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Inside the Kitchen: How a Private Chef in Maui Designs the Ultimate Tasting Menu

  • Writer: Jason raffin
    Jason raffin
  • Jun 20
  • 2 min read

Planning a trip to Maui? Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, hosting a family gathering, or just craving something unforgettable, hiring a private chef is one of the best ways to experience the island’s flavors — and luxury.


At Jason Raffin Maui Private Chef, I specialize in crafting custom multi-course tasting menus using Maui’s freshest ingredients. Here’s a look at how those unforgettable meals come to life.


🔪 Step 1: It Starts with the Catch


Every tasting menu begins with sourcing. I work directly with Maui’s fishermen and local farms to secure pristine seafood and island-grown produce. Whether it’s a 40-pound ahi or upcountry herbs, everything is prepped the day of service.


🧠 Step 2: Designing the Journey


Each dinner is built like a story:

  • A bright opener (think: olives, pickled pineapple, or a market crudo)

  • A warming middle (chawanmushi, hand-folded pasta, smoked fish consommé)

  • A knockout main (scallops with squid ink raviolo, grilled Kona kampachi, short rib with ulu purée)

  • And always… a decadent dessert

No two menus are the same — because no two clients are the same.


🍽️ Step 3: The Plating Performance


Behind the scenes, I arrive hours before guests do. Plates are timed, finished à la minute, and plated with clean precision. I believe the visuals should match the flavors — refined, vibrant, and always a little wild.


📍 Hosting a Private Dinner in Maui?

Breaking down whole ahi tuna in Lahaina for a luxury private chef dinner. Maui seafood tasting menus, prepped with aloha and fire.
Breaking down whole ahi tuna in Lahaina for a luxury private chef dinner. Maui seafood tasting menus, prepped with aloha and fire.
Antipasti platter with olives, artichokes, fennel, and herbs. Maui chef’s grazing table featuring Mediterranean flavors for cocktail hour events.
Antipasti platter with olives, artichokes, fennel, and herbs. Maui chef’s grazing table featuring Mediterranean flavors for cocktail hour events.
Silky dashi chawanmushi with local lobster, crab, and scallop. Japanese-inspired omakase dish crafted by a Lahaina private chef.
Silky dashi chawanmushi with local lobster, crab, and scallop. Japanese-inspired omakase dish crafted by a Lahaina private chef.
Seared scallops with squid ink raviolo and saffron foam. Handcrafted pasta and fine dining by Maui’s top-rated private chef.
Seared scallops with squid ink raviolo and saffron foam. Handcrafted pasta and fine dining by Maui’s top-rated private chef.
Seared ahi served in a multi-course private dining experience in Lahaina. Maui fine dining with fresh island greens and ocean-to-table flavor.
Seared ahi served in a multi-course private dining experience in Lahaina. Maui fine dining with fresh island greens and ocean-to-table flavor.

Whether you’re staying in Lahaina, Wailea, or Kaanapali, I travel to you with everything needed to transform your villa into a 5-star restaurant.

Reach out through Instagram or visit JasonRaffin.com to start planning your private chef experience.

 
 
 

Kommentare

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Do you cook for small private dinners or large groups?
Both! Chef Jason specializes in intimate dinners for couples, family dinners, and celebration events for larger groups up to 30+ guests. Every event is personalized — from multi-course tasting menus to plated fine dining or buffet-style catering.
What’s included in the private chef experience?
Every private dining experience includes a custom menu, shopping, on-site chef service, setup, full-service plated or buffet-style dinner, and full cleanup. We even provide cocktail pairing recommendations and wine guidance upon request. It’s an all-inclusive fine dining experience in Maui.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions like gluten-free, vegan, or keto?
Absolutely! Chef Jason creates custom menus based on your preferences and dietary needs, whether you’re gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, keto, or paleo. You’ll still enjoy a full gourmet experience with fresh local ingredients, tailored just for you.
Do you offer private chef services in Wailea and Kaanapali?
Yes! We provide full private chef services in Wailea, Kaanapali, Kapalua, Lahaina, Kihei, and anywhere else on Maui. Chef Jason brings the kitchen to you, offering everything from tasting menus to family-style dinners for any special occasion.
What makes Jason Raffin Maui Private Chef different from other private chefs in Maui?
Jason Raffin is Maui’s most 5-star reviewed private chef, specializing in luxury private dining, chef’s tasting menus, and high-end catering services. Every meal focuses on fresh island ingredients, local seafood, and Michelin-level cooking, all customized to your tastes. Enjoy fine dining in the comfort of your home, villa, or vacation rental anywhere on Maui.
What is the best Caterer in Lahaina?
Jason Raffin Maui Private Chef is a premier Caterer based in Lahaina, HI