Chef Christopher Kulis, a devoted father and culinary trailblazer, co-owns Spoon & Key Market in Wailea, Maui, alongside his life partner, Chef Tarah Principato. With a deep commitment to utilizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Kulis creates memorable dining experiences that reflect his passion for warm hospitality and supporting Maui’s farmers and ranchers.
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Kulis discovered his love for cooking at age five, laying the foundation for an illustrious career. He began his culinary journey at The Broiler Room in Lake Tahoe at age 15, working in fine dining until age 19, when he decided to pursue formal training at culinary school. He honed his craft as sous chef at Bouchon in California, dedicating three years to perfecting his skills. As part of the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group, he embarked on annual culinary trips to Europe, absorbing diverse culinary traditions that continue to shape his innovative approach.
On Maui, Kulis rose to prominence as Chef de Cuisine at Capische? in Hotel Wailea, where he earned the 2012 Hawaii Rising Star Chef award from StarChefs and played a key role in the hotel gaining the prestigious Relais & Châteaux designation. At Capische?, he championed farm-to-table dining by establishing an on-site vegetable garden, embodying his “dirt-to-mouth” ethos. He partnered with Principato to open The Market Maui in 2014 and served as Executive Chef at Mākena Golf & Beach Club. During his time at Mākena, Kulis designed a grassroots culinary program from the ground up for a private club, creating a lifestyle culinary brand that encompassed fine dining, American fare, open-fire cuisine, and exclusive private dining experiences. While at Mākena, he expanded his culinary passions beyond French and Italian, immersing himself in and learning Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, and Latin cuisines, enriching his repertoire with diverse flavors and techniques. Kulis is also a sought-after super yacht special guest chef, crafting exclusive dining experiences for high-end clientele at sea.
In January 2024, Kulis and Principato reenvisioned The Market Maui as Spoon & Key Market, an ocean view gem with a vision to be a true Wailea neighborhood restaurant—a welcoming spot, distinct from bars or hotel dining, where guests can visit multiple times a week, even in board shorts, to enjoy a Wagyu burger and a bottle of Cabernet, bring their kids, and still experience elevated cuisine. Dinner service, available Wednesday through Saturday evenings, features prix fixe and à la carte options, showcasing inventive small plates that delight both bold food enthusiasts and relaxed diners with vibrant, seasonal flavors. Named one of “The 5 Best New Restaurants in Hawai‘i in 2025” by Hawai‘i Magazine, Spoon & Key Market is among the hottest new restaurants to hit Hawai‘i’s dining scene. It opens daily at 8am.
Kulis’s commitment to the Maui community is profound, demonstrated through his generous support of local non-profits such as Maui Food Bank, Maui Hub, Grow Some Good, Maui Calls, Boys & Girls Club of Maui, and PKO Protect Kaho‘olawe Ohana, as well as his role on the Maui Health Foundation board. He was also honored to be featured in To Lahaina, With Love, a poignant cookbook highlighting the recipes and stories of Lahaina’s exceptional chefs, farmers, fishermen, and hunters who came together to support the community during the devastating Lahaina fires.
With an unrelenting drive to innovate, Kulis continues to redefine Maui’s culinary scene, crafting dishes that celebrate the island’s rich culture and his extraordinary journey—stay tuned for what’s next from this visionary chef.
