New Chef, New Tastes at RumFire
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RumFire in the Sheraton Waikiki has announced a new chef, Matthew Naula, to lead their new "Bahawaiian" menu concept.
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Chef Matthew Naula |
Born and raised in the Palolo neighborhood of Oahu, Naula brings a new culinary expertise and unique flavor to RumFire.
Naula began his developing his skills in the kitchen at an early age and has a formal culinary education from the Gros Bonnett Culinary Academy. He’s also worked in various capacities at other Hale Aina Award-winning restaurants, starting his career at Zippy’s, Side Street Inn and Sunset Grill, along with additional positions at Columbia Inn, Park Cafe, The Plaza Club, The Plumeria Cafe and as the executive chef at Mr. Ojisan.
Naula gives credit to Chef Jimmy Gillespie, Naula’s mentor and executive chef at the Plaza club for helping him get to where he is today. “Jimmy taught me flavor combinations and how to take control of situations under pressure. He was a great chef to work for and I greatly admire him.” Another influence on Naula’s career was executive chef Ryan Loo of Twist at Hanohano. “Chef Loo taught me many things, like how to explore different local ingredients and creative flavor combinations to take ordinary dishes to a different level. There were food boundaries that were crossed and he pushed the limits of the food.”
As the chef at RumFire, Naula will be responsible for leading the culinary direction associated with their new “Bahawiian” menu concept.
“Bahawaiian” cuisine is a fusion of Mexican specialties and indigenous Hawaiian ingredients. Chef Naula integrates the elements of fire in every dish, blending energy, heat and passion with the freshest ingredients to create cutting-edge fare. Need help choosing among the extensive menu selections? The new executive chef’s favorite dish is Mexican Enchiladas.
Other recommended dishes include the Signature “Kim Chee Fried Rice”, Kalua Pork Enchiladas, and Bahawaiian Char-Broiled Beef Carne Asada.
Together with their recently renovated space and beautiful beach front atmosphere, the new menu should bring the RumFire experience for guest to a new level.
Located on the ground floor at Sheraton Waikiki, RumFire is open from 11 a.m. – midnight. Sunday to Thursday and from 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Daily offerings include a Pau Hana Happy Hour from 4 – 6 p.m. featuring food and drink specials and live entertainment from 5 – 8 p.m.
For reservations call (808) 921-4600 or email tdrc.hawaii@starwoodhotels.com.
