Engaging all your senses takes you to a different experience and allows you to fulfill all dimensions of happiness. We make that happen here in Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa!
There’s nothing like walking on fine sand, seeing the breathtaking views of the sea and the mountains, hearing the crashing waves, smelling the ocean breeze, and tasting the flavorous food of San Juan, La Union. Fulfilling your happiness can happen all in one place! All in Kahuna!
We’ll take you on this journey! So let’s start with walking you through how you can delight in the flavorous food of Kahuna’s Restaurant.
Meet the Chef
Meet Chef Leon, the man behind the success of Kahuna’s Restaurant.
Chef Leon is the Executive Chef or the Head Chef of the restaurant. But just like any other journey, his road to success had many stops.
He started as a kitchen steward at the International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management or ISACAHM for 2 years. Being the world-class culinary and pastry art school that they are, they eventually saw his potential and trained him to be a Faculty Assistant in 2006. This promotion led him to begin his culinary career.
ISACAHM is recognized for its excellent and quality culinary education–proving its high standards and training on an international level. Being trained in such a prestigious institution was both a great privilege and a challenge for Chef Leon. It was a privilege for him because he got to work with the country’s best chefs and cultivated his skill, desire, and discipline for cooking. But it was a challenge, especially in his first few years, as he had to start from scratch. Kicked-off with zero knowledge in the culinary world.
He still remembers the very first time he was asked to peel an onion in front of 30 international students. It was his breaking point, and it was then and there that he realized he had to give it his all. He wanted to make sure that he wouldn’t lose the opportunity given to him, so he studied well, practiced hard, and gave it his all.
He took whatever he had to do self-study and practice. A butcher’s twine and a throw pillow were all that he needed for him to practice trussing–a technique that he tried to master in his very home. Apart from that, he also gave his best in the kitchen even if it meant he had to go the extra mile. He recalled that he had to draw the unfamiliar herbs every time he would get something from the walk-in chiller. Such dedication! Chef Leon proved that he did not shy away from going the unconventional route just to learn.
His dedication, hard work, passion, discipline, and 6-year stay of working and training with international chefs in ISACAHM eventually paved the way for him to join and win in the Philippine Culinary Cup 2012. It was his first time participating in a culinary competition, but they bagged the GOLD and won in their category and overall competition. This experience became the start of a brighter future for Chef Leon.
He trained well and exited ISACAHM after 7 years to gain more experience. He started working as a sous chef (second in command in the kitchen) in Breakfast at Antonio’s. Then, he worked for 4 years as a chef de partie (station chef) in one of the fine-dining restaurants in Fort Bonifacio or BGC. After working in such restaurants, he transferred to Kahuna Makati to work as a sous chef and to experience working in a Bistro.
His combined experiences finally led him to head the kitchen, being the Executive Chef of Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa in San Juan, La Union. All those years of training, learning, and growing–even after having a cardiac arrest in 2013 that made a shift in his life, are part of what makes Chef Leon the man that he is today. He makes sure to serve every guest with the best dining experience they can have.
Learn from the Chef
Having experienced working from fine-dining restaurants to bistros in the Central Business District, working with a new team in the province was an adjustment to him. They have different styles and signatures. But they were able to work well together because they had one goal: for guests to experience dining the Kahuna Way.
Each chef has their signature way of cooking and style. These signature dishes and styles are what make each encounter with a chef a unique experience.
Chef Leon has witnessed many changes within his 5 years of heading the Kahuna Restaurant. From the menu to set-ups, to teams, to crowds. But even with all the changes, he continues to be a firm believer in traditional cooking or staying true to a recipe’s core. He acknowledges the different styles and new recipes freely available there, but he also believes that each menu has a standard. He adheres to the standards and even goes above and beyond by adding a few twists and techniques to a dish. For him, versatility and authenticity both matter.
He applies this in the way he cooks Western and Asian–Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, etc., cuisines. These cuisines are enjoyed by different kinds of people at different types of seasons and occasions. But Chef Leon’s favorite meals to eat and prepare are the Quesadilla for the starter and the Blackened Tuna & Chicken Cordon Bleu for the main course. He can make and eat this in and out of season.
Discovery and experiment are also part of a chef’s journey. While there are dishes that are close to his heart, Chef Leon is also exploring more ways to add to a guest’s dining experience by curating and adding more meals to the menu. He’s looking into adding a “surfer’s” edition to the menu that will surely be a must-try when you visit the Kahuna Restaurant.
Experience the Best of Kahuna Restaurant
The must-try meals such as Blackened Tuna, Chicken Cordon Bleu, and Kahuna Salad are all just part of the Best Kahuna Restaurant experience. There are greater things to look forward to when visiting here!
The Kahuna Restaurant is an al-fresco restaurant which is both good for scenery and safety. Enjoy watching the sunrise or the sunset while chomping on your favorite meals. You can also appreciate the view from the open kitchen while you watch Chef Leon and his team prepare your food. What better way to delight in food than to see and know how the chef passionately puts together your meal? This makes way for an experience that will engage with your senses and fulfill your happiness once you dine in.
Diners may also choose to enjoy the requested meals they’d like to have. Our chefs are willing to cook some of your favorite dishes should you opt to bring your ingredients! Make dining more personal for you and your family.
Late-night sessions and conversations are also very much welcome here! Choose from our bestselling cocktails and enjoy having late-night meaningful moments with your friends and loved ones.
Don’t miss out on this experience with Kahuna and dine at the Kahuna Restaurant from 7 AM to 9 PM! Call your family and friends, plan a trip, and book your reservations now for a time of relaxation and rewind!