From: Cooper Redd
Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 8:29 AM
To: Michael@fb101.com
Subject: *RHODA MAGBITANG, EXECUTIVE CHEF AT MAUNA LANI, AUBERGE COLLECTION, CROWNED WINNER OF TOP CHEF SEASON 23
Hi Michael,
I’m delighted to announce that Rhoda Magbitang, Executive Chef of CanoeHouse
Born and raised in the Philippines, Chef Rhoda has built an impressive career leading kitchens at some of the hospitality industry’s most celebrated destinations. At CanoeHouse, she draws inspiration from Hawaiʻi’s local ingredients, cultural heritage, and commitment to sustainability to create a distinctive Japanese-influenced cuisine.
Currently, Chef Rhoda is leading a special summer residency at Mauna Lani's Surf Shack
Please find the full press release and imagery below. Should you have any questions or be interested in speaking with Chef Rhoda, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Best,
Cooper
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Rhoda Magbitang, Executive Chef At Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection’s CanoeHouse, Crowned Winner of Top Chef Season 23
Top Chef Winner to bring celebrated cuisine to Auberge Collection destinations
ISLAND OF HAWAIʻI (June 9, 2026) – Rhoda Magbitang, Executive Chef of Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection
Bravo’s Emmy, James Beard, and Critics Choice Award-winning series Top Chef premiered its 23rd season in March 2026. The season featured 15 chefs competing for the coveted title, with Magbitang ultimately taking the win and earning the $250,000 grand prize provided by Graza Olive Oil, a feature in Food & Wine magazine, an appearance at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Colo., headline her own exclusive dinner at the historic James Beard House in New York, and have the opportunity to present at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards in Chicago.
Born and raised in the Philippines, Magbitang’s culinary foundation was shaped early, cooking daily for her five siblings as part of family life. She went on to train under internationally acclaimed chefs including José Andrés, Suzanne Goin, and Josiah Citrin, and quickly rose through the ranks to become Executive Chef at three of Los Angeles’ most iconic hospitality destinations: The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Collection; Chateau Marmont; and Petit Ermitage. Now at the helm of CanoeHouse at Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection, Magbitang draws inspiration from Hawaiʻi’s local produce, cultural heritage, and deep-rooted commitment to sustainability, crafting a distinctive Japanese-influenced cuisine that reflects a strong sense of place.
Since opening in 1989, CanoeHouse has become a beloved gathering place for generations of friends, families, and neighbors. Under Magbitang’s stewardship, the restaurant continues to build on its legacy as the birthplace of Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine while remaining a driving force behind the islands’ contemporary dining scene. Located within the oceanfront grounds of Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection, CanoeHouse reflects the resort’s deep connection to place, celebrating Hawaiʻi’s rich cultural heritage and spirit of hospitality.
“Top Chef has brought so much out of me and proved that anything worth doing is worth doing well,” said Rhoda Magbitang, Executive Chef at CanoeHouse at Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection. “I’m proud to represent Filipino chefs, women in the industry, and anyone who’s taken the long road to find their purpose. I’m taking this title home to Hawai’i with so much gratitude.”
This summer, Magbitang will debut a collaborative menu with fellow Top Chef contestants Sieger Bayer
Throughout 2026, Magbitang will host a series of intimate dinners at select Auberge Collection properties, including Hotel Jerome, Auberge Collection
Hotel Jerome, Auberge Collection, Aspen, Colorado (June 20, 2026)
The Winner's Table: One Night with Bravo's Top Chef Season 23 Winner
This June, Chef Rhoda invites guests to an exclusive dinner highlighting her winning dishes as a real-world extension of Top Chef Season 23.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection, Hawaiʻi (September 11-12, 2026)
From Carolina to Kohala: Chef Rhoda Magbitang & Chef Duyen Ha
Inspired by Southern and Hawaiian flavors, Chef Duyen Ha
The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Collection, Los Olivos, California (October 1, 2026)
In collaboration with Executive Chef Kevin Malone, Chef Rhoda will return to The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Collection for a celebratory evening with local farmers and producers, honoring the spirit of connection and sense of place that makes the property so beloved.
Stanly Ranch, Auberge Collection, Napa Valley, California (October 4, 2026)
Grange Harvest Dinner Series
Chef Rhoda will bring Hawaiian flavors to Napa Valley as part of Stanly Ranch, Auberge Collection's Grange Harvest Dinner Series, joining Executive Chefs Gustavo Rios of Solage, Auberge Collection and Anthony Stagnaro of Stanly Ranch, Auberge Collection for a collaborative dinner inspired by hyperlocal ingredients and the surrounding landscape.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection Hawaiʻi (January 7, 2027)
An Evening of Kamayan with Chef Rhoda Magbitang
Rooted in the communal traditions of Chef Rhoda's Filipino heritage, this intimate Kamayan dinner celebrates connection through food. Guests are invited to a family-style experience showcasing Hawaiʻi's seasonal ingredients through bold flavors, open-fire cooking, and dishes designed to be shared.
“Chef Rhoda has captured the attention of audiences nationwide, and for those of us at Mauna Lani, it has been incredibly special to see others recognize what we have known for a long time,” adds Pete Alles, General Manager of Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection. “Rhoda brings so much heart, creativity, and care to everything she does. The way she leads CanoeHouse, connects with our guests and team, and represents Hawaiʻi’s culinary community is something we are all very proud of. This recognition is so well deserved, and we are honored to celebrate this milestone with her. ”
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Resort Imagery: HERE
Link to Bravo’s Press Release: HERE
For media inquiries, please contact Bacchus Agency at: maunalani@bacchus.agency
For Top Chef Season 23 inquiries, please contact Jennifer Chang at: Jennifer.Chang@nbcuni.com
www.auberge.com/mauna-lani
About CanoeHouse
Helmed by Executive Chef Rhoda Magbitang, CanoeHouse features thoughtful, seasonal dishes that celebrate Hawaii’s landscape as well as its farmers and purveyors. With a focus on locally-sourced, farm-to-table ingredients, CanoeHouse showcases innovative twists on Hawai’i classics and Japanese-inspired creations.
About Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection
Located on the sun-drenched Kohala Coast, on sacred land marked by royal fishponds, natural lava plains, lush tropical gardens, and alluring beaches, Mauna Lani – meaning “mountain reaching heaven” – is an inspiring spiritual haven, defining a new era of experiential luxury on the Island of Hawaii. A resort for the generations, with contemporary guest rooms, suites and private residences, CanoeHouse oceanfront dining, three distinct pools, a signature spa, and Kainalu Ocean Sports program at the Mauna Lani Beach Club, set the tone for transformational experiences and enriching cultural immersion.
For more information: auberge.com/mauna-lani
Follow Mauna Lani on Facebook
About Auberge Collection
Auberge Collection is a portfolio of extraordinary hotels, resorts, safaris, residences, and private clubs. While each property is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the soul of the locale to life through captivating design, exceptional cuisine, innovative wellbeing, and gracious yet unobtrusive service. With 39 one-of-a-kind hotels, resorts, safaris, and residences, Auberge invites guests to create unforgettable stories in some of the world’s most desirable destinations.
For more information:
Connect with Auberge Collection on Instagram
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Cooper Redd
Account Executive
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Why It Matters
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