Mark “Gooch” Noguchi

“I cook from an `āina based perspective.  It’s important for us to know where our food comes from, it defines who we are.  The awareness of this intimate connection keeps me grounded.”

Mark Noguchi was born and raised in Mānoa Valley and spent his early 20’s dancing with Hālau o Kekuhi in Hilo.  It is because of his time with Hālau that he credits his respect for his home & ingredients. Noguchi is a graduate of the Culinary Institute Of The Pacific and the Culinary Institute of America. Although he prefers to just be known as a “cook,” Mark's dedication to empowering his community through food and education has landed him a spot as a leader in Hawaii’s sustainable food movement.  

“Gooch,” as his peers & friends know him, is an alum of TOWN Restaurant and Chef MAVRO in Hawai`i. He is the former co-owner & Chef of He`eia Kea Pier, General Store & Deli where his dedication towards sourcing product within an ahupua`a (traditional Hawaiian Land division) garnered national attention. 

Chef Gooch then went on to form Pili Hawai`i with partner Amanda Corby. Pili is a non-traditional catering group focused on the connection between community, education & food. Gooch is also a founding partner and the resident Chef of TASTE, a permanent pop-up space in Kaka`ako.

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