Born and raised working the farmlands of Makawao Chef Ponte had an appreciation for the land, fresh produce and livestock. His career has led him to inspire menus using whole animals and charcuterie; handmade pastas and artisan breads with produce and seafood supplied by local farmers and fishermen. Chef Ponte was Awarded Maui No Ka Oi Magazine Aipono Awards 2020 Chef of the Year. Chef Ponte says growing up he loved bentos. Particularly those from Pukalani Superette. If he were lucky enough to have someone take him it was in hopes that one of the Chili chicken bentos was left over.