New Executive Chef at Mākena Beach & Golf Resort

Mākena Beach & Golf Resort’s new Executive Chef, Kurt Lesmerises

By Maui Now Staff

In what resort leaders call a “well-deserved promotion,” Kurt Lesmerises has moved up from Chef de Cuisine to Executive Chef at Mākena Beach & Golf Resort. He will now oversee all the culinary and banquet programs.

“Over the past year he has done a tremendous job of leading the culinary team and elevating the food and beverage experience at the resort,” said Mākena Beach & Golf Resort’s General Manager Declan McCarthy. “We look forward to the all the new and innovative culinary programs he will bring in the coming months.”

Chef Kurt Lesmerises joined the Mākena Beach & Golf Resort’s culinary team in July 2013. Specializing in classical French, continental and Hawaiʻi regional cuisine, officials say Lesmerises was a natural fit to the resort’s overall culinary program. In May 2014, Lesmerises was promoted to the position of Chef De Cuisine, which included additional leadership responsibilities like managing the culinary department and running all four of the resort’s eateries and restaurants. As the Executive Chef he will continue to head the resort’s culinary needs, in addition to overseeing the resort’s catering functions, banquets and stewarding departments.

Skilled in French and European culinary techniques, Chef Kurt Lesmerises said he was very honored and excited to take on the position. “I look forward to working with the rest of the Food & Beverage team in continuing the success and growth of Mākena Beach & Golf Resort’s culinary program,” he explained.

Born in New Hampshire and raised in Colorado, Lesmerises developed a passion for food and French cooking during frequent family trips to France. He followed his passion, beginning his culinary training in South Carolina at Bob Jones University with a major in the Culinary Arts. Lesmerises finished his formal training at Colorado Mountain Culinary institute, graduating as a Certified Culinarian in 2004 and received on-the-job training at several various Vail Resort restaurants in Colorado.

In previous local positions, Lesmerises served as Sous Chef at David Paul’s Island Grill and Merriman’s Kapalua on Maui, where he honed his passion for the restaurant’s famed farm-to-table concept. At Mākena Beach & Golf Resort, Chef Lesmerises continues to institute the same philosophy of using fresh island ingredients and the precision of French cooking to create innovative dishes that represent Hawaiʻi and the island culture.