Andrew Yeo, Richard Sandoval, Kristen Kish, and Sheldon Simeon Join The Ritz-Carlton Maui’s Culinary Team for Exclusive Dining Experiences
May 11, 2026 (Kapalua, Maui, HI) — The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is unveiling an elite lineup of culinary leaders for the summer series of its signature Kapalua Wine & Chef Series. At the intimate, one-night-only events, the resort’s premier coastal dining destination Banyan Tree will welcome iconic culinary figures Andrew Yeo, Richard Sandoval, Kristen Kish, and Sheldon Simeon for a unique convergence of culinary mastery and island tradition.
Sheldon Simeon, and The Ritz-Carlton Maui’s Executive Chef Glenn Thompson)
While the spring lineup celebrated the roots of island cuisine, the summer months offer an elevated exploration of global flavors. Featuring a four-course menu paired with curated wine selections, the dinners also provide guests a rare opportunity to engage with master chefs who are defining the future of international gastronomy, including Michelin-starred Asian mastery, modern Latin flavors, and the evolution of American soulful cooking.
The upcoming lineup features:
- Saturday, June 13 at 5:30 p.m.: Spence Vineyards | Chef Andrew Yeo
The summer season begins with an evening of culinary artistry as acclaimed Michelin-starred chef Andrew Yeo and specialty chef Jayshree Nathoo join forces with The Ritz‑Carlton Maui, Kapalua’s Executive Sous Chef John Moreno. From his roots in Singapore to leading Michelin-starred kitchens globally, Yeo brings a refined take on traditional Cantonese cuisine, while Nathoo elevates Indian street food to an art form in trademark Ritz-Carlton style. Adding his global expertise in artisanal pastry, Moreno rounds out the world-class team as they present a sophisticated multi-course Chinese-Indian menu expertly paired with the bold, express wines of Spence Vineyards. - Saturday, July 11 at 5:30 p.m.: Far Niente Vineyards | Chef Richard Sandoval
Internationally acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval showcases his celebrated Latin‑inspired cuisine alongside the iconic wines of Far Niente Vineyards. With a portfolio of over 60 restaurants across four continents, the James Beard Award semi-finalist and recipient of Mexico’s “National Toque d’Oro” is celebrated for his “Old Ways, New Hands” approach, blending traditional Latin ingredients with modern, inventive techniques. In collaboration with The Ritz‑Carlton Maui, Kapalua’s Executive Chef Glenn Thompson, the multi‑course dining experience marries bold flavors with refined technique, bringing a vibrant exploration of Latin-Asian fusion to the island. - Saturday, August 8 at 5:30 p.m.: PlumpJack Estate Winery | Chef Kristen Kish
August features Kristen Kish, chef/partner of Arlo Grey, co-founder of Kish Aperitif, and the Emmy-nominated host of Bravo’s Top Chef. Currently appearing as the host of Top Chef: Carolinas, and recently joining the cast of The Traitors US, Kish is one of the most compelling voices in the culinary industry. Her influence has been recognized on the TIME100 Next and Variety’s 30 Most Powerful Women on Reality TV lists. A New York Times best-selling author and winner of Top Chef Season 10, Kish will bring her signature soulful, innovative cooking style to Maui. All guests will receive a signed copy of her memoir, Accidentally On Purpose. - Saturday, September 12 at 5:30 p.m.: Duckhorn Vineyards | Chef Sheldon Simeon
A two-time “Fan Favorite” and finalist on Bravo’s Top Chef Seasons 10 and 14, Sheldon Simeon is widely recognized as an ambassador of Hawai‘i cuisine and is the celebrated chef-owner of Maui’s Tin Roof and Tiffany’s. His cooking is a playful, elevated tribute to the diverse cultural influences of the islands. A multi-time James Beard Award semi-finalist, Simeon’s appearance will bring a soulful, local-style feast, celebrating the authentic flavors of his home. Guests will receive a signed copy of his newest cookbook, ‘Ohana Style: Food from Hawai’i, for Your Family.
Each dinner experience in the Kapalua Wine & Chef Series is limited to guests ages 21 and over. Reservations are required and can be made via OpenTable or by calling 808-665-7089.
For more information about the Kapalua Wine & Chef Series, visit banyantreekapalua.com or follow on Instagram @banyantreekapalua. To learn more about The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, visit ritzcarlton.com/maui or follow on Instagram @ritzcarltonkapalua.
About The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
The luxurious Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua showcases a stunning, destination resort offering 468 newly reimagined guestrooms, including 107 residential suites, with all new décor capturing Kapalua’s rich heritage and natural aloha. The Ritz-Carlton Spa® Maui, Kapalua beckons with treatment rooms framed by private garden showers, volcanic stone grottos, steam, sauna and whirlpool therapies, outdoor couple’s hale (cabanas) and a fitness center and movement studio with spectacular ocean views. Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program offers all interest levels an array of outdoor activities from land to sea, led by trained naturalists. The breathtaking island resort also features six dining experiences, enhanced indoor/outdoor meeting space, an inviting children’s pool and new custom luxury cabanas. The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is nestled on 54 acres and enveloped by the 22,000-acre Kapalua Resort, renowned for two championship golf courses, award-winning restaurants and the site of historic pineapple fields. For more information about The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/maui.
