Cooking has always been more than a career for me. It’s how I connect to my heritage, tell stories, and bring people together around flavors that feel meaningful and intentional. I love creating meals that feel personal — food that’s nourishing, beautifully prepared, and made with care from start to finish.
My cooking is inspired by bold, vibrant flavors with a strong focus on seafood and Asian influences. I love dishes that feel thoughtful but approachable — the kind of food that’s layered, balanced, and deeply satisfying.
I’m trained in many cuisines, including Mexican, French, and Spanish, but my heart lives in Asian flavors and Hawaiian-inspired cooking. As a proud San Franciscan and half Hawaiian, I often draw from my grandmother’s recipes, recreating dishes like Chicken Long Rice and Huli Huli Chicken with care and respect for tradition.
Every detail matters to me, from precise knife work to honoring the ingredients themselves. My time working in fine dining taught me discipline and technique, but my heritage reminds me that food should always come from the heart.
I’m here to bring soulful flavors, fresh seafood, and meaningful meals into your home.
I was born and raised in San Francisco’s Mission District, where my appreciation for truly exceptional food started at a young age. After high school, I moved north to Napa Valley to earn my Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena.
At just 19, I stepped into fine dining at the one-Michelin-star Auberge du Soleil, an experience that sparked my passion for high-level culinary artistry. From there, my career took me from a sushi bar in Carmel-by-the-Sea — where I mastered my knife skills and love for fish — to the three-Michelin-star Manresa.
During my time at Manresa, I had the opportunity to cook for Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, and Thomas Keller, and collaborate alongside France’s Chef Sophie Anne Pic. One of my favorite projects was hosting a Hawaiian plate lunch pop-up in Santa Cruz, where I saw firsthand how food made with heart always resonates.
When I’m not cooking, you’ll usually find me paddleboarding, grilling with football on in the background, or exploring new restaurants — especially around New York City. I love to travel, with Spain holding a special place in my heart and Vietnam and Thailand high on my list.
At home, I’m happiest with a cozy movie night and my cat, Kaimi — and if seafood is involved, even better.
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