Chef Gani Cristobal Is A California Coastal Icon

Los Angeles, as the world knows it, is a verdant dome, covered in jewels that shine under the caramel tinted sun. Stardom here lasts forever if you know how to crack the code, or in Chef Gani’s case – perfect the recipe. Like the heat that caresses the avenues of downtown, Chef Gani cooks with a rhythmic intensity that matches the sonic tempo of Los Angeles. The rising chef has made a name for himself assisting in the kitchen at beloved Laguna Beach establishment, The Royal Hawaiian. The classic Tiki Bar was hand built in 1947 with a design layout influenced by elements of Hawaiian culture, Philippine culture, Korean culture, and Japanese culture. The Royal Hawaiian has been named a historic California landmark, and Chef Gani’s mastery of culinary technique certainly makes an immaculate fit to the team at the OC based restaurant.

Reflecting on his experience cooking in luxury dining venues across the Los Angeles region, Chef Gani expresses that ,“Preparing plates in LA is fast paced, and intense.” The overtones of Los Angeles dining fuse culinary experimentation and centuries old cooking expertise – placing Gani at the epicenter of gastronomic possibility. At The Royal Hawaiian, Chef Gani specializes in crafting flawless plates from imported delicacies, such as Portuguese sausage and Shrimp, savory braised pork, and wild-caught pineapple relish. He approaches the act of cooking with the same discipline he exerts over refining his techniques during his private moments – viewing the finished product of a meal as a sacred promise to humanity. ,“Feeding others is quite symbolic to me,” revealed the chef ,“While cooking at The Royal Hawaiian I find myself thinking about the ways my dishes could potentially change someone’s day – for the better.” Staying true to his passion for cooking is central to Chef Gani’s ability to evolve in style and dish mastering, stating that ,“Culinary experimentation is like any other skill that needs refinement, attention, and discipline. I feel a bliss like no other when I master a cooking technique that is native to another culture – it gives me a new outlook on the entirety of that culture’s roots. I translate that with purpose to the guests who come into The Royal Hawaiian. I truly aim to demonstrate the deep love I put into learning every detail of a certain dish to all visitors.”

In Los Angeles, there is a delicate balance between experiencing authentic cuisine versus popular cuisine. After dining at an authentic eatery, the flavors of the city linger throughout the mind long after the experience has ended – creating a permanent memory of delight and gratitude. Popular cuisines in the city tend to gain reputation based upon the history of its location, or who has been known to dine there in the past. Chef Gani has developed an internal radar to detect the ‘restaurants that are the best in the West’, given his extensive time assisting in the kitchen at The Royal Hawaiian. ,“There are subtle details that give a dish power,” conveyed Gani ,“Without those details, your taste buds won’t react with excitement! If a dish wakes you up, you know you’ve found something special.”

Though the California chef feels immense honor at cooking for new guests every night, there is one special guest he dreams of cooking for – and that someone is none other than actor Jack Black. ,“In my free time I love to cook specialty soups for people – stews especially,” shared Gani, “There’s a great love expressed in feeding others something nutritious that nourishes the entire body. I get pretty personal with my soup creations. I’ll save a bowl for you, Jack!”

Chef Gani views the act of cooking in fine-dining establishments as an art form, expressing that the experience, ambience, and presentation of the dish are the key elements to creating a lasting impact on the visitor. ,“There are so many everyday things that tie us together as a society even when we don’t notice it. In a way, I share a moment with each guest who comes into The Royal Hawaiian when they savor in delight at a plate I helped the talented crew of the kitchen make.”

For your enjoyment, The Royal Hawaiian restaurant is open from 12-9PM Monday through Thursday. On Friday’s and Saturday’s, the historic establishment opens at 12PM and closes at 11PM. Then, on Sunday’s, the OC eatery returns to regular dining hours, opening at 12PM and closing at 9PM. Located at 331 N. Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, California – The Royal Hawaiian is elated to receive you.