Top Chef season 23 winner Rhoda Magbitang is making waves in the culinary world with her exclusive residencies at Auberge Collection properties. The first female Executive Chef at Mauna Lani’s CanoeHouse, Magbitang is set to delight food enthusiasts with a series of intimate dinners and collaborative menus.
Magbitang’s journey from the Philippines to the top of the culinary world is nothing short of inspiring. After training under renowned chefs like José Andrés, Suzanne Goin, and Josiah Citrin, she has honed her craft to create a unique blend of Japanese-influenced cuisine that celebrates Hawaiʻi’s local produce and cultural heritage.
Exclusive Culinary Residencies
From June 2026 to early 2027, Magbitang will be hosting a variety of culinary events at select Auberge Collection properties. These residencies will feature collaborations with fellow Top Chef contestants Sieger Bayer, Oscar Diaz, and Brittany Cochran, as well as other notable chefs.
Mauna Lani, Hawaiʻi
The culinary journey begins at Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection, where Magbitang will debut a collaborative menu with her Top Chef peers at the beloved Surf Shack. This limited-time sunset dinner series will run through September 7, 2026, offering a multi-course masterpiece that showcases each chef’s distinct perspective and the finest local ingredients.
While at Mauna Lani, be sure to visit CanoeHouse, the oceanfront restaurant where Magbitang serves as Executive Chef. The restaurant has gained acclaim for its exceptional dishes, with standouts like the Garlic Fried Rice, Shokupan Pull-apart Bread, Local Mushrooms, and A5 Wagyu Ribeye. The newly renovated ocean-front suites provide the perfect accommodation for an unforgettable stay.
Hotel Jerome, Aspen, Colorado
On June 20, 2026, Magbitang will invite guests to an exclusive dinner at Hotel Jerome, Auberge Collection, in Aspen, Colorado. This event, titled ‘The Winner’s Table: One Night with Bravo’s Top Chef Season 23 Winner,’ will highlight her winning dishes from the competition.
The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Los Olivos, California
Magbitang will return to The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Collection, on October 1, 2026, for a celebratory evening with local farmers and producers. This event will honor the spirit of connection and sense of place that makes the property so beloved.
Stanly Ranch, Napa Valley, California
On October 4, 2026, Magbitang will bring Hawaiian flavors to Napa Valley as part of Stanly Ranch, Auberge Collection’s Grange Harvest Dinner Series. She will join Executive Chefs Gustavo Rios of Solage, Auberge Collection, and Anthony Stagnaro of Stanly Ranch, Auberge Collection for a collaborative dinner inspired by hyperlocal ingredients.
Mauna Lani, Hawaiʻi – Kamayan Dinner
Saving the best for last, Magbitang will host ‘An Evening of Kamayan’ on January 7, 2027, at Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection. This intimate dinner will celebrate the communal traditions of her Filipino heritage, featuring bold flavors, open-fire cooking, and dishes designed to be shared.
Culinary Achievements and Recognition
Magbitang’s victory on Top Chef season 23 has cemented her place as one of the country’s most extraordinary culinary talents. Her win came with a $250,000 grand prize provided by Graza Olive Oil, a feature in Food & Wine magazine, an appearance at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Colorado, headline her own exclusive dinner at the historic James Beard House in New York, and present at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards in Chicago.
Born and raised in the Philippines, Magbitang’s culinary foundation was shaped early, cooking daily for her five siblings. Her journey has taken her from the kitchens of Los Angeles to the shores of Hawaiʻi, where she now draws inspiration from the island’s local produce, cultural heritage, and deep-rooted commitment to sustainability.
Under Magbitang’s stewardship, CanoeHouse at Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection, continues to build on its legacy as the birthplace of Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine. The restaurant reflects the resort’s deep connection to place, celebrating Hawaiʻi’s rich cultural heritage and spirit of hospitality.
For those staying in Los Angeles, Magbitang has shared her top City of Angels eats, including Roasted Duck by Pa Ord, Luv2eat Thai Bistro, Dunsmoor, Kato Restaurant, Bestia and Bavel, Saffy’s, RVR, and her favorite Koreatown gem Dan Sung Sa.
