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On the heels of her Top Chef victory, Chef Rhoda Magbitang heads home to Hawaii’s Big Island — this time, however, she’s accompanied by a few special guests.
Magbitang, the first female Executive Chef at Mauna Lani‘s highly acclaimed Canoehouse, returns to the Big Island’s oceanfront resort for her latest endeavor: a culinary residency alongside fellow season 23 chefs Sieger Bayer, Oscar Diaz and Brittany Cochran. The first-of-its-kind collaboration kicks off a series of intimate dinners, hosted by Chef Rhoda herself, at select Auberge properties between June 2026 and early 2027.
Last week, The Hollywood Reporter got a front row seat to the four chefs’ multi-course masterpiece at Auberge’s Big Island property before it continues throughout the summer season. The intentionally curated menu spotlights each chef’s distinct perspective in tandem with the crème de la crème of local ingredients.
As for its setting, the limited-time sunset dinner takes over Surf Shack, the resort’s beloved beachside restaurant inspired by Hawaii’s retro surf dens. The evening’s breezy backdrop, laid-back ambience and inviting Aloha Spirit juxtapose the sophisticated flavors created by four Chefs at the Top of their game.
While you’re on property, perhaps staying overnight in Mauna Lani‘s newly renovated ocean-front suites, do yourself a favor and have dinner at Canoehouse. I can confidently say — and I seldom use first-person singular — it was the best meal of my life. And if we’re really getting personal, order the Garlic Fried Rice, Shokupan Pull-apart Bread, Local Mushrooms and A5 Wagyu Ribeye. They are nothing short of exceptional. Word on the street is the Radish Salad is also divine.
Canoehouse at Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection.
Courtesy of Canoehouse at Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection
Alongside the debut of Surf Shack’s Top Chef-imagined summer menu, Auberge’s Big Island property celebrates another recent launch — that of the Francis Brown Club — a private, members-only space that officially opened its doors in May. With exclusive oceanfront spaces, chef-led meals and bites, a self-service bar, all-day gourmet offerings and the loveliest dedicated concierge team, the Club makes an ultra-luxurious stay even more ultra-luxurious.
As for the rest of Chef Rhoda’s Auberge activations, the following are on the horizon between June 2026 and January 2027:
Hotel Jerome, Auberge Collection, Aspen, Colorado (June 20, 2026)
The Winner’s Table: One Night with Bravo’s Top Chef Season 23 Winner.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection, Hawaiʻi (Sept. 11-12, 2026)
From Carolina to Kohala: Chef Rhoda Magbitang & Chef Duyen Ha.
The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Collection, Los Olivos, California (Oct. 1, 2026)
In collaboration with Executive Chef Kevin Malone, Chef Rhoda will return to The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Collection for a celebratory evening with local farmers and producers.
Stanly Ranch, Auberge Collection, Napa Valley, California (Oct. 4, 2026)
Grange Harvest Dinner Series.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection Hawaiʻi (January 7, 2027)
An Evening of Kamayan with Chef Rhoda Magbitang.
Mauna Lani’s Surf Shack, backdrop for Top Chef-curated Summer Dinner Series.
Courtesy of Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection
Learn more about each of the above experiences at Auberge.com/TopChef. Mauna Lani’s collaborative menu will be available at Surf Shack nightly from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., through Monday, Sept. 7. Walk-ins are welcome. Find the best prices on stays at Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection here.
Finally, if you’re staying put in Los Angeles, THR got the scoop on Chef Rhoda’s top City of Angels eats: Roasted Duck by Pa Ord, Luv2eat Thai Bistro (we can attest), Dunsmoor (we can also attest), Kato Restaurant, Bestia and Bavel (obviously), Saffy’s, RVR and, of course, her favorite Koreatown gem Dan Sung Sa — but don’t tell a soul; we can’t blow up her (our new) spot.
Related: Hotel Group Behind The Surfrider Malibu Makes First Foray Outside California, Into the Southwest
