Bev Gannon

Bev Ganon, owner of Hali`imaile General Store and Joe`s Bar on Maui, launched her entrepreneurial career more than 20 years ago with a catering business run out of her garage. She began with three workers in 1985, and now employs about 130. One of the 12 founders of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, Gannon prepares her award-winning dishes in an old plantation store in Makawao.

Russel K Sui

Russel is the chef and co-owner of 3660 On the Rise and managing director of Kakaako Kitchen, both in Honolulu. 3660 on the Rise is a fine dining experience in heart of the Kaimuki Business District, Honolulu. Kakaako Kitchen is a more casual 3 meal restaurant in Ward Center, Honolulu.

Chef Mavro

Fodors Choice 2006 names Chef Mavro as one of the Top 10 Restaurants in the world. Fodors editors chose Chef Mavro, along with Thomas Keller’s Per Se in New York, Wahso in Utah, Hunters Vineyard Restaurant in New Zealand, Casa Picasso in Belize, Bukhara in India, Casa da Feijoada in Brazil, Chez Pascal in Antigua, Findlerhof in Switzerland and George’s at the Cove in La Jolla, Calif.

Donato Loperfido & Philippe Padovani

Contrary to pre-opening opinion, chefs Donato Loperfido and Philippe Padovani don’t battle over the menu. In fact, talk to either of these distinguished, passionate chefs about their first year together at Elua and all you’ll hear are positive comments. Elua Restaurant and Wine Bar 1341 Kapiolani Blvd. 955-3582.

Fred De Angelo

On the North Shore, Ola at Turtle Bay is one of the most romantically appointed restaurants in Hawaii. It sits right on the beach and is booked out months in advance for Valentine’s. But after a busy night at the restaurant, chef/owner Fred De Angelo’s idea of romance involves a hibachi and late-night dining with wife Cheryl. “The most romantic night we ever had was a picnic over at Kahala one Halloween,” says Fred. “We were kind of doing the opposite thing from everyone else.”

Alan Wong

Alan Wong’s restaurant on South King Street has made the top 10 of Gourmet magazine`s list of America`s Top 50 Restaurants — again. Alan Wong’s is also the only Hawaii restaurant on the list, though the magazine has praised many others regularly on other lists.

Mike Longworth

Mike is the executive chef at the newly opened Romano’s Macaroni Grill at Ala Moana Center. He talks here about his love of local food, what he learned from Sam Choy, and his occasional craving for a Zippy’s chili dog.