MasterChef and television celebrity Graham Elliot spent his childhood in constant movement due to his father’s Naval career. Artistically gifted, curious by nature and inspired by the flavors and cultures of the world, he soon discovered a deep interest in the art of cooking. At just 27 he became the youngest four-star chef to be recognized by any major U.S. city. In 2004, he was named one of Food & Wine Magazine’s “Best New Chefs” and and was nominated for the James Beard Foundation for three consecutive years. By 2008, his nationally recognized restaurant in Chicago had received two Michelin stars.

Graham Elliot served as a judge for 10 seasons with MasterChef and MasterChef Junior, and 3 seasons a s a judge on Bravo’s Top Chef, along with multiple appearances on Good Morning America, Access Hollywood, The Today Show and Nightline. Recognizing his numerous accolades, we couldn’t be more honored to have Graham Elliot head up Pounders Restaurant and serve as a culinary advisor for the Polynesian Cultural Center.

His staff continually shares how inspired they are by his genuine interest, his kindness and his work ethics. Most importantly, Graham Elliot has found a way to transfer all of that talent and commitment into his amazing dishes here at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Executive Chef Felix Tai was born and raised in Malaysia. His passion for flavors was learned at his mother’s knee. “She always told me 'Cooking is love', and even more importantly, she showed me what love tastes like. It’s hard to describe, but you know it when you taste it. It's comforting, yet unique. Food is culture, food is tradition, and food is love, this is when I found passion in creating flavors and cooking. It was a generational ritual that my mother had left me that I now share with the world."

Along with obtaining two degrees, one in Culinary Arts and another in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Chef Felix has built an impressive background bringing his dedication and talent everywhere from the kitchens of luxury cruise ships to Michelin star restaurants. He has been featured on the Food Network, and local and national television stations across the country. Conversely, he enjoys cooking for friends and families even at backyards barbeques. Some of his favorite cooking experiences are out in the ocean with freshly caught seafood or the mountain with freshly hunted meat and foraged local treasures. Amongst his many accomplishments and awards, Chef was inducted into the Hawaii Restaurants Association’s Hall of Fame in 2019.

Felix Tai now serves as the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Executive Chef, where he imbues his high level of artistry and passion into the food and dishes served throughout the Center.