Pūlehu, an Italian Grill, the award-winning Italian restaurant at The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas, has announced Jesse Pita as its chef de cuisine. In celebration of the restaurant’s growth and new culinary direction, it will host “Nuova Foglia” (which means “new leaf” in Italian), a chef’s tasting dinner on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017.

Jesse Pita, new Chef de Cuisine at The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas. Courtesy photo.

“Chef Jesse’s Italian heritage and New York upbringing will continue Pūlehu’s tradition of quality, classic Italian cuisine while adding a personal touch to our signature restaurant,” says Brandon Maeda, food and beverage director at The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas. “We’re excited to welcome him to this new role and look forward to celebrating our culinary journey with guests at our upcoming event.”

“Nuova Foglia” features a four-course dinner with classic Italian wine pairings not to be missed. Pita will prepare dishes, including a classic flaming parmesan wheel of pasta, right in front of guests.

The event offers a seating at 6 p.m. and one at 8 p.m. It is $55 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Reservations are recommended and can be made through Pūlehu’s website.

Originally from Long Island, New York, Pita credits his Italian upbringing for his cooking style and inspiration. His approach will bring Italian favorites with a modern twist to the menu, including handmade pastas and hearty, homemade lasagna.

Well-seasoned in his craft, Pita received his bachelor’s degree at the Culinary Institute of America in New York and has held multiple sous chef positions at several well-known Maui restaurants, such as Merriman’s Kapalua, Pacific‘o Restaurant and most recently, Ocean Pool Bar & Grill (now Auntie’s Kitchen) at The Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas.

In his new position, Pita will oversee Pūlehu’s menu design and culinary concept development, while maintaining the highest level of excellence and freshness to continue the restaurant’s prestigious history of awards and accolades.

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit here or call 808-667-3254.