Food

Chef Zach Laidlaw

Chef Curator, Hua Momona Farms

Zach Laidlaw is an internationally accomplished culinary maven who was raised in the small town of Burlington, Illinois. He began working in the restaurant industry as a dishwasher at just 13 years old. By the age of 16, he had moved into cooking and quickly realized his passion and creativity would thrive in the culinary world.

With degrees in both Culinary Arts and Hospitality Restaurant Management, Zach’s talent soon took him around the globe, cooking and managing in destinations including Chicago, South Beach Miami, the British Virgin Islands, Australia, and eventually Maui.

In Maui, Zach served as Chef de Cuisine at Fleetwood’s on Front St. for two years before helping launch Hua Momona Farms in Kapalua in 2017 alongside two partners.

In January 2019, Zach stepped away from the fast-paced kitchen environment to dedicate his full attention to the farm. Focused on deepening his understanding of local agriculture and sustainable farming practices, he immersed himself in learning the “why” and “how” behind self-sustainability. Zach is a passionate supporter of Maui’s local farmers, fishermen, and ranchers, helping strengthen the island’s path toward a more sustainable future.

Today, Chef Zach serves as Co-Founder, Executive Chef, Lead Farmer, and Vice President of Experiences at Hua Momona Farms. He curates extraordinary farm-to-table dining experiences featuring 6- to 12-course tasting menus that celebrate Maui’s local ingredients and culinary culture.

A true force in both the culinary and agricultural worlds, Chef Zach has also appeared on Next Level Chef with Gordon Ramsay on Hulu, as well as Chopped on Food Network.

Alvin Savella

Coco Deck

Chef Alvin Savella, affectionately known as “The Kitchen Assassin,” is a born-and-raised Lahaina native whose culinary talents and deep community ties have made him an icon of resilience, leadership, and aloha.

Chef Alvin’s culinary journey began learning the traditional art of butchering from his father, a hands-on foundation that instilled a lifelong respect for ingredients and craftsmanship. His professional trajectory took him through some of Maui’s most prestigious resorts, including the Westin, the Ritz-Carlton, and the Grand Wailea, before parlaying those skills into life as chef/owner of Coco Deck Lahaina. His decision to rebrand the space into a vibrant, family-friendly sports bar reflects his ability to evolve while staying true to his roots.

When Lahaina faced its darkest moment during the devastating fires, Chef Alvin rose to the occasion, partnering with World Central Kitchen to prepare and deliver meals to displaced residents, distributing essential supplies, and helping his partners reopen Mala Ocean Tavern. His leadership inspired his staff and set an example for the entire industry.

Beyond the kitchen, Chef Alvin’s social media presence draws thousands of fans to his creative techniques and “internet-breaking” presentations. His dedication to the craft has earned him the Maui Aipono Award for Best New Restaurant and Most Innovative Menu. Through his work at Coco Deck and his commitment to uplifting others, he exemplifies the spirit of aloha and inspires the next generation of Maui culinary entrepreneurs.

Donovan Foster

Coco Deck

Chef de Cuisine Donovan Foster brings a deeply self-driven, high-energy culinary style to Coco Deck Lahaina. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, he is largely self-taught, building his craft through relentless hands-on experience, constant learning, and early kitchen leadership. His career includes time with Casa Don Alfonso and six years with The Ritz-Carlton, where he rose from Cook I to Sous Chef of the entire property, overseeing six outlets and a top-performing banquet operation. Now at Coco Deck Lahaina, Donovan works side by side with award-winning Owner and Executive Chef Alvin Savella (“The Kitchen Assassin”), helping lead the kitchen and support the creative vision behind the Coco Deck Supper Club. Known for his intensity, curiosity, and constant drive to improve, he brings strong leadership and elevated execution to every service.

Hannah Stanchfield

UHMC

Hannah Stanchfield is a high-energy Pastry Chef and Educator dedicated to elevating the culinary arts on Maui. From her early days in Haiku baking cupcakes to her current role leading the Baking Department at the University of Hawaii Maui College, her career is fueled by a lifelong obsession with pastry and hospitality as a whole.

With an A.A.S. in Pastry and Culinary Arts from one of the nation’s top-ranked programs, Hannah’s expertise spans the entire house—serving as a Pastry Chef, Sous Chef, Bartender, and Business Owner to name a few. This diverse background allows her to mentor the next generation of chefs with a 360-degree view of the industry.

When she’s off the clock, you’ll find her experimenting with new dessert concepts, supporting events at Hua Momona Farms, or hitting the beach with her dachshund.

Taylor Ponte

Aurum

Born and raised on Maui, Chef Partner Taylor Ponte has a deep-rooted respect for the land, which profoundly influences his culinary philosophy. Growing up on the farmlands of Makawao, he developed a keen appreciation for fresh produce, sustainable seafood, and whole-animal utilization. A graduate of the Maui Culinary Academy, Chef Ponte specializes in New American cuisine, masterfully blending techniques and flavors from around the world.

Recognized as the 2020 and 2022 Chef of the Year by Maui No Ka Oi Magazine’s Aipono Awards, Chef Ponte is renowned for his innovative approach to cooking and his dedication to sourcing local ingredients. On Saturday, July 19, 2025, he opened Aurum Maui at The Shops at Wailea, where he crafts exquisite dining experiences that honor Hawaii’s natural abundance and culinary heritage.

Zach Sato

Havens

Chef Zach Sato is a Maui-born culinary talent known for blending elevated island cuisine with local comfort food and community-driven hospitality. As the executive chef and co-owner of Havens Harborside and founder of Havens Maui, Zach has built a reputation for inventive, ingredient-driven cooking rooted in Hawai’i’s culture and local agriculture. A graduate of the San Diego Culinary Institute, he sharpened his craft under acclaimed chef Peter Merriman and has led kitchens on every major island.

In 2025, Zach was recognized as Maui’s Chef of the Year and helped earn Havens Harborside the title of Best New Restaurant on Maui. Beyond the kitchen, he became widely respected for feeding thousands of Maui residents and first responders following the Lahaina wildfires, reflecting his belief that food should nourish both people and community.