"Hawaiian Regional cuisine is such a diversified style of             cooking that there really are  no boundaries..."
 

With a lifelong dedication to the culinary arts, Executive Chef Raul Bermudez has established himself as one of the most talented chef's on Maui. His creative artistry in the kitchen has brought him to the pinnacle of success and popularity with his ability to blend contemporary island flavors. And now, he has his own growing chain of independent restaurants, something every chef wishes for.

An award winning chef for years while serving at other restaurants, Raul took a leap in faith be becoming his own boss by opening Big Wave Cafe in Kihei. Anyone who's ever had any of his great food will agree that it is not a big risk when he is exercising his skill in the kitchen. Something Chef Bermudez has devoted himself to since a very early age.

While eating with friends at local restaurant, Raul became infatuated with the cooks in the kitchen and set out the very next week to get a job in a kitchen. He was only seventeen, but knew exactly what he wanted to be doing. It is not often young men become so focused on a desire that will drive them for decades.

Chef Bermudez began his career at the Hyatt Regency in Ka'anapali, starting at the bottom, as a prep cook. Over the next eight years, with extensive training in the classic French-style, Raul worked his way up to Sous Chef of the highly acclaimed Swan Court Restaurant.

Later, after moving to Wailea and the Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel and Suites,
Chef Bermudez oversaw the day-to-daykitchen operations of one of South Maui's
busiest 5 star resorts.

His next success was taking over as Executive Chef for the Seawatch Restaurant in Wailea. There he transformed a casual Clubhouse eatery into one of Wailea's finest
dining establishments. An honor they still hold to this day.

For his next assent, Raul was hired as Executive Chef at another local Kihei restaurant. There, behind his talents in the kitchen, the quality of the cuisine came to match the restaurant's beauty. The result, Gourmet Magazine featured him in their issue of  "Finest Dining in Hawaii", Food and Wine Magazine included him in their issue, "Top 10
Restaurants in Hawaii".

Now with years of experience under his toque, Chef Raul put his award winning talents to further use in his own restaurants. Open in August 2003, the Big Wave Cafe has become one of Kihei's favorite restaurant. With a casual, colorful and air-conditioned interior and patio dining, Big Wave features fine dining food served with friendly,
casual service and features some of the most affordable pricing in town.                        

When asked what he enjoys most about cooking in Hawaii, he'll tell you that it's the versatility of the product. "Hawaii Regional cuisine is such a diversified style of cooking that there really are no boundaries. I use a lot of Maui-grown fruits, vegetables and organic herbs". A main focus of his menu includes the use of fresh local seafood and Hawaiian fish. "If it were possible, we wouldn't even have a freezer in the kitchen".

For years, Raul's interest, support and participation in the use of local
diversified agriculture has made Chef Bermudez a respected member
of Maui's culinary community. His participation in local festivals and
events for the promotion of the local farming industry has not only
garnered him awards and success, it has also allowed him to continue
his use of the freshest, locally grown products.

With talent that's matched only by his drive, Chef Raul's next challenge was taking over operations of the Kahana Sands Restaurant and Bar, formerly the Terrace Restaurant.  Located within the beautiful Sands of Kahana Resort and Condominium, Kahana Sands features open-air dining with spectacular ocean views of Molokai and Lanai.

Take Chef Raul's talents, place them in a cafe setting and what do you have? An
absolute winner for every diner who visits Big Wave Cafe. Gourmet food in a casual
setting with outdoor seating, all at affordable prices.

Winner of 2003 Ulupalakua Thing's Chef's Challenge, 1st Place winner A Taste of
Lahaina's Appetizer Category 2003 and taking award honors again in 2005 for Kahana Sands Restaurant & Bar, one can expect chef/owner Raul Bermudez will be winning more awards for his culinary talents.