Names & Faces

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua ushered in International Women’s Day on March 8 with a dining experience celebrating “female leadership and empowerment” and the addition of five accomplished female chefs to the resort’s culinary operation. The special event, designed for locals and travelers alike, was served by team members Erin Howard (from left), Tanya Doyle, Meredith Manee, Bella Toland and April Matsumoto. Together, they helm the resort’s award-winning food and beverage efforts and evolving dining venues — including the reimagined Banyan Tree restaurant, set to debut in the coming months — at the Ritz-Carlton. The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua photo
• The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua announced last week the appointment of Isabella “Bella” Toland to her new role leading the culinary operations for the resort’s reimagined restaurant, The Banyan Tree, slated to debut later this spring.
Toland joins The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua from the Travaasa Hana, where she served as executive chef since November 2016. Prior to that, Toland worked for Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group in Las Vegas and Los Angeles before being promoted to sous chef of the group’s Spago venue at Four Seasons Resort Maui. During her time at Spago and Travaasa, Toland was able to immerse herself in traditional Hawaiian dishes and learn the local culture.
Born in Bordeaux, France, and having lived her teenage years in Manila, Philippines, Toland often draws inspiration for her dishes from the flavors and ingredients found in these traditional cuisines.
“We are thrilled to have Toland join our extraordinary team,” said Kevin Peterson, hotel manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.
• Gilbert & Associates announced the addition of Mehana Lee as its newest account executive last week.

Mehana Lee
“We are excited to see our team grow with awesome talent like Mehana,” said Larry Gilbert, president and owner of Gilbert & Associates. He added, “Her passion for writing, love for creativity, and go-getter attitude make her a great addition to our core team of 10 professionals.”
A Maui native, Lee holds a Bachelor of Arts in strategic and corporate communications studies from Chapman University and is an alumna of Kamehameha Schools Maui.
Lee will take the lead on managing clients and assisting with their advertising, marketing and social media needs.
n Four Seasons Resort Lanai announces the appointment of Dan Mizrahi to the position of food & beverage director. The new culinary member will oversee all food and beverage operations across the resort.
Mizrahi previously assisted as director of food and beverage at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, where he oversaw the opening of Florie’s, a partnership with the three-Michelin star Chef Mauro Colagreco. Additional experience at Four Seasons’ properties includes roles in Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Atlanta, Hawaii island and Washington, D.C.
“Dan is a wonderful addition to the Lanai ohana,” said Alastair McAlpine, general manager of Four Seasons Resort Lanai. “His Four Seasons tenure speaks to his extensive experience delivering high-level, luxury service to discerning travelers in restaurants and private dining as well as social occasions such as group events and festive weddings.”
* Names & Faces is published on the first Monday of the month and welcomes news releases and announcements regarding new hires and employee promotions and awards at businesses in Maui County. Photos of the employee will be accepted as well. To submit material or for more information, contact citydesk@mauinews.com or (808) 242-6343.