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In its wake Top Chef After victory, Chef Rhoda Magpitang returns home to the Big Island of Hawaii – but this time, with a few special guests in tow.
Magbitang, the first executive chef of Mauna Lani’s iconic Canoehouse, returns to the oceanfront Big Island resort for her latest endeavor: a culinary residency alongside fellow Season 23 chefs Sieger Bayer, Oscar Diaz, and Brittany Cochran. The first-of-its-kind collaboration kicks off a series of intimate dinners, hosted by Chef Rhoda herself, at selected Auberge hotels between June 2026 and early 2027.
last week, Hollywood Reporter Get a front-row seat to see the four chefs’ multi-course masterpiece at Auberge’s Big Island before it continues throughout the summer season. The intentionally curated menu highlights each chef’s distinct perspective combined with the finest local ingredients.
As for its location, the limited-time sunset dinner takes over the Surf Shack, the resort’s beloved beachfront restaurant inspired by old Hawaiian surf dens. The refreshing evening backdrop, relaxed atmosphere and inviting Aloha spirit bring together the sophisticated flavors created by four Chefs in summit From their game.
While you’re at the hotel, maybe spend the night in the newly renovated Mauna Lani suites overlooking the ocean, do yourself a favor and dine at the Canoehouse. I can say with confidence – and I rarely use the first person singular – it was the best meal of my life. And if we want to get really personal, order the garlic fried rice, chocopan bread, local mushrooms, and A5 wagyu rib. They are nothing short of exceptional. Word on the street is that the radish salad is divine, too.
Along with the Surf Shack’s debut Top ChefA reimagined summer menu, Auberge’s Big Island is celebrating with another recent launch — that of Francis Brown Club — a private, members-only space that officially opened its doors in May. With exclusive oceanfront spaces, chef-driven meals and snacks, a self-service bar, all-day gourmet offerings and the most incredible dedicated concierge team, the Club makes an ultra-luxury stay even more luxurious.
As for the rest of Chef Ruda’s activities at Auberge, the following is expected between June 2026 and January 2027:
Jerome Hotel, Auberge Collection, Aspen, Colorado (June 20, 2026)
Winner’s Table: One night with the winner of Season 23 of Bravo’s Top Chef.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection, Hawaii (September 11-12, 2026)
From the Carolinas to Kohala: Chef Rhoda Magpitang and Chef Doyen Ha.
The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Collection, Los Olivos, California (October 1, 2026)
Teaming up with Executive Chef Kevin Malone, Chef Rhoda will return to The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Collection for a festive evening with local farmers and producers.
Stanley Ranch, Auberge Collection, Napa Valley, California (October 4, 2026)
Grange Harvest Dinner Series.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection Hawaii (January 7, 2027)
Kamayan Evening with Chef Rhoda Magpitang.
Learn more about each of the above experiences at Auberge.com/TopChef. Mauna Lani’s collaborative menu will be available at Surf Shack nightly from 5:30-8:30 p.m., through Monday, September 7. Get the best rates for accommodation at Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection here.
Finally, if you’re staying in Los Angeles, THR She got the scoop on Chef Rhoda’s best City of Angels restaurants: Roasted Duck by Pa Ord, Luv2eat Thai Bistro (we can attest), Dunsmoor (we can attest too), Kato Restaurant, Bestia and Bavel (obviously), Saffy’s, RVR, and of course her favorite Koreatown gem Dan Sung Sa — but don’t tell anyone; We can’t blow up her (our new) place.
Related to: The hotel group behind Surfrider Malibu is making its first foray outside of California, into the Southwest
