Hapa Meals

Michael Kitano

Meet the Team

Fusion of Flavors

Hi, I'm a professional chef turned Chef Instructor. Over the pandemic with nothing to do like most others, I researched smoking meats to possibly add smoked meats to my menu. Eventually the pandemic ended and I did end up with adding smoked meats to my fusion style cooking. I specialize in Hawaiian/Japanese fusion mixed with some Latin influence.

Hometown:: Culver City, CA
Favorite Recipe:: Pork Belly Tacos
Fun Fact:: I used to work at the Big Thunder Ranch at Disneyland making BBQ.
Favorite Activity:: Hanging out with my daughters

FAVORITE GRILL

The Best of Both Worlds

Duo™ 5050 Gas & Charcoal Grill

With its dual fuel setup, you get the best of both worlds—grill up a quick meal with gas or take your time smoking meats to perfection with charcoal.

Char-Griller Q&A with Michael Kitano

What inspired you to start barbecuing? How long have you been doing it? Tell us how you got started!: I’ve always been interested in BBQ, but never really dove into cooking it. One day, I decided to watch a few videos and give it a try. Four years later, here I am still loving it!
What advice would you give to Someone new to grilling? do you have any advice for a new content creator in the BBQ space?: Practice makes perfect. Patience works also especially when it comes down to time and temp. Lastly, don't be afraid to fail.
What is your favorite grilling technique that you've learned and why?: Smoking. Just amazed at how BBQ cooks can adjust the heat and smokiness just by charcoal and wood.