Show 119, April 25, 2015: Executive Chef Riko Bartolome, Montage Kapalua Bay, Maui

Riko BartolomeSan Diegans fondly remember Chef Riko Bartolome as the chef/proprietor of the highly regarded Asia –Vous in Escondido. Chef Riko is now the executive chef of Montage Kapalua Bay in Maui where he oversees all culinary experiences there including the resort’s signature restaurant, Cane & Canoe. With extensive Hawaiian experience, Bartolome created a menu at Cane & Canoe inspired by the Island’s multicultural heritage serving modern Hawaiian fare, with Asian influences.

Known for his signature Asian fusion style Chef Riko graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, and began his career at Hyatt Regency Aventine in La Jolla, CA. Bartolome has directed culinary programs at luxury hotels including Grand Wailea Maui, Hawaii, as well as Hotel Nikko’s Pangaea (Los Angeles), Hotel Del Coronado’s Crown Room, W Hotel, and Asia-Vous, all located in the San Diego area.

Earlier in the year Chef Riko participated in the Maui Convention and Visitor’s Bureau’s “cultural chef exchanges” series. The culinary tour sent top Maui chefs to the West Coast to join chefs in their own kitchens in Los Angeles and San Francisco to create joint food experiences.

Chef Riko is a big supporter of encouraging local Maui farmers. He even foresees the day when premium chocolate is produced “bean to bar” on Maui from cacao pods grown there. Hawaii is the only state in the USA where cacao trees can grow.

Chef Riko joins us from Maui.

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