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CHEF DRAY
Born on Maui and raised on a coffee farm on the slopes of Hualālai, Dray has developed a passion for transforming locally grown ingredients into unforgettable dining experiences. From a young age he has been fascinated by the endless flavor combinations that can be created to delight our palate. In 2010 he had the privilege of cooking alongside Jonathan Waxman and Ming Tsai at a James Beard event in Mauna Lani which ignited his desire to develop the skills to cook at a Michelin star level.
After curating countless vibrant dining experiences, Dray realized his Ikigai (the Japanese concept that refers to what gives one’s life meaning) is to create flavorful food with local ingredients to nourish his family, friends, and the community here in Hawaii. Dray meticulously sources the highest quality ingredients directly from farmers throughout the Hawaiian islands. As a seasoned forager, he also loves discovering hidden treasures amongst the plethora of flora, fauna, and fungi inhabiting this fertile landscape. On his days off he can be found gathering salt from remote coastlines, picking Hō’i’o ferns in luscious valleys, admiring native birds pollinating ‘Ōhi’a Lehua, or catching waves with his friends and family.
Chef Dray did a truly outstanding dinner for us on the occasion of my wife’s birthday. Although we have hired caterers many times during the 38 years we lived part-time in Hawaii and in the overlapping 44 years we’ve been married here in California, we would rate Chef Drays’ as the best-catered dinner we’ve ever had the privilege to enjoy. His quality of food was excellent, and his presentation was colorfully impressive and his thoughtfulness (the flowers he volunteered to get were the perfect touch!) throughout our initial contact until his departure were exemplary. He was also excellent to communicate with and made every detail of the experience “easy” for us. We couldn’t recommend him more highly.
Rinaldo B.
Aloha Dray, I wanted to say thank you for all you did to make the Celebration of Life for my brother so wonderful. The food presentation was beautiful, and everything was beyond delicious. Truly memorable flavors. Mahalo nui loa for doing such an exceptional job!
Julie W.
Thank you Chef Dray for an extraordinary culinary experience! Your love for Hawaii shined through and was contagious. Thank you for taking time to share with us Hawaiian names and local culture, it was greatly appreciated. Your cooking of such an array of locally grown food was clever and imaginative, and delicious! You made our family's gathering an especially memorable evening.
Elinor M.