Dining & Entertainment
Kai Market
Executive Chef Darren Demaya, Kai Market, Sheraton Waikiki, Oahu
Darren Demaya is the executive chef of Sheraton Waikiki’s latest fresh-from-the-farm concept – Kai Market. Born and raised in Waimea on the Big Island, Chef Demaya brings his sweet “local-boy” attitude, unique skills and knowledge of local-style fare to the table at Kai Market. Kai Market is Hawaii’s first farm-to-table buffet and Demaya is enthusiastic to have the opportunity to utilize the best local products. “I have always wanted to use genuine, local ingredients,” says Demaya. “Over 50 percent of our ingredients are local now, compared to 10 percent until just recently. Our goal is to reach 80 percent. I want people to talk about how they enjoyed Kai Market’s local-style food prepared by local chefs with products from local farmers. Kai Market will allow people to have a true sense of Hawaii through the foods that locals enjoy.” Chef Demaya’s favorite dishes on the menu are the Misoyaki Marinated Hapuupuu and “Kahlua” Drunken Duck. Recently, he was invited to cook at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City where he demonstrated his talents of local-style comfort food cooking paired with culinary sophistication.
