Meet Chef Gani Cristobal, originally from the Philippines and now making strides as a culinary prodigy in the greater Los Angeles area. Since childhood, Chef Gani has cherished the art of cooking above all other pastimes; he recalls fondly that pursuing his dream of becoming a chef felt like an intrinsic part of his mission to provide comfort and stability for his family. Currently assisting the kitchen at the Royal Hawaiian restaurant in Laguna Beach, Chef Gani brings to the table a diverse range of culinary experiences that are reflected in his unique dishes and memorable flavors.
The Royal Hawaiian, a historic establishment dating back to 1947, is an iconic dining spot in Orange County. Founded by Francis Cabang and Harold “Hal” Hanna, the venue has recently been restored to its former glory, with a vibrant tropical atmosphere that reflects the Hawaiian flavors of its menu. For Chef Gani, his journey from the Philippines to becoming an assisting chef in Southern California has been distinctly transformative; he acknowledges the stark differences in food quality and portioning compared to what he experienced in the Philippines, navigating through the fast-paced atmosphere of California restaurants with confidence. Embracing feedback with open arms, he sees each critique as an opportunity for growth, improving his techniques as trends shift. Despite facing challenges, Chef Gani embraces the learning curve.
When it comes to his favorite dishes, Chef Gani finds comfort in crafting delicious soups and stews. He believes in nourishing the soul with hearty, flavorful plates that make customers feel happy and satisfied with every bite. For him, the essence of cooking lies in careful attention to detail and the mastery of technique, transforming ingredients into delectable works of art. At Royal Hawaiian, some of the most popular dishes that Chef Gani makes include the classic Fish & Chips platter, the Curry Pineapple Rice, and the Shrimp Garlic Noodles. Beyond the kitchen, Chef Gani views cooking as a gateway to understanding different cultures. Every course offers a glimpse into traditions, flavors, and histories from around the world. It is this cultural exchange that fuels his creativity, inspiring Chef Gani to push the boundaries of his culinary work.
On a lighter note, Chef Gani possesses a dream of cooking for famous personalities, with Jack Black topping his list of desired guests. Gani’s infectious enthusiasm and genuine love for food is reflected in every dish he prepares, creating memorable dining experiences that he hopes to share with iconic personas country-wide. With aspirations reaching beyond the boundaries of Los Angeles, Chef Gani envisions expanding his horizon to cities like Miami and New York in upcoming years. He remains open to opportunities, driven by a desire to explore new culinary
environments and share his passion with a broader audience. “Nothing is closed off for now!” Chef Gani says about his future plans.
In Chef Gani Cristobal, we find an assisting chef, storyteller, and cultural ambassador in one. His experience moving from the Philippines to the lively culinary scene of Los Angeles reflects his dedication to his profession, navigating challenges with determination. Leading the kitchen at Royal Hawaiian, Chef Gani’s dishes reflect his diverse culinary background and passion for cultural flavors. As he dreams of cooking for renowned figures like Jack Black and expanding his horizons to new cities, Chef Gani continues to be inspired by his surroundings and pushes himself to be the best chef he can be.
