James Ortiaga Named Executive Sous Chef at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows on Big Island, HI

KOHALA COAST, HAWAII – November 5, 2009 - The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows located on the Kohala Coast announced the appointment of James Oritaga as Executive Sous Chef. Chef Ortiaga will be involved in all of Mauna Lani's dining options and will be at the helm of the legendary CanoeHouse taking it a new direction.

Ortiaga joins the Mauna Lani from the famed L'Atelier de Joel Rubuchon of New York City. His tenure in the culinary world in New York began in 1997 and included the Pierre, The Mix and Four Seasons.

Fine tuning his culinary skills Ortiaga worked under the guidance of acclaimed Chefs Alain Ducasse and Douglas Psaltis of New York's Mix. Working with these chefs added another facet to James refinement of his French techniques. His expertise is diverse and his new menu features American Cuisine with a mixture of classical French and French Fusion Cuisines.

"Chef Ortiaga's creative menu will introduce Hawaii to a unique dining experience incorporating extraordinarily fresh cuisine with a contemporary flair," said General Manager Brian Butterworth.

Ortiaga attended the New York Restaurant School and he has a Bachelors Degree in Culinary Arts.

Digital Photos Available Upon Request.

About The CanoeHouse
The oceanfront CanoeHouse restaurant is Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalow's signature oceanfront dining venue. It has been voted a Hale Aina Award winner by Honolulu Magazine and the restaurant's service and cuisine have been praised in Gourmet, Wine Spectator, GQ, Esquire, Bon Appétit, Departures and other venerable publications. Call 808-885-6622 or visit www.maunalani.com.

About Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows
Located on the Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii, Mauna Lani offers guests hotel accommodations or the choice of an oceanfront bungalow or one, two and three bedroom villas. With amenities such as an on-site golf course, day spa and variety of traditional and modern Hawaiian meeting facilities and wedding venues, Mauna Lani is an ideal destination in Hawaii for enjoying a relaxing vacation. To make reservations today at Mauna Lani please call 808-885-6622 or visit www.maunalani.com.