Lesmerises

SOUTH MAUI – Makena Beach & Golf Resort recently promoted Chef De Cuisine Kurt Lesmerises to executive chef. He will oversee the resort’s entire culinary and banquet programs.

“We are happy to announce the well-deserved promotion of Chef Kurt Lesmerises to the position of executive chef,” said Makena Beach & Golf Resort General Manager Declan McCarthy.

“Over the past year, he has done a tremendous job of leading the culinary team and elevating the food and beverage experience at the resort. We look forward to all the new and innovative culinary programs he will bring in the coming months.”

Lesmerises joined Makena Beach & Golf Resort’s culinary team in July 2013. He specializes in classical French, continental and Hawaii Regional Cuisine.

In May 2014, Lesmerises was promoted to the position of chef de cuisine. The position included additional leadership responsibilities, such as managing the resort’s culinary department and running all four of the resort’s eateries and restaurants.

As executive chef, he will continue to head the resort’s culinary operations, in addition to overseeing the resort’s catering functions, banquets and stewarding departments.

“I am very honored and excited to take on the position of executive chef at the Makena Beach & Golf Resort,” said Lesmerises. “I look forward to working with the rest of the food and beverage team in continuing the success and growth of Makena Beach & Golf Resort’s culinary program.”

Born in New Hampshire and raised in Colorado, Lesmerises developed a passion for food and French cooking during frequent family trips to France. He followed his passion, beginning his culinary training in South Carolina at Bob Jones University and majoring in the culinary arts.

Lesmerises finished his formal training at Colorado Mountain Culinary Institute, graduating as a Certified Culinarian in 2004, and received on-the-job training at several Vail Resort restaurants in Colorado.

Here on Maui, he worked as a sous chef at David Paul’s Island Grill and Merriman’s Kapalua.