Leora Calmus

Kauai isn’t known for their culinary prowess but there is a shining light on the island. Leora Calmus prepared one of the most fabulous meals for my friends and me over the course of my friend’s 40^th birthday evening. To say the food was delicious and the ingredients fresh, would be a disservice. Ahi poke, coconut poached catch of the day, Hawaiian sweetbread, fresh salad with macadamia nut balsamic, incredible. Our kitchen was sparse, to say the least, but it didn’t slow her down one bit. We ate and ate and ate and still had leftovers for the remainder of our trip. If you want spam and rice swallowed down with a super sweet Mai Tai, this might not be for you (though I did have plenty of that while on the island!). If you want a professional chef who knows how to make a damn fine meal on an island in paradise, give her a call, you won’t be disappointed.

Hawaii has no shortage of fresh food and delectable rarities, but raw ingredients alone do not make a sensational meal. A snack, perhaps, but not a meal. Leora is uniquely and preternaturally gifted to turn both stock and rare morsels into a feast; I’ve been fortunate to dine with her countless times and each time I’ve been amazed at what she’s been able to whip up with simple ingredients. Is she formally trained as a chef? I truly have no idea, but I wouldn’t be surprised in the least if she were. She’s catered for two and for twenty, each time devoting the same care and ingenuity into her fare. I’ve tried to watch her cook (to get ideas for myself) but she moves at such a rapid pace I can’t quite snag her secrets. I’ve never left less than satisfied; in fact, more often than not I’ve been caught trying to scrape the remnants off my plate to enjoy just one more taste of a dinner well-​prepared and entirely satisfying. Anyone fortunate enough to be a client of Leora’s will not regret their choice, and I’m sure they’ll come back for more, if not for a party, then solely for themselves. Bön appetit!

Leora was a pleasure to work with. She prepared a celebratory meal for my in-​laws’ 40^th Wedding Anniversary (for a party of 8 adults, 2 children) in our rental home on Kauai. Everyone was blown away by the meal. We are all still raving about her ahi poke lettuce wrap appetizer — it was out of this world! Leora combined the best of Hawaiian ingredients with global flavors for a meal that was truly memorable. She and her assistant were lovely to have in our home as they efficiently prepared the meal, and they left the kitchen cleaner than when they arrived.
Leora also left us with 2 prepared meals for us to reheat during our stay. This was one of the best decisions of our vacation. It was so nice to not have to think about shopping and cooking, and again her dishes were divine. My 4-​year-​old devoured her slow cooked beef ribs, and the family practically fought over her curried roasted carrots. She also prepared a Baked Ziti dish for the kids that the adults enjoyed throughout the week, as well. We were thrilled with all of Leora’s meals and she was fun, creative and easy to work with. I highly recommend this talented chef.

We hired Leora for our company retreat in Kauai. When we arrived at our rental house she was already there preparing our first night’s meal. That night was a Hawaiian fusion family style dinner. Everything was so delicious! The 2^nd dinner was a fancier multi-​course ordeal. Each item served was tastier than the last! Very creative and flavorful cuisine. She also prepared some breakfast and lunch items that we enjoyed throughout our stay. Leora and her staff were attentive to our needs, and asked many questions before hand. She was a pleasure to work with, and I’d highly recommend her.

Our group of 10 enjoyed many amazing meals prepared by Leora during our week in Kauai. She asked great questions to prepare our menu and prepared flavorful and healthy cuisine that managed to please kids and adults. She is very professional and organized.

If you want an explosion of flavors at your table, Leora is the chef to get! We used her private chef services for a romantic dinner & she also cooked for a party of 30; a fundraiser we put together. Plus, Leora is a fine lady with a great personality!
A must for your vacations on Kauai.

Leora has catered both my wedding and small intimate gatherings where I provide my clients with the most authentic experience possible. The menu is always reflective of what is both fresh and local, but also extremely creative. My main compliment is that she is easy to work with, very accommodating to food allergies and puts in the extra mile to create a unique dining experience. As a person who occasionally likes to host parties and business events, I exclusively hire Leora because she adapts to whatever I need and always leaves my clients and friends well impressed.

Have had Leora’s food at multiple events on island of varying sizes, from house parties to large business openings. Each time the menu is well thought out and very tasty. Also a pleasure to work with. Highly recommended.