ZACH LAIDLAW
Zach Laidlaw, an internationally accomplished culinary mavin, was raised in the small town of Burlington, Illinois. He started in the industry as a dishwasher at the young age of 13. At age 16 he started cooking and quickly soon realized his passion and creativity would be endless in this profession. With a degree in both Culinary Arts & Hospitality Restaurant Management, Zach quickly stood out with his culinary talent taking him all around the world cooking and managing. From Chicago to South Beach Miami, followed by the British Virgin Islands, onto Australia and then here in Maui. Maui is where he landed the Chef de Cuisine position at Fleetwood’s on Front St. for two years. In 2017 he helped start up Hua Momona Farms, in Kapalua from scratch with 2 other partners. January 2019, Zach took a step out of the busy kitchen life and to focus all his attention on the Farm. He wanted to further educate himself with local agriculture, understanding the why’s and how’s of growing and maintaining self-sustainability. Zach supports our local farmers, Fisherman, Ranchers and is helping Maui become more self-sustainable one step at a time. Currently, Chef Zach is Hua Momona Farms Executive Chef & Vice President of Experiences. He curates exquisite multi-course farm to table experiences ranging anywhere from 5-12 course tasting menus. Both a Chef & a Farmer, what a force to be recon with. Catch Chef Zach on Next Level Chef season 3 with Gordon Ramsey. Every Thursday at 7pm Hawaii Time on FOX or next day on HULU.
MADA ABDELHAMID
Mada Abdelhamid is a world traveler with many different walks of life. He is originally from Egypt and grew up in New Zealand, he travelled the world and experienced many cultures. Mada is a former Pro Basketball player, WWE Superstar, Celebrity Trainer and most recently starred on Gordon Ramsay’s hit show Next Level Chef. Mada’s food is just like him, one big fusion as he loves to incorporate flavors from all over the world and create new and unique dishes. Mada’s goal is to inspire, entertain and bring people together through food and sport!
GABRIELLE (GABI) CHAPPEL
Gabrielle (Gabi) is a seasonally inspired chef and educator currently based in Brooklyn, NY. She is a graduate from the Institute of Culinary Education's Health Supportive Culinary Arts program and focuses on plant-based cooking. Gabi is the Season 3 Winner of Fox's Next Level Chef and hosts pop up dinners, educational classes, and private events throughout New York City. Prior to Next Level Chef, Gabi became a “social media chef” through her guest appearances on Conde Nast’s Epicurious YouTube Channel where she became a staple of "4 Levels" and "Pro vs. Novice" amassing millions of views with each video. Gabi grew up in an agricultural town in Central Pennsylvania, she takes a lot of inspiration from the natural unfolding of the seasons within her dishes, and on occasion her Eastern European background through the way she grew up making food with her family. She loves outdoor adventures and gardening in her small backyard space in Brooklyn.
AMANDA LINDQUIST
Amanda Lindquist is the Executive Chef at Wailea Beach Resort, where she oversees the property’s food and beverage operations including its restaurants, bars, luau, weddings, catering team, and private dining experiences. With over twenty years of experience, Amanda is regarded for her strong business acumen and extensive experience in hospitality management, financial abilities, and menu development. Amanda has held numerous roles as Sous Chef, Executive Sous Chef, Banquet Chef, and Executive Chef at luxury hotels across the United States for Starwood and now Marriott Hotels for sixteen years. Prior to her arrival in Wailea, Amanda served as Executive Chef, Operations Support Resources at Marriott International, through which she assisted The Ritz Carlton Maui, Kapalua as the Executive Chef. She previously served as Corporate Executive Chef, Retail Operations at Di Bruno Brothers in Philadelphia during the pandemic. Amanda holds a bachelor’s degree in food and Beverage Management from Johnson & Wales University. Amanda brings passion, inspiration, and unique energy to all that she does.
CHRISTINA MIROS
Christina is a first generation Greek American, born and raised in Northern New Jersey. Most recently, Christina competed on Next Level Chef where she finished as a runner-up finalist. Christina’s love for food and cooking influence come from her Greek upbringing. At age 17 she moved to Arizona to attend university. While living in Arizona, Christina visited various regions on the west coast and in Mexico. This exposure to other parts of our country is where her love for regional cuisine flourished. Having grown up close to a cultural melting pot like New York City, as well as her strong Greek roots, Christina’s take on food tends to lean towards elevated, vibrant global flavors.
ALVIN SAVELLA
Chef Alvin Savella, affectionately known as "The Kitchen Assassin," is recognized for his bold and mouth-watering creations. Drawing from his local and Filipino roots, combined with diverse influences gathered during his travels, Chef Savella consistently pushes culinary boundaries.
Born and raised in Lahaina, Chef Savella's culinary journey took flight after completing his education, leading him to a decade-long odyssey in the culinary mecca of Los Angeles, California. There, he honed his skills under the guidance of a diverse array of culinary luminaries. In 2012, drawn back to his roots, Savella returned to Maui, where he graced the kitchens of the prestigious Ritz Carlton in Kapalua before ascending to the esteemed position of Chef de Cuisine at Humuhumunukunukuapua'a at the Grand Wailea.
In December of 2020, he became the Executive Chef of the Lahaina staple Māla Ocean Tavern, collaborating with the owners to craft his unique culinary path. His journey led to his ownership and the opening of Duckine in October 2022, where his signature style shone. Following the Lahaina Fires in August 2023, Chef Alvin and his partners decided to rebrand and open a more approachable and community-driven restaurant in the same location. Coco Deck Lahaina, Kitchen and Bar, on Front Street, opens in late summer 2024.
Fusing his local and Filipino roots with the diverse influences gathered during his travels, Chef Savella consistently pushes culinary boundaries. He delights diners with innovative fusions of flavors and cuisines that stimulate the senses and redefine expectations. Each dish tells a story of his life, his island, and the global flavors he embraces.
RYAN VON SMITH
Introducing Ryan Von Smith: a name you’ll soon recognize.
With over 20 years of experience in the culinary industry, Ryan has progressed from a line cook to a corporate executive chef, and now, he proudly owns Chef Von & Mom in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Ryan has managed some of the country’s most prominent restaurants, including renowned establishments in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and New York City.
A seasoned chef in the public eye, Ryan has served celebrities such as Jay Z, Jamie Foxx, and Mike Tomlin. He earned third place in a world chef competition in Macao, China, in 2019, and recently showcased his talents on Gordon Ramsay’s “Next Level Chef” on national television.