PO’IPU – Rafael Camarillo, who has lived most of his life on Kaua’i and had a passion for cooking nearly that long, was recently promoted to executive sous chef at the Hyatt Regency Kaua’i Resort & Spa. He has been
PO’IPU – Rafael Camarillo, who has lived most of his life on Kaua’i and had a
passion for cooking nearly that long, was recently promoted to executive sous
chef at the Hyatt Regency Kaua’i Resort & Spa.
He has been with the
Hyatt’s culinary department since the property opened in 1991, and shortly
after the hotel opened was promoted to manager of Tidepools, Hyatt’s seafood
and steak restaurant.
In 1996, Executive Chef David Boucher recognized
Camarillo’s creativity and leadership and promoted him to restaurant sous chef,
to oversee the operation of Hyatt’s three dinner restaurants and room
service.
His culinary talents and incredible motivation skills led to his
most recent promotion, where he assists in the operation of a staff of over 60
employees, while serving an average of 2,000 meals per day.
“Whey you have
a passion for what you do, you can achieve any goal you set in life,” said
Camarillo.
Restaurant work has been in Camarillo’s blood since before he
graduated from Kaua’i Community College. After completing training in food
service and hotel operations, specializing in culinary arts, he went to work at
Donatoni’s, the Hyatt Waikoloa’s Italian Bistro on the Big Island.
He also
worked at Plantation Gardens in Po’ipu, and other area restaurants, before
joining the Hyatt.
Hyatt Regency Kaua’i Resort & Spa, overlooking
Keoneloa Bay (Shipwreck Beach), has six restaurants and six lounges. It also
has 602 guest rooms, each with its own lana’i.
The swimming area includes
waterfalls, a 150-foot water slide, five-acre, protected saltwater lagoon,
tennis courts, ANARA spa, and golf at the adjacent Po’ipu Bay Resort Golf
Course.
The resort incorporates traditional Hawaiian values and practices,
and is home to many Hawaiian cultural events and exhibits.
For more
information, call toll-free 1-800-55-HYATT (554-9288), or visit the property’s
Web site, www.kauai-hyatt.com.
