Profiles

Edwin Goto, of the Manele Bay Resort, was a chef of the Lodge at Koele when this photo of him preparing a duck dish and fig tart was taken in 1996. Advertiser library photo

BACKGROUND: Born and reared on O'ahu, Goto began his career as a journeyman cook at several Island restaurants. In 1983, he joined the Halekulani, a Five-Diamond-Award-winning Honolulu hotel, and its La Mer restaurant, where he worked under chef Khamien Tanhchaleun. In 1987, Goto headed for San Francisco to work at Hotel Nikko's Les Celebrites, the Park Hyatt's Park Grill and the 1001 Nob Hill restaurant. He returned to Hawai'i in 1992.

Goto first joined the Lana'i culinary team in 1992 as sous chef and then became executive chef at the Lodge at Koele 1994. Two years ago, Goto took over the kitchens at the Manele Bay Resort. Goto has been featured on numerous culinary shows, and has worked with nationally renowned chefs who come to Lana'i to cook as part of the Lana'i Visiting Artist Program. He was invited to cook at the James Beard House last April.

FAVORITES:

MEAL: "Nobu Matsuhisa's in New York. Incredible!"

COMFORT FOOD: "Noodles, any type, any time. Sushi would be a close second."

COOKBOOK: "Any book authored by Paula Wolfert."

COOKING SHOW: "No food network on Lana'i. It would have to be 'Soko Ga Shiritai' on the KIKU channel."

KITCHEN TOOL: "My French press coffee maker, I use it daily."