Mala Ocean Tavern is excited to announce the appointment of Executive Chef Kalei Ducheneau and BOH ADMIN Kate Ducheneau
With predecessor, local Chef Alvin Savella leaving Mala Ocean Tavern to start new sister restaurant Duckine, the MALA owners were able to turn to Sous Chef Kalei Ducheneau and Back of House Administrator Kate Ducheneau to maintain the quality and innovation that MALA has been known for.
As the world continues to surprise us, MALA was able to find this husband and wife team to take one of Maui’s staple restaurants and kitchen to the next level. Now Executive Chef Kalei Ducheneau is accompanied by his wife and teammate Kate Ducheneau, creating a top notch team to maintain the qualities and standards of the classic oceanfront eatery in Lahaina.
Executive Chef Kalei Ducheneau is Maui grown! Born in Wailuku, he attended Lahainaluna High School. At the early age of 16, Kalei was driven to work in the kitchen, pursuing culinary Chef as his career.
Ducheneau's training sparked at home. He grew up with his Grandfather Solomon Pali, a cook at the Lahaina Broiler, and his mother, Lala Ducheneau cooking traditional Hawaiian dishes in their home. He started young, appreciating the local style and flavors in island cooking. Chef Kalei’s father, Michael Ducheneau, is trained in classical French cooking, and notes cooking with his father sparked a deeper appreciation for the finesse needed for beautiful execution of each dish.
With this combination of influences, Chef Kalei's passion for food and cooking spawned. Chef Kalei’s experience on the line comes from a host of popular Maui restaurants like Lahaina Fish Co, Pineapple Grill, Merriman's Kapalua, The Westin Maui, and most recently as Sous Chef to Chef Alvin Savella at Mala Ocean Tavern. Ducheaneau, a husband, and father of two small children (Roux, 4, and Suede, 5), is finding his stride to cultivate his own style. He is driven by love of the industry and simply… good food. Chef Kalei is inspired by the different cultures and cuisine on Maui, along with the influence of family to create a fusion of flavors that will surprise and delight the palate.
Originally from Cocoa Beach, Florida, Kate Ducheneau moved to Maui with her brothers in 2015, met Kalei shortly there-after, they were married and started their family. Kate’s passion for the food mirrors her husbands. She came to the MALA Ohana last year helping with kitchen admin. When her partner moved into the role of Executive Chef, wife Kate was able to grow her role as well, becoming MALA Back of House Administrator, and assisting with the back of house operations.
With a partner and teammate focused on kitchen admin, Chef Kalei has been able to soar with creativity and maintain a balanced, efficient kitchen. Kate is a strong inspiration for Chef Kalei, being the first to try some of his creations or motivating him to continue to learn and grow. MALA has a dream team in the duo. Many ask Chef Kalei if his wife cooks as well, and he says, “She can cook, we both cook, but she’s the better baker”.
Along with being driven to build their careers in the Maui Culinary scene, Chef Kalei and Kate want to use their influence to help raise awareness to a cause close to their hearts. After the discovery of their son Suede’s hearing loss, followed by the same diagnosis for their daughter Roux, Kate has immersed herself in the Deaf/Hard of Hearing community in Hawaii, and both are advocates for hearing loss education. If you would like to learn more go to the Hawaii CSC - Comprehensive Service Center for People who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind.
Executive Chef Kalei Ducheneau’s drive and passion has been shining as he has been running the MALA Kitchen for recent months in the transition. When asked if he is ready for the role, he says, “I have learned so much at MALA, not only about the food and style of the cuisine, but how I want to be as a Chef.” He continued to speak about what is influencing him and inspiring him most right now. “Stepping into this role, I am focused on sourcing locally as much as possible, building relationships with the local fisherman and farmers, and maintaining the excellence that MALA has already achieved.”
MALA General Manager Lisa Kerrick was asked about her fresh new team, “You can already see this in the dishes Chef Kalei is creating. He adds his perfected touches on classic MALA dishes, and is delivering thoughtful and creative features. We’re excited to see how Chef Kalei will enhance the MALA dining experience through bringing what he has to offer to the forefront.”
Join us in congratulating Executive Chef Kalei Ducheneau and Back of House Administrator Kate Ducheneau in their new roles at Mala Ocean Tavern.
Mala Photos by Jennica Lowell
Family Photo by Grace Oliver Photography