Meet da Chef

6 months ago the gods of the Hawaiian Islands shined upon me and brought to me this hunky, talented, huge-hearted, humble soul of a man… who’s name is Michael Lofaro Jr~ Mike is the Exec. Chef of the fine dining restaurant at the Grand Wailea (where I work as what’s most accurately classified as ‘Spa Slave’). Mike has proven to be the biggest perk of the job thus far, outmatching free massages, gym access, salon treatments and last but not least HEALTH INSURANCE (it is worth noting that the day I was awarded health insurance for the first time in years my immune system decided to go on vacation (hopefully not permanently): I’ve had an MRI, Spinal X-rays, 4 months of physical therapy for a numb leg, a chalazion removed from my eyelid, treatment for a corneal ulcer, an EKG, a visit to a Spinal Specialist, Cardiologist, full run of blood work… not to mention annual check ups. All this to say, Mike is perk’ier’ than health insurance! Mike grew up on Long Island and inspired by his mother’s fabulous cooking… attended the Culinary Institute of America in NY… spent some years in San Francisco at AQUA and came out to Maui about 6 years ago… his new love is paddling outrigger canoe and he just finished his first competitive season paddling his one-man canoe against guys who’ve been paddling since they could walk… even gave them a run for their money… Here is a picture of us a few months back… we were in his backyard admiring a moonbow while spinning in circles~ forgive us the crossed eyes….