of The Ma'alaea Waterfront Restaurant
 When I interview chefs, which is quite often, they always stress they prefer “locally grown” produce for their kitchens. Chef Cambra puts real meaning to locally grown. Born and raised on Maui, Bob Cambra was much like others growing up in the islands; surfing, diving, and fishing in Maui’s pristine ocean waters. Upon graduation from St. Anthony’s High School, in Wailuku, Bob was undecided about his future path. One of his friends was entering the Maui Community College Culinary Arts program to study and become an executive chef. Since Bob didn’t have a better plan he entered the program himself.
“We pioneered this program,” Bob told me with great pride. “We helped define the curriculum, which has come a long, long way from those early days.” While still in school, Bob took a summer job as kitchen maintenance in a Kaanapali resort just to get inside a professional kitchen to see how it worked. Because of his enthusiasm, energy, and reliability, he soon advanced to the pantry, then on to the broiler, next was sauté, and before five years had gone by Bob became Chef Cambra and was the Sous Chef.
 Chef Cambra was Chef de Cuisine at the Peacock at the Kaanapali Resort for three years before going to the Maui Prince Hotel at Makena. The Maui Prince was his introduction into the corporate world of food and beverage. By his own admission, Bob didn’t fit well into the corporate mold, so he moved on to The Maalaea Waterfront Restaurant, where he is today. The family run restaurant was obviously more to his liking as he is still there. He was there prior to the Smith Family acquiring the restaurant. Chef Cambra skews the “Rock Star” image that is pervasive in the Culinary Arts today, and you won’t find his entrées piled high, as he prefers simple food that tastes good and, oh yes, he likes and uses “locally grown” produce in his kitchen.
This is one laid-back local boy that can cook. Checkout Chef Cambra at The Maalaea Waterfront Restaurant, but don’t expect to see him in the dining room shaking hands as it isn’t his style. He does recommend any of the seafood, as it’s his favorite to prepare. Call 808-244-9028 for dinner reservations.
|
