Chef San Shoppell: A Culinary Journey Rooted in Passion and Community

Chef San Shoppell has seamlessly blended her passions for food, travel, and art into a vibrant culinary career.

As the chef-owner of Destination Chef, she offers traveling culinary services that reflect her extensive journeys across the USA, Europe, Asia, and Central and South America.

Each destination has enriched her appreciation for diverse culinary traditions and cultural nuances.

With a robust background in the food service and hospitality industry, San has honed her skills in various settings, including a four-star hotel, private clubs, and family-owned restaurants.

Over 15 years of providing in-home private services have further refined her approach to personalized dining experiences.

Her cooking philosophy emphasizes the use of the freshest local ingredients to craft nutrient-dense dishes, all while supporting sustainable and sensible practices.

San's commitment to culinary excellence is evident in her academic achievements.

She graduated with honors from Kapiʻolani Community College’s Culinary Institute of the Pacific, earning degrees in both Culinary and Pastry Arts.

During her studies, she completed a prestigious internship at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Tarrytown, NY, under the guidance of renowned chef Dan Barber.

Additionally, San holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Massachusetts College of Art, blending her artistic sensibilities with her culinary creations.

Beyond her professional endeavors, San is deeply invested in community engagement.

She volunteers by teaching culinary skills to high school students and conducts healthy cooking demonstrations at local farmers markets.

Her dedication to education and mentorship aligns with the mission of institutions like Leeward Community College, which recently celebrated its first National Career and Technical Education Letter of Intent Signing Day, honoring 50 students entering CTE fields for the 2025–26 school year.

San's involvement in such initiatives underscores her commitment to nurturing the next generation of culinary professionals.

In May 2025, Leeward Community College's fine dining restaurant, The Pearl, hosted a culinary showcase featuring signature creations from faculty and standout alumni.

Events like these highlight the vibrant culinary scene in Hawaiʻi and provide platforms for chefs like San to share their expertise and passion with the community.

Through her diverse experiences and unwavering dedication, Chef San Shoppell continues to inspire both aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts alike.