Who is Chef Sheldon Simeon?
Hailing from Hilo, Sheldon Simeon has quickly become one of our islands’ favorite Hawaiian born chefs and restaurateurs. Over the past 10 years, his passion, creativity and vision have helped spearhead a myriad successful projects across Maui—from Lahaina then Wailea, to Kahului and now Tiffany’s Wailuku.
After graduating as star pupil from the Maui Culinary Academy, Sheldon ascended the ranks to Executive Chef at Star Noodle in Lahaina in 2013. It’s here that I first learned of this talented man. His guidance rapidly turned that restaurant into my favorite lunch spot on the west side. It is also here that he was discovered by the producers of TV’s longest-running culinary competition, Top Chef.
Season 10 Finals Catapults Career
The ever gregarious Sheldon shined all the way to the finals of Top Chef’s tenth season in front of millions of fans every week. While he didn’t win the overall title—his lovable attitude, aloha spirit and ‘ohana inspired cooking helped secure the prestigious “Fan Favorite” award. Shortly after the finale aired, chef Sheldon’s opportunities really started to blossom.
Mere months after his Bravo premiere, he assumed the Executive Chef position with great success at Marriot Wailea’s Migrant. 2 years later, he founded Tin Roof; his first endeavor as owner/operator. Burgeoning as a plate lunch destination for locals in the know, they recently expanded their opening hours to 8 pm, and are now one of Maui’s most celebrated takeout spots. One of my favorite meals either coming from or going to the airport, I highly recommend ordering via their site linked above. Conveniently skip the line and pick up directly at the counter!
In 2018, he opened Lineage in the Shops at Wailea to critical and popular acclaim. A culinary experience focused on communal dining and island inspired flavors, meals here really are best shared with family and friends. For the better part of the decade, Chef Sheldon and his talented crew have produced some of the highest quality, locally inspired and resourced fare on Maui. And when the chance rose earlier this year to take over a much loved central Maui fixture, Sheldon and wife Janice jumped at the opportunity.
Tiffany’s is the Best Hawaiian Style Dinner Restaurant in Wailuku
I recently had the joy of sitting down at Tiffany’s under the aforementioned new ownership, and can say without a doubt, this is my new favorite local restaurant in town! It’s only been reopened since July, but every rustle of the coconut wireless had tipped me to this spot’s rejuvenated popularity. Yes, Fridays and Saturdays are officially slammed at 1424 Lower Main Street (FYI—They don’t accept reservations; I recommend the wait list obtainable via their website or phone call).
Now, I’d been to Tiffany’s many times when it was originally owned by the Orite ‘ohana. It featured an exceptionally stocked culinary catalog, an encyclopedia of more than 150 items. So the single page (granted, double-sided) menu, that greeted us was a welcome surprise and signaled a refined experience not quite expected.
Don’t get me wrong, the restaurants most frequently ordered dishes are still as delicious as ever…if not better! On the weekend, the staple Walnut Shrimp might even sell out. There’s Chow Funn and Wailuku Saimin for all those noodle cravings. A decadent homestyle Kim Chee Fried Rice. Sizzling Steak Bites with Pulehu Short Rib and Onion. Izakaya-quality Miso Butterfish and Chicken Katsu, rivaling any of my favorite Japanese spots.
Add the pickled daikon, carrot, and onion; any of the raw fish apps (favorite being the Ahi Avo, Chef Sheldon’s Star Noodle stalwart); and/or some freshly picked greens to your order and thank me later. Just writing this article and looking at the photos has me craving another meal, hope to see you there!
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Aloha,
Anthony Sayles R(S)
808-280-6532