Garret Fujieda, Westing Maui Resort and Spa

Garret Fujieda, Westing Maui Resort and Spa

Garret's culinary passion led to his success as a master chef with travels that took him far and wide and helped him hone his skills in America's top kitchens. Desiring to return home to Hawaii, Garret joined The Westin Maui Resort & Spa as executive chef in June 2010. Drawing from his past influences including his AAA five-diamond experience at St. Regis Houston, Garret has infused his culinary excellence in every aspect within the oceanfront resort. From introducing the "Hawaiian Ahupua'a" sustainable menu at the signature Tropica Restaurant & Bar on Ka'anapali Beachwalk to presenting artful cuisine with distinctive flavors in elaborate banquets and receptions, his masterful skills are truly extraordinary.

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of American in Hyde Park, NY, Garret completed the prestigious Greenbrier Apprenticeship program in White Sulphur Springs, WV. This propelled him into the culinary world with career opportunities in superb restaurants and resorts such as the Gotham Bar and Grill in NYC recognized with the notable James Beard award, Sheraton Waikiki Resort and The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, FL.

Garret's accomplishments have led to his participation in numerous high profile culinary events as well as broadcast appearances on cooking shows. His active involvement within the community includes the Recipe for Success program that promotes healthy eating habits amongst children. Crediting his mother for his rise to success, Garret's affinity for cooking spurs him to continually explore and experiment new and sustainable resources and promote healthy-style dining for well-balanced nourishment.

2018 Chef of the Year
Kevin Naderi, Roost

Chefs Advisory Board

Beginning in the late 1990's Chef Monica Pope joined in Gracie's efforts to establish a group of concerned chefs who were willing to get involved in a hands on way to teach kids to cook. Twenty-four answered the call and in 2006, we established our Chefs Advisory Board, a working committee with Monica as its Chair. Through the years, more and more chefs have joined our founding members, and today we have over 100 members in Houston and across the country. Monica Pope continues to lead the team as Chair Emeritus.

These busy professionals donate their time month after month, year after year, bringing their unique insight and perspective of food to the children, turning on their taste buds and opening their minds to new foods. It's a Recipe for Success! Would you like to join us? Get in touch and get started today!

The Foundation's Chefs Advisory Board served as inspiration for the White House campaign for Chefs Move to School! Six members of our Chefs Advisory Board joined members of our Board of Directors at the White House in June 2010 for the kick-off of Chefs Move to Schools! where Recipe for Success was featured as a national model and resource. See pictures here. And read about the trip here and here.