We had the good fortune of connecting with MICHAEL KITANO and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi MICHAEL, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued a creative career as I have always been interested in food. I used to help my mother cook when I was younger, picking up techniques and ideas from her along the way. I also helped my grandfather bbq whenever we’d visit him in Kailua, HI. He used to smoke Hawaiian style meats using old (but cleaned and sanitized) oil drums. This taught me how to tend a fire; even if it was raining like crazy…

With the help of my parents and grandfather in the kitchen, I took these techniques and styles and incorporated them into my own. Traditional Japanese cuisine together with Hawaiian style mixed with my knack for creativity is what I produce today.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The name of my business is Hapa Meals. I specialize in fusion cuisine specifically Japanese/Hawaiian. I started off as a neighborhood pop-up right after the pandemic eased up a bit. I launched my website and had people order directly from there. Then I would set a time where they could pick up. After the pandemic was at a safer level, I contacted local breweries and popped up there, serving my fusion cuisine to brewery customers.

At first it was going well but as time progressed, fewer people went out to the breweries. For example, one day it could be slammed and then the same day next week would be empty. That’s the hardest part of pop ups is trying to maintain a steadiness; especially when you don’t know exactly how much to prepare and to order for these events. I did have to learn quickly and adjust.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I take my daughters to places where I would take a friend visiting the area. These places include Little Tokyo for ramen, Torrance for sushi, and Westchester for good mexican and italian options.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Come this October, I will be entering into my 3rd year as a Chef Mentor with an organization called C-CAP (Careers Through Culinary Arts Program) which is a non-profit organization and helps high school students obtain scholarships while being taught culinary arts. Through this program I have met other like minded Chef’s who take time out of their busy schedules to help these students. I have also met a ton of supportive Culinary instructors which has led me to pursue a path of becoming a Chef Instructor. Because of this program, I just wanted to thank all who I have met.

Website: https://www.hapameals.com

Instagram: @hapa_meals

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.