Chef Jon Matsubara
About Azure's Award-Winning Chef
Chef Jon Matsubara was born and raised in Honolulu, on our beautiful island of O'ahu.
His passion for food preparation and artistry began at a young age, and Jon fondly recalls memories of preparing and sharing culinary experiences with his friends and family in true Hawaiian style.
Chef Jon's favorite dish is fresh poi and smoked Hawaiian pork, with sweet Maui onion and chili pepper water. His taste for island favorites and his fondness of the experience of dining itself, has formed a unique synergy and a remarkable concept at Azure Restaurant.
Jon feels that he is living the dream of creating experiences that people will always remember.
He contributes much of Azure's success to its special staff and the chemistry within the whole restaurant which illuminates the ambiance with passion.
Chef Jon wishes for "guests to experience a complete indulgence...the ultimate view, genuine and refined service, and fresh creative food that is executed consistently...to form an addictive and memorable dining experience".
Azure Awards
2012 Honolulu Magazine’s Hale ‘Aina Award for one of the Best Oahu Restaurants
2011 Honolulu Magazine’s Hale ‘Aina Award for Best Oahu Restaurant - Bronze Award
2010 Honolulu Magazine’s Hale ‘Aina Award for Best New Restaurant - Gold Award
2010 Honolulu Magazine’s Hale ‘Aina Award for Best Seafood Restaurant - Finalist Award
2010 Critics Choice Ilima Award for Hawaii’s Best Restaurants
Honors
Chef Jon Matsubara was recently awarded the honor of presenting a Hawaiian inspired dinner at the prestigious James Beard House in New York. In collaborate spirit, Chef Jon invited two other local Starwood Chefs to join in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and on September 14, 2011, Chef Jon Matsubara, Chef Colin Hazama and Chef Darren Damaya took New York by storm.
The evening was described by the exclusive Bon Appetit blog as an "inspiring dinner" and the cuisine recognized by the James Beard Foundation as a showcase of "the state’s signature hospitality".
