Our Compliments to the Chef
Appropriately, most of our business comes from word of mouth.
We invite you to read our 5-star reviews on Facebook, Yelp! and Google.
Here’s just a taste of what recent guests are saying.
Chef Kristin is a wonderfully talented private chef. My family trips to Maui wouldn’t be the same without her.
She has expertly handled everything from catered events to casual family-style dining. She prepares inspired dishes from varied world cuisines, always using fresh – often local – ingredients cooked to perfection. Meals are luxurious yet unpretentious.
Beyond the cooking, she’s a wonderful person and a pleasure to be around. I could not recommend her more highly.
Lynda Carter
Actress, Singer, Songwriter, Model
Chef Kristin Michaels is the most incredible private chef in paradise!
During our family vacation in 2018, she catered a delicious arrival feast for my party of nine who had just arrived from the mainland. Chef Kristin put together a mouth-watering dinner complete with appetizers, main course and dessert that highlighted island delicacies and pleased my family’s picky palate.
Every time we return to Maui, we plan on calling Chef Kristin to be our personal chef!
Dr. Connie Mariano
White House Doctor (1992-2001)
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (retired)
An exquisite experience by a professional chef! Her every meal was delicious and healthy.
So creative and presented beautifully – I could not recommend her enough! The whole family with diverse palates will be satisfied.
Leslie Zemeckis (via Google)
Chef Kristin was our personal chef on our recent family trip to Maui and, wow, did she make it a memorable one!
Every meal was perfectly thought out and executed. I felt as if I was in a 5-star restaurant breakfast, lunch and dinner!
We travel most of the year and have had many private chefs, but there is nothing or no one that will ever compare to our experience with Chef Kristin. The meals she prepared for us were nothing short of perfection and catered to everybody’s personal needs and requests.
Aside from her amazing food, she engaged with all of our guests and made us all feel at home.
Every time we return to Hawaii there is no question who we will be calling!
Alexandria Drzyzga
Las Vegas, Nevada
Kristin is a treasure! We had the luxury of having Kristin as our chef for a week and we were blown away by absolutely everything.
She is so creative and her talent spans all cuisines – every meal was something different and incredible. She is passionate about her work and it shows.
Not only did we love the food, but we all love her! Kristin is kind, friendly and funny. She was never tired of our questions or requests and took the time to explain her techniques or give tips.
I hands-down would recommend making Kristin part of your island experience. She played a major role in making it a vacation of a lifetime.
Thank you, Kristin!
Jennie Jorgensen
Walnut Creek, California
I have had the pleasure of having Chef Kristin cook for a large family vacation as well as a small intimate birthday dinners.
She always presents fabulous choices of appetizers, main courses and desserts to choose from and her attention to detail is impeccable.
Can’t wait to visit the island again and enjoy more of her deliciousness. Not to mention, I just adore her friendly and kind demeanor that she shows everyone.
Cheryl Boblitt
Houston, Texas
Pete and I want to thank you so very much for your “every time” creative and professional delivery of very special dining experiences.
Whether for 6 or for 20, you and your team provide something extraordinary. While you have that lovely island gracious easiness, you always ask the pertinent questions regarding likes and dislikes, allergies, preferences or just plain “quirkiness” of some guests.
Beyond all that, the kitchen is always left in the same state as when you arrived (or in my case, even better than when you arrived!).
Judy and Pete Siracusa
Paia, Hawaii
I have worked with Chef Kristin for a while now. I play music as she creates for her guests.
She is an amazing chef and always pays close attention to the details of what her clients want. She is flexible and creative in her work. Her presentation is above and beyond and the food is always amazing.
The clients are always impressed as I am, with her versatility and award-winning techniques. I highly recommend her talent to any client looking for perfection.
Karrie O’Neill
Professional Musician
Maui, Hawaii
I’m grateful for the opportunity to highly recommend Chef Kristin for any setting.
Start off with the most important – she’s awesome, super engaging and her food rocks! It was clearly evident when I first met her that she was special. I hired her as a chef providing food for residents of a drug and alcohol rehab. When engaging with Kristin, she is enthusiastic, clearly has a love for what she does and listens with caring and intensity. Today I consider her a good friend.
Kristin was diligent about finding out what our clients’ needs were and meeting them in a thoughtful, insightful and extremely detailed manner. Not only was she our chef but she also developed true relationships with our staff and clients. I truly appreciated Kristin’s understanding of and details regarding cost breakdowns. She provided overall food cost breakdown charts and per meal costs.
Most importantly her food was amazing! I’m a snob for excellence and well-seasoned food. Kristin never let me down. I’m happy to provide more information or answer questions if needed. Do yourself a favor and hire her immediately
Jay Serle, Ph.D.
Maui Therapy
Maui, Hawaii
I highly recommend Chef Kristin. The first time I hired Kristin was in 2012 for an amazing dinner when my family from the mainland came to visit. It was so much better than going to a restaurant. The food and service were impeccable and my kitchen was cleaner when she left than it was before she arrived!
I have worked with Kristin for many other events through the years and she was always professional, on time and accommodating for guest dietary restrictions.
The last event was for my birthday with 30 guests. The food and cake were delicious. Her and her staff do everything and I could truly spend the entire night with our guests. I can’t wait to have Kristin cater my next event!
Patty Herren
Wailuku, Hawaii
In January, 2019, our family was lucky enough to obtain the services of Chef Kristin. We stayed in a large oceanfront villa in Maui with breathtaking views! Though our accommodations were top notch, it was Chef Kristin that truly made our vacation one we will never forget!
The minute we walked through the door we were greeted with a smiling face and a culinary masterpiece! Every meal from there out was nothing less than exceptional!
We thought it may be a bit of a challenge as there were 15 of us, all with different likes, dislikes and schedules. She immediately learned each of our needs, developing well rounded meals with plenty of delicious options for everyone.Her knack for thinking outside-the-box was evident in her creative and inventive menus. In our 12-day stay, three meals a day, she NEVER disappointed.
As well as being a phenomenal chef, Kristin is an exceptional person. Her warmth, positive energy and fun-loving personality show in her every creation. She runs her kitchen with style and professionalism, always holding herself to the highest standards. It’s easy to see that cooking is not just a job to Kristin, it’s her passion in life!
Thanks Kristin! Can’t wait until next time!
Laurie Rockhold
Huntington Beach, California
Chef Kristin is amazing! We spoke over the phone from Seattle and she instantly knew what menu to create and how to make our meal memorable!
She and her team brought 5-star dinning to the comfort of our villa all the while fielding questions from our kids and guests. The entire team made our night truly remarkable, it was a masterpiece!
Jessica Clinick
Seattle, Washington
For ten glorious days on Maui, our family (party of 12) had the dining experience of a lifetime thanks to our amazing chef, Kristin Michaels!
For breakfast, lunch and dinner, words can’t describe the elegance and perfection of Chef Kristin’s each and every dish. Just when you think it can’t get any better … it does!
Kristin’s meal selections were so well thought out and always cooked to perfection! Yet, she somehow still managed to cater to each individual’s personal culinary needs. Truly a professional!
Chef Kristin’s genuine warm, caring nature and playful personality were definitely an added bonus in making our vacation in paradise absolutely perfect!
We all fell in love with you, Chef Kristin! You are the best!
Nancy Clark
Huntington Beach, California
Maui Recovery is an 11-bed treatment center in Maui, Hawaii, and a 10-bed sober living facility.
For our clients, we need a certain standard to serve the highest quality gourmet food possible, at a price we can afford, and of course, the most delicious tasting possible. We found all three with Kristin Michaels.
We’ve had several chef’s come through our center to work for us and Kristin was by far the best of the best. Clients raved about her dishes, and our staff enjoyed working with her as she was professional and operated with a high level of integrity.
We highly recommend Chef Kristin.
David Naylor
Founder of Maui Recovery
Chef Kristin was our personal chef for my sister’s 60th birthday party while we vacationed on Maui.
She was fabulous! Not only did she prepare a fabulous three-course meal, but she also made recommendations for where we could eat while in Maui, wines we could get that would pair with our meal and was in general, a joy to work with!
I wish that I lived on Maui so that I could hire her again and again! If I had the means, I would bring her to the East Coast!
Christine Campbell (via Facebook)
Washington D.C.
My friend hired Chef Kristin for a week to make food for our group of 12+ while we were staying on Maui on New Year. We had the best food we ever tasted.
Anyone knows how stressful it can be to take out kids to eat. By hiring Chef Kristin to come and prepare and serve everybody we’re able to just relax.
She first served the children gourmet chicken fingers and veggies. (Oh, and edamame dip was super delish.) Once they were fed the adults began their culinary experience.
We are grateful to have met Chef Kristin. She is so easy going and fun to be around. I would hire Chef Kristin again and again. She is absolutely professional.
Zuha Zuschochka (via Facebook)
Los Angeles, California
We booked Kristin to cook for our family (8 of us ranging from 13 to 72) our first night on Maui because we thought we’d be too tired from the travel to go out to dinner.
It was so good (and fun) that we had her come back later in our vacation for an encore meal. She really lets the flavors of the fresh seafoods, meats, and vegetables to which she has access come out.
While her food is fancy, it’s accessible and fun; not fussy. Even our pickiest eaters tried (and loved) everything Kristin put in front of them.
Chris Cardwell (via Facebook)
Nashville, Tennessee
Can’t say enough good things about Kristin and her team!
The food was fabulous and the feel was very comfortable and down to earth!! Professional yet personable 🙂 My adult children agreed that the meals and company provided were one of the best parts of our vacation to Hawaii!
Beth Kyle (via Google)
Lorton, Virginia
Chef Kristin’s skills, techniques and staff are outstanding!
Daily selection and preparations of locally sourced fresh fish, meats, vegetables and fruits provided our family with dining experiences which cannot be overstated.
The food and the service were amazing, simply the most spectacular meals we have ever had on Maui! We feel so fortunate to have Chef Kristin cook for us. She will always be a “must” for us on all future visits to Maui.
Rick and Linda Martellaro
San Francisco, California
Where to I even begin with Kristin? She is the best chef I have ever come across. Every single thing she made was incredible. I couldn’t wait for my next meal! Spoiled is an understatement.
I am one to get bored with meals quickly… after I get my Italian fix, I will be in the mood for Mexican food. Kristin never failed to satisfy these needs. She can really cook anything and it is all delicious.
Not only is she incredible Chef, she is one of the most delightful people I have ever come across. She gave me and the party I was with a cooking class and made everything so simple. I now know how to make homemade Gnocchi, Fish/poultry and a poached egg! (Which is definitely an art).
Upon our departure, my husband and I decided to extend our stay, Kristin not only gave us recommendations but brought us items/snacks/beverages that we would need for our extended stay. She even gave us a rundown on the part of the island we were headed to along with a guide book that was so helpful.
It is rare you come across such genuine people like Kristin. If you are looking for a chef, she is the one! Trust me.
Taylor Reese
Los Angeles, California
We only have compliments about Kristin’s service. She made several diners for us at home on Maui last August for 10 to 20 people. Her cooking is one of products and she knows how to find the best ones.
She is very creative and autonomous. Her level of professionalism is very high. She has a great sense of savors and her cooking — whether fish, meat or vegetables — is to perfection, never too much nor not enough. She knows how to associate flavors, products and sauces. She loves to discuss before with the clients and get feedback.
On a personal note, she’s not only pleasant to adults but also very nice to children. Kristin always has a smile on her face. You can feel she is passionate and in total control of her job. We can only recommend her warmly.
Christel and Jean-Marie Messier
Paris, France
We had Chef Kristin for my husband’s birthday, February 29, 2020. What an amazing dinner she prepared for the 8 of us visiting from Minnesota.
I have never hired a chef before, but I can not express how great the food was and how she made the night so special! It was so good, we had her back the second week for or farewell dinner back home!
Thank you Exotic Estates for recommending her! 5 stars Kristin!
Lori Lienemann Hartkop (via Facebook)
Minnesota
Chef Kristin created an amazing Shrimp Boil for my husbands birthday. We had an amazing evening with friends and amazing food
She was accommodating and easy to work with. Thank you for all your hard work!
Jemmie Godwin-Smith (via Facebook)
Kihei, Hawaii
Wow! Kristin was amazing. She tailored meals to the needs of our family of 12 (which is not easy because we have someone who can’t eat onions or gluten and a pescatarian then we also have some picky younger kids).
She worked hand in hand with us to bring interesting flavors and menu options that could easily be heated and eaten any time. The food got better and better as the week went on.
Kristin and Tori were amazing and super personable. Every night our family was thankful for the flavors, food and time the chefs put into allowing us to focus on family and not preparing foods.
Chris Wyland (via Facebook)
Portland, Oregon
Simply amazing. Chef Kristin cooked one of the best meals we had during our two weeks in Hawai’i (and this includes trying some top rated restaurants in both Maui and Kauai) and just creates a phenomenal experience.
She takes care of everything so you and your friends or family can just relax and enjoy. I would 100% recommend.
Stephanie Bunting (via Facebook)
Baltimore, Maryland
Chef Kristin was great to work with! She helped me arrange a special dinner for 12 for my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary. 10 months later and my family is still raving about the food.
Julia Skurski Puester (via Facebook)
USA
Our immediate family of 14 was visiting Maui to celebrate my parents wedding anniversary and we wanted to throw a last minute surprise vow renewal and catered meal. After speaking to multiple personal chefs on the island we knew instantly Chef Kristin was the one.
She listened to the experience we wanted to create for my parents and family and enthusiastically helped us plan the perfect meal. She turned out to be a phenomenal chef who paid great attention to detail in every course that was brought out. Everything looked and tasted amazing.
Kristin was personable, professional, kind, and truly a pleasure to work with from start to finish. She learned everyone’s name, and truly helped make the night a magical mouthwatering experience.
I can’t say enough great things about Chef Kristin. We look forward to our next visit to Maui where we no doubt would love for Chef Kristin to cook for us again.
Heather Bowler (via Facebook)
Chula Vista, California
I had the pleasure of enjoying an exquisite dinner prepared and presented by Chef Kristin and her wonderful staff. Chef explained her vision behind each of the courses and incorporated local, Hawaiian ingredients into all.
The courses were as lovely as they were delectable. From start to finish, the food we were served was 5-star quality! She and her staff were an absolute delight to spend the evening with and the meal was one of the best we had in Maui!
Lisa O. (via Yelp!)
San Diego, California
Chef Kristin and her crew were absolutely amazing! There was no cuisine they couldn’t do – every meal during our 11-day stay was completely different, yet all completely delicious.
Not only did they whip up the most tasty meals, but the entire team was super friendly, attentive and accommodating. We really enjoyed their company each and every day. Highly recommend Chef Kristin!
Sam S. (via Yelp!)
Dublin, California
I offered to bring dessert for Christmas dinner with friends but since cooking not my favorite thing to do, Chef Kristin took care of making fabulous panna cotta for me. Was delivered as planned in bamboo bowls with perfect coulis to be added before serving.
Made life easier! Great job, Kristin!
Barbara B. (via Yelp!)
Denver, Colorado
Chef Kristin is fantastic! She and her assistant made the most delicious meal for our family of 8 – we loved it so much we asked for several of her recipes so we could try our best to recreate the dishes at home. Even the simplest side dish of mixed veggies somehow tasted extra special.
Her personality is just as enjoyable as her cooking, and she made our evening one to remember. If I ever make it back to Maui I’ll be sure to book her again, Kristin!
Jessica B. (via Yelp!)
Washington, D.C.
Our family was in Maui for Labor Day vacation, and Chef Kristin cooked one of our last meals there. Everything about our experience was fantastic – she was consultative and flexible ahead of time, in asking us about food preference, so she could craft a personalized menu that fit our budget.
The ingredients were all local, fresh and delicious. Chef Kristin made fish, noodles, vegetables and cinnamon malasadas with a lemon/lavender sauce (pictures attached!) that were all uniquely flavored, so tasty and memorable. We can not wait to go back to Maui, and use Chef Kristin’s services again.
Jaclyn Arcuri (via Google)
Chef Kristin is an amazingly talented chef. She came weekly for a month to teach my teenage son various chef skills. He learned a ton and loved the experience.
Each week they would work together to plan what meal they would make. She always had very creative ideas and helped guide him to making the perfect meal. All of the food was absolutely outstanding!
We were so happy to get to know Kristin and have our son learn from her.
Chrystal Clayton (via Google)
Chef Kristin has prepared our family’s dinners on three different trips to Maui and we will definitely employ her again. She does it all – plans menus (with your input), shops, cooks, serves (even your special cocktails) and then leaves your kitchen spotless.
Food and presentation are exemplary and her personality sparkling. She was very mindful of the children’s preferences and prepared spectacular gourmet dinners that pleased us all. Our two young grandchildren loved her so much they called her “Kristi Robin”.
Carol Thomson (via Google)
Our whole family travelled to Maui last December and as a special treat, I wanted to have a private chef cook dinner for us in our villa one evening. On the recommendation of our concierge, I reached out to Chef Kristin and we were all so happy I did.
From start to finish she was professional, accommodating, warm and friendly. She worked with me to adapt a meal that would work for the 8 of us (all adults), including some picky eaters (me) and 2 lactose intolerant family members. She was flexible in creating the meal to suit our likes and my budget. Chef Kristin made the evening a favorite on our trip….we had a 5 star meal in the comfort of our villa and were able to totally relax and enjoy each other and the evening.
From preparation to cleanup, appetizers to dessert, Chef Kristin was a professional! I highly recommend Chef Kristin and if we return to Maui would absolutely use her again.
Joyce Bunting (via Google)
We quite literally had the best meal of our lives with Chef Kristin!
She created an incredible spread for our group of 8 people, with just a few bits of info about our likes and dislikes! She found only the best of what was in season, and then created special appetizers, entrees and desserts that were amazing, and her repertoire spanned Hawaiian, Thai, American, Italian – you name it. We liked her so much we had her come back every day she was available, and she’s now the first booking we make when we plan our trips to Maui.
She’s about the kindest and most thoughtful person, and always brings fun assistants who help to make the event absolutely perfect, and then cleans up everything so it’s even better than we she arrived. I can’t recommend her highly enough (and just hope she doesn’t get so famous that she won’t be available when we come to town!).
I’d give her six stars if I could!
Beth V. (via Yelp!)
Denver, Colorado