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Well hello Raj! Yesterday was exactly 1 month from the day Corey and I had our wedding ceremony and feast -- how time flies! We were reminiscing about our beautiful day and how you played such
an integral part in all of it. We both want you to know how you will always be very special to us. Here is a link to our wedding slideshow that we thought you would enjoy. Looking forward to
seeing you again in the future! Angela and Corey -- Lots of love, Angela and Corey Hi Rodger, Thank you so much for making our wedding day even more special. It was the best day of our lives! Thanks to you we got married on a very beautiful beach that was perfect for us. The little area we had our meal was spot on and very romantic. We have also both agreed that the meal you made for us was by far the best food we have ever tasted. All the awesome flavors brought our taste buds to life! Now we are back home you have inspired us to experiment more in our home cooking and things we try. We have been singing your praises to everyone we meet. Thanks again for being so awesome! Much mahalo! -- Lucy and Craig Arbuthnott Aloha Rodger! Thank you so much for yet another amazing dinner experience! And I emphasize "experience" because an evening with "Raja" is so much more than just a dinner. Two years ago, he put together the most romantic dinner of our lives. Imagine my surprise to find a beautifully arranged table for two nestled alongside tiki torches on the golden sands of Makena beach. Rodger prepared a delicious, gourmet meal for us to enjoy as we watched the gorgeous sunset. Right before dessert, we took a moonlit stroll where Manny got down on one knee and proposed. It was truly a magical night and will always be one of our favorite memories! Rodger is a man of many talents -- not only was he an excellent chef (the unique flavors he creates will tickle your taste buds), he kept us laughing the whole night, serenaded us with a Hawaiian love song, and took beautiful photographs for us to capture all those precious moments. He even pulled a plumeria "bouquet" off a tree for me on our way out (no easy task, it was pretty high up on the tree!). We ended up buying a timeshare in Maui during that trip. And when we returned two years later, we knew we had to call Rodger! Of course he delivered with another amazing dinner at the our same special spot on the beach. After his Hawaiian serenade, he once again reminded us of his motto "to live life to the fullest, love daily, and laugh out loud frequently." This will hopefully be a tradition for us for years to come. Thanks again Raja, you ROCK!!! -- Normalyn and Manny Nieto Anytime we think back on highlights of the trip, we always dwell on the dinner you catered for us. We can say without exaggeration that it was one of the best we've ever had in our lives! It was as if you already knew exactly what type of stuff we like, and where to expand our boundaries so that we'd be blown away. You nailed the perfect blend of familiar and experiemental for us. I suppose it's possible you got incredibly lucky, but we're more inclined to think you're amazingly talented and creative chef :-) If we're ever on Maui again and you're still doing "Feasts", we'll definetely look you up! -- Steve & Wendy We were married on North Maluka Beach in south Maui on March 3rd 2008. We requested a romantic dinner for two on the beach immediately after the ceremony and photos. Our wedding coordinator set this up with Feast on the Beach, and we are so glad she did. Chef Rodger was a big part of what made our day so special! The table was beautifully set with flowers and candles, and had tiki torches around it in the sand. As the sun set, he blew the conch shell for us, and our amazing dinner began. The meal was spectacular, each course was absolutely delicious and perfectly prepared. Rodger gave us plenty of time to savor each course, including time to take a barefoot stroll and dance under the stars between the entree and the dessert. We felt completely pampered, and it was a perfect way to end our wedding day. Everyone we met in Maui was great, but there were a few people who really stood out with the "spirit of Aloha" you hear about. Chef Rodger was certainly one of those people. -- Michael & Laura Howard i just wanted to say thank you (again) for the wonderful dinner we loved it . we ate at the buzz wraff the next night and i thought i would let you know that your (prawns) (were) so much better than (theirs) thank you (again). -- Ken and Harriett Hey Raja, Just wanted to let you know that I got nothing but raves on Sunday's dinner. Thanks for everything you did to flex and accommodate the homeowner's needs. Been back here on the mainland for less than 24 hours and already wishing I was hanging back on the island. Mahalo, -- Steve Aloha Rodger! Thanks for your email; it was great to hear from you! Our trip to Maui was a dream come true. We loved the island and didn't want to come home. Our wedding was perfect and you played such a large part in making that possible. From blowing the conch to serving us an absolutely spectacular meal in an unbelievably gorgeous setting, we thank you so much for everything. The food was AMAZING- so flavorful and perfectly balanced. Each course was unique and delicious, and I really do think your added sauces turned what would have been an average wedding cake into a decadent dessert. Your patience in letting us relax and truly enjoy the evening (walking on the beach, dancing, etc) meant so much. Thank you again for everything! Mahalo, -- Laura & Michael We had such a wonderful time in Maui and can’t stop raving about YOU and the fantastic feast you prepared for us. Attached are some pics of the food and other favorite shots. If you wish, use them on your site. We can’t thank you enough for making our day so memorable. You are honestly one of the most genuine, creative and in-tune person we have come across in a very long time. We need more of you in the world. If you are ever have plans to visit Toronto give us a shout. Take care. -- Shari & Dave Raja, Thanks for the great photos, regarding the fish, our kids Chase and Ty split the fish I believe Chase had the head and Ty had the tail. Although we missed the beautiful sun set, your experience of the island of Maui, your intimate knowledge of the culinary arts, and most of all the delectable and fantastic 5 course meal that you prepared for Nancy and I, more than made up for the sun set we had missed. Thank you very much for the magnificent meal, the friendly conversation, and a great experience, that both Nancy and I will never forget. As Nancy and I drove back to the condo we both could not stop talking about the wonderful food and the unforgettable time we both had. When we got back to the condo we continued our conversation this time telling our mothers about what an awesome experience we had. Since we have been back in Canada we have been bragging about our “Feast on the Beach.“ experience when ever the topic of food comes up. Without a doubt we will be handing out your business card to who ever we know is going to Maui and highly recommend the wonderful experience. Thanks again for a tastefully, delicious, mouthwatering time. -- Roy & Nancy Bowlby Raja, Just got back to New York a couple days ago, kind of a bummer. Can't thank you enough for the wonderful job you did in preparing this great dinner for us. Chris was utmost surprised by the whole thing, I still don't think she's over it yet. She's (been) telling everyone she knows about the dinner and trying to look at the pictures from my cell phone. Hopefully next year when we come back to the island, maybe we can set something else up, and anyone we know that is planning on going to Maui, we will definitely turn them on to you. Well hope (all's) well and hopefully we can stay in touch.... -- John and Chris Raja, Thank you so much! We're back on the mainland and adjusting, albeit slowly, to the regular life again. We had such a wonderful time and the food was just fabulous. In fact, we had the left over steak and accoutriments the following morning and it was to die for even then. We were particularly impressed when you told us it was vegetarian based....well...sans the steak. I would have never guessed it would have been so good...We would love to do that again and I've already been touting your name to friends here...Your tea was great and it hit the spot so perfectly. Hans and I both agreed it was better than the champagne. -- Holly L. Walcher Hey Rodger!, the Ankers just left and she left a note saying that “Dinner in particular was AMAZING! Rodger is (a) wonderful chef and his ceviche and papaya salad were definite standouts." -- Chuck Virtue, Ho'olei at Grand Wailea (third party email correspondence) K.C. - Wow. The meal on the beach was the absolute highlight of our 5 days in Maui - and an absolutely perfect way to pop the question. I am still stunned at how helpful RAJA was, not to mention the wicked looking table he had set up, and not to mention the amazing dinner he created for us. I do not exaggerate one iota. It was absolutely stellar. I just wanted to thank you for the referral, it is very much appreciated. -- Ryan Aloha …. I wanted to thank you for the spectacular evening! WOW! It was a fabulous experience, and the dinner you created for us was out of this world! I loved everything! -- Jan Hey Rodger, I know you’re not in charge of the sunsets but it was amazing. The food was like nothing I’ve tasted before and it was a perfect blend of spice and sweet. You provided a truly unique experience that Jan and I will never forget. Thanks again for everything!! We will forward pictures when we get back to the man land!! -- Jim Clark Raja, After our Maui trip, I asked Val which part of our trip that - if in 50 years we had forgotten everything about it and could only choose to remember one thing - which part was the best thing worth remembering? She told me it was the dinner on the beach. And I agreed 100%. I am so pumped about what you did for us that it is my favorite story to tell. Val's too. The conch, the beautiful table, and the wicked, crazy, amazing food and the presentation of it all was just perfect. We couldn't wait for lunch the next day so that we could finish the dinner we started the night before. I didn't even heat mine up - I just wanted it cold - and it was great! Personally, I really appreciate your suggestions and extra effort in helping me go way beyond the "extra mile" so that the evening was perfect for Val. There are not too many people I've met that would plan the event like it was their own, and to put themselves in my shoes, but you did on both accounts. If you ever need a reference or anything of the sort, just let me know. I've told everyone about you anyway, so what the heck is one more!? Anyway, thanks again for a great event, we'll remember it always. Sincerely, -- Ryan Urzada, D3 Hospitality Corp. Rodger, Hey whats up? Christina and I wanted to write and thank you for the best dinner we have ever eaten in our lives!!! If you ever need a reference, don't hesitate to send our info to whomever. The site and table were better than your pictures. The food was incredible. The way the tastes blended together was a sensation that we will remember for a lifetime. The presentation and hospitality was amazing and we couldn't be happier with our evening. Thanks for everything!! We will definitely recommend you to anyone going to Maui. Thanks again -- Alan, Christina and Alex Thanks for everything Rodger, The meal, the location, your outstanding service was all perfect and will never be forgotten. -- R. Collins Hi Roger, I was one of the guests at the Franklin dinner party on Saturday night. Your meal was amazing. It was so good. My husband and I really enjoyed it. We raved about it the next day and the next day when the Franklins were driving with us to the airport. Michelle was so happy with the food and the service you gave along with your photographer. I wish I was back in Hawaii now. I am craving your soup and lavendar water right now!!! The seared ahi and ono were delicious too...better than going to a restaraunt. If we are ever back in Maui again, I will definitely look you up for you to cook us dinner. You were fantastic and so good at what you do. I told your mom that you didn't seem frazzled at all for having a big dinner party. I stress out cooking for 6 each night!! We are going to the Big Island in July for 10 days. Too bad you don't work there at the Fairmont.... Aloha, -- LeAnne Buoncristiani Hello Rodger, How are ya and How was Hana? We hope and pray that you had a wonderful time off. Rodger, we just wanted to let you know how grateful we are to you for making it all happen. It was beyond our expectations and we are so pleased....we cannot stop talking about you. Both we and our guests were amazed and impressed with your style and presence, and your staff was awesome as well. You are truly the greatest and I look forward to seeing you more in the future. Thanks again and many blessings to both you and your staff. We know that you will continue to do well..... Blessings & Much Love, -- Larry, Michelle & Larry Jr. (The Franklins) Hi Rodger, I apologize that it has taken us this long to contact you. I wanted to thank you for the dynamite food and service that you provided us after our wedding ceremony. You were without a doubt the highlight of the entire evening. Your food was delicious and the presentation was outstanding. I have forwarded your contact information to our travel agent. Good luck! We wish you much success! -- Patty & Joe Villeneuve Raja: We wanted to thank you so much for the memorable evening on the beach. The presentation of the food was spectacular and all the different tastes were amazing; it really added to the island experience. We are addicted to Raja’s Coconut, Ginger Love Soup! Mel being a “meat and potatoes” man ate everything and enjoyed it! The scenery and conch blowing at sunset were phenomenal! We have already told several people at our hotel and our friends who plan on calling you when they are in Maui this June! And, you will definitely see us again when we return to the island! The experience would not have been the same if it weren’t for you and the personal touches you added to make our night so special. Keep in touch! -- Diane & Mel Medina "Rodger - We had a great time and the food was outstanding. Thank you for taking care of everything and for setting such a nice table as well. Our friends truly enjoyed the evening; I'm glad I splurged! Again thank you!" -- K. Somerton "We enjoyed our feast on the beach in July so very much & we were quite impressed with our delicious meal. We were wondering if you would possibly consider catering a dinner for 8, (we are bringing all our kids & spouses) next July, on the beach or at our condo. (Maui Kamaole) If you could let us know a price range, (with this many people we're having to plan a budget), that would be great. We would be interested in a 4 to 5 course dinner & if it's best to plan one menu we can work that out. Thank- you & hope things are going very well for you" -- B. & V. Jensen "Hi there, Cathy and I just wanted to say once again thank you for making our first Valentine's day special. We had a great time. We have been commenting on how good the food was. It was really romantic and we will treasure that night forever... Hope to keep in touch with you. You are truly a talented person." -- Jennifer & Cathy "Roger, I can’t begin to tell you how much we enjoyed our wedding night ‘feast on the beach’. Here are a couple of pictures from that night. We both wish we were there to do it all over again." -- R. & J. Rocha "Rodger, back to reality in the mainland, but thanks again for a perfect evening. Your spirit, enthusiasm and energy made for a great evening. Oh yeah, the food was pretty good too. We all had a great time. We will be back next summer, so we will try to hook up again, even just for a nice dinner on the beach. It was by far the best meal we had in maui, by far, better than any restaurant we ate at. Thanks again." -- Jeff & Fran "Hi Roger, I hope that you are doing wonderful! Shawn & I wanted to thank you for making our wedding dinner night so special! You are a very talented chef! Every course was so spectacular! Although I must say, you kind of ruined all the rest of our dinners throughout our trip...we kept saying, well it's good, but it doesn't compare to Roger's. :) Your flavor combinations and sauces were amazing! I miss my coconut soup! Everything was perfect! We really appreciated all the special touches too! Your table layout was very romantic, the conch shell was beautiful, your photographic assistance made beautiful memories, and your song touched our hearts! Thank you so much, we could not have had a more perfect ending to our wedding day! What a great way to start the beginning of (our) journey together as a married couple. Thank you again!" -- T. & S. Golding "Just a quick thank you note for making Saturday's dinner party fun and perfect. Your presentation, attention to detail, serving and charm made all the difference in the world - not to mention all the yummy calories I ingested. Thank you again Rodger, it was a smashing success and one we will remember for a long time. Warmest Alohas" -- B. Jacobsen "Hey Rodger, That was the GREATEST spicy rolls I have ever had!!:) Tim and Deena were just raving about your service and the delicious dinner they had! When they came in my office, they said that they had a dinner that they will never forget!!:) GREAT JOB!:) I will send you some pics... Your setting was beautiful!" -- Kinga "Roger, thanks again for a wonderful meal and a great night. Everything went perfect for (us). I attached some pictures, just incase you wanted some more for your collection. I am sure you have lots of pictures of happy couples." -- B. & J. Lewandowski "Aloha! Rodger has been a very important part of my business for well over a year now. Rodger is: 1. A very creative and talented chef. 2. He is very reliable, never late, always did what was expected. 3. He is extremely personable, my clients, family and friends alike think he is warm and charming with just the right hint of professionalism to round out his working persona. 4. He is all about customer service – willing to bend over backwards to make it happen the way the client wants." -- B. Jacobsen, Owner, Maui Real Estate Professionals "Rodger's food was one of the highlights of our wedding. We had a small family oriented ceremony (about 20 people) on the beach with a wonderful sit down brunch afterwards. The menu was superb and the service impeccable. Thank you Rodger for being a special part of our special day." -- W. and T. Nohara |