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Chef Jojo

MBC Kihei Restaurant 1-31-2019_007_FB_be

Chef Owner Jojo Vasquez 

cooks with reverence to culture, seasons and locality. His beautifully composed cuisine sings with keen flavors, simplicity and balance, and serves as a profound reflection of his diverse cultural influences. His plates reflect the journey of a Filipino-American kid from Chicago who eventually laid roots on the Valley Isle, Maui, Hawaii.

As a seasoned veteran in the industry for over 20 years, Vasquez is no stranger to high-profile and high-pressure culinary endeavors from cooking at the James Beard House, appearances on the Food Network’s Iron Chef America and Beat Bobby Flay, the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen or even training a Russian culinary team to cook Japanese cuisine in Moscow. He considers this moment his most exciting opportunity yet. When the space for FOND presented itself in Napili Plaza, Vasquez took the leap of faith to open the eatery on May 2019.

“I have been chasing this dream since culinary school,” said Vasquez. “Our team looks forward to creating a stellar, culturally inspired and fun dining experience for the Maui community.”

AWARDS

"Best Chef's Table" Gold 2022 Maui No Ka ‘Oi Magazine

James Beard Foundation "Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific" Semifinalist 2022

“Best New Restaurant 2020” Maui No Ka ‘Oi Magazine

“Best Chef of the Year 2017” Maui No Ka ‘Oi Magazine

 

“Rising Star” Star Chefs Hawaii 2012

 

“Best Restaurant in Maui” Maui No Ka Oi Magazine 2005-2006

 

AAA 4 Diamond hotel, Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, HI

 

“Sous Chef of the Year” Southern California Food Writers Association, 2003

 

“Best Fusion Restaurant” Los Angeles Magazine, 2003

 

Four Diamond Restaurant Award AAA (American Automobile Associations 2002-2005

 

Rated Mobile Four Star Restaurant in 2000 through 2004, Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey, CA

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