He is a founding member of Hawaii Regional Cuisine and Wine Spectator magazine recognized him as one of the eleven "most important French chefs working in America" along with Alain Ducasse, Pierre Gagnaire, Daniel Boulud, and others.
We are thrilled that he will be joining us for one night of the Women's Wellness Retreat this June 19-25 on the North Shore of Oahu.
The Coconut Traveler founder, Debbie Misajon, and Chef Mavro discuss the Women's Wellness Retreat experience.
What’s your idea of healthy food?
That’s an easy one. La cuisine du marché. Cooking from the local market. That guarantees the freshest ingredients full of flavor and vitality. And Hawaii is a small place so foods always come from very close by!
Will I taste foods that are unique to Hawaii?
Yes! My cuisine has notes of inspiration from all the different ethnic cuisines we have in Hawaii. You’ll taste what’s going on in Hawaii!
Are you involved in sustainability?
Yes. I’m a founding member of the Hawaii Regional Cuisine (HRC) chef’s association. When our group of 12 chefs started in the early ’90s, local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen had a hard time surviving. We committed to buying directly from these local producers instead of using imported food. This planted the seeds of a food revolution and sustainability in Hawaii. The results are still growing today in farmer’s markets, on restaurant tables, and by influencing what’s taught in culinary schools. It’s an exciting time to visit Hawaii.
What can we expect you to cook?
First of all, I create menus based on guest preference and seasonal availability. Fish is a favorite because I grew up in Marseille, the capital of Provence, hearing the calls of fishmongers on the docks and learning how to cook each type of fish just right. Also, I love Hawaii’s beautiful vegetables! Lightly cooked, extra virgin olive oil (not butter), and seasoned with fresh herbs. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a great steak!
Will the dinner be entertaining?
I guess I’m famous for my passion for food and for storytelling! When guests are interested I can demo a dish. And along with that come stories about where the Hawaii ingredients come from and funny things that have happened along the way. Hawaii is the only place on the planet where you can have a food experience like this!
Throughout his career Chef Mavro has provided frequent advanced workshops in Hawaii’s culinary schools and currently serves on the executive board of the Hawaii Culinary Education Foundation. He created Restaurant Reality, an original two-day program, that he offered twice a year as free advanced training for Hawaii culinary students.
Chef Mavro is our favorite because his charitable activities are focused on the arts in Hawaii with a special dedication to Hawaii Public Radio, Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, and Hawaii Opera Theatre. He also supports dozens of other charitable organizations including the Rehab Hospital of the Pacific the Hawaii chapters of the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, and many more. We love our partners who give back to the community.
Join
Desi Bartlett, Chef Mavro, and Chef Andrew
for Thxe Coconut Traveler's
Women’s Wellness Retreat | June 19-25, 2021 | Oahu
The Governor's guidelines are in place and working well to protect locals and visitors alike, giving you peace of mind when traveling to Hawaii. Here are the guidelines, testing partners, and testing platform. We look forward to welcoming you to Hawaii with a pre-arrival, negative Covid test. Aloha.