Robert Comstock is the new general manager of Cane & Canoe restaurant at Montage Kapalua Bay, and Vanessa Lampson has been appointed to the position of sommelier.

KAPALUA – Montage Kapalua Bay last week announced the appointment of Robert Comstock as general manager for its signature restaurant, Cane & Canoe.

The resort also announced the appointment of Vanessa Lampson as sommelier for Cane & Canoe.

A 19-year veteran of the food and beverage industry, Comstock has a long history of success with some of Hawaii’s most successful restaurants. Most recently, he served as general manager of Pacific’O in Lahaina. Prior to Pacific’O, he worked as general manager at E&O Trading Company in Lahaina and several well-known establishments in Waikiki, including Duke’s Canoe Club, Ocean House and Lewers Street Fish Co.

Comstock will oversee the day-to-day operations and be responsible for staffing, service standards, quality control and marketing and promotional programming. He will also manage the hotel’s in-room dining operations.

He has been the recipient of numerous Hale Aina awards (statewide) and Aipono awards (Maui) for many of his restaurants and hopes to bring the same recognition and passion to Cane & Canoe.

Resort Manager David Hoffman said, “We are thrilled to welcome a proven restaurateur of Robert’s caliber to our stellar team at Cane & Canoe. His experience and commitment to quality will have an immediate impact on the restaurant.”

Comstock resides in Lahaina with his family, including two young daughters. He is an avid fisherman.

Lampson hails from Portland, Oregon and is a graduate of Vassar College in upstate New York. She also studied at the University of Granada in Spain.

Although she received no formal training as a sommelier, she has a career spanning restaurants, wineries and food and wine public relations. Most recently, she served as a sommelier at Merriman’s Kapalua.

Lampson will be responsible for creating the wine lists and beverage programs of both Cane & Canoe restaurant and other venues throughout the property, as well as creating fun and interactive wine and spirits experiences for guests.

Since a young age, Lampson has been fascinated with flavors. Her studies in sustainable agriculture and development gave her a strong framework from which to build her regional wine knowledge.

In addition, she has a keen interest in the cultural elements of wine, stating, “we often get caught up in the ‘flavors’ of wine and negate the geography and heritage behind every bottle. Wine provides a lens through which we can interpret the entire spectrum of the human history and emotion.”

Lampson recently rolled out the “Uncorked” Wine Series, where guests are led on a vinicultural journey to experience unique and differential varietals as well as wines from regions around the globe.

Director of Food & Beverage James Proctor said, “We are excited to have Vanessa join our team at Cane & Canoe. She brings a lot of passion and knowledge that our associates and guests will truly enjoy and benefit from.”

For more information, or to make reservations, visit montagehotels.com/ kapaluabay or call (808) 662-6681.