Our Concept

Hawaii's rich cultural diversity is reflected in our local cuisines which blend flavors and techniques from around the world. Since the early plantation days of Hawaii, food has played a unifying role in bringing together people from diverse cultures, and this continues to be a defining feature of our homegrown flavors. Today, these traditional dishes continue to bring comfort and a sense of familiarity to locals and visitors alike. We are thrilled to share the unique and delicious cuisine of Hawaii with the world.

Wade Ueoka, Executive Chef, Co-Owner

A graduate from Mid-Pacific School, Chef Wade was born and raised in Hawaii, and attended Kapiolani Community College’s Culinary Program. His first job was as a fry cook at Zippy’s Restaurants. His humble beginnings led him to becoming a prep cook at Alan Wong’s Restaurant, and seven years later, Chef Wade rose to become Chef de Cuisine.

Chef Wade completed notable stages at The French Laundry in Napa Valley, California, and Las Vegas’ Alex. In 2013, with the support of family and investors, Chef Wade opened MW Restaurant alongside his wife Chef Michelle. In 2020, Hawaiian Airlines announced Chef Wade as their Executive Chef, overseeing all their in-flight meals and catering. Wade has been recognized Nationally as a Rising Star Chef and has received numerous local awards for being one of the leading chefs in Hawaii.

Michelle Karr-Ueoka, Executive Pastry Chef, Co-Owner

Born and raised in Honolulu, Chef Michelle graduated from Punahou School. While attending the University of Hawaii, Michelle’s passion for cooking was ignited after an externship at Alan Wong's Restaurant. Pursuing her dream, Chef Michelle enrolled at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. During her training, Chef Michelle completed an internship at Daniel, and an externship at The French Laundry in Napa Valley, California. Upon graduating with a culinary degree from the Culinary Institute of America, she rejoined Alan Wong's where she spent 6 years on the savory side. Chef Michelle briefly returned to New York to stage at Thomas Keller's Per Se. It was here that she realized she wanted to be a pastry chef. In 2013, with the support of family and investors, Chef Michelle opened MW Restaurant alongside her husband Chef Wade. In her 10 plus years as a pastry chef, Chef Michelle has been recognized Nationally as a Semi-Finalist of the prestigious James Beard Award and received the Rising Star Chef Award as a Pastry Chef. Locally, she has received numerous awards for being one of the premier Pastry Chefs in Hawaii.