Chef’s Story — Chef Johnny the Kitchen Technician
Chef John and Christine Arabatzis grew up on Maui and opened their first restaurant, Pita Paradise, when they were just 23 and 24 years old! Having both grown up working in restaurants, their concept is providing a top quality, fresh and flavorful cuisine at a reasonable prices. Combining friendly staff and passionate cooking, this combination is the secret to their 20+ year success. Pita Paradise cuisine is a compillation from John’s Greek and Italian heritage, utilizing recipes handed down from generation to generation with new innovative dishes.
Pita Paradise
It all started with an 800 sq. ft. location hidden in the back of the Kihei Kalama Village. They built their restaurant clientele up slowly, winning over one customer at a time. Chef John purchased a small 24’ fishing boat shortly after opening pursuing his other passion of fishing. He started to provide the all the fresh fish for Pita Paradise. Johnny had many friends that were local commercial fisherman and he learned the Hawaiian style techniques and trade secrets to deep sea fishing in Hawaii.
He became an avid fisherman, catching various fish including Opaka paka , Onaga, Lehi, and many other types of deep sea bottom fish. He also trolls for a Big Eye Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Ono, Shutome, and Marlin. As he became more successful at fishing, he wanted to fish long range buoys and purchased a larger 34’ locally made Force marine boat that was better suited for the rough Maui Ocean. He often fishes though the Alenuihaha Chanel, which has extremely high wind and sea conditions, fishing on the way and
on the Big Island. Word spread and customers loved to come in for the fresh Mediterranean food and especially enjoyed the
owner caught fresh fish.
Isana Brave Fish Kitchen 
In June 2011, Chef Johnny and Christine, opened a second Pita Paradise location in the Wailea Gateway Center, a European Bistro with a small outdoor patio. While operating Pita Paradise, the owners would get away and dine at their favorite Asian restaurant, Isana over 19+ years. They became friends with the owners and in 2018 purchased Isana restaurant and named it Isana Brave Fish Kitchen! They wanted to open a restaurant that could utilize Johnny’s fresh fish in more dishes while serving local inspired dishes and fresh sushi! There is no waste utilizing all of the fish we catch making fish broth, Kama, bellies, fish filet dinner, fish cakes, sashimi, nigiri, and various other specials. Having grown up on the island of Maui, many of the dishes on their menu are local island favorites. This special husband and wife team hold true to their mission statement of serving fresh, quality food by bringing in 90% local produce, and locally caught fresh fish, brought in by Chef Johnny and his network of fishermen friends, reasonable prices and friendly service! They are working hard to sustain and thrive in the Maui community by providing a place where customers can come in
to eat great food, celebrate life and special events and be
treated like family and welcomed in their second or, as the Hawaiians say, “hanai” home!
http://www.isanarestaurant.net http://www.pitaparadisehawaii.com
