Podcast Host & Chef

Award-winning Executive Chef Adam Mali’s culinary philosophy evolved from decades of experience, passion for food, and a connection to its’ provenance. Prior to joining Hay Creek Hotels and Restaurants, where he is Director of Culinary Operations, Chef Mali was most recently at Hotel Nikko San Francisco, where he oversaw menu development in all outlets of the 533 room, Forbes 4 star hotel

Growing up in New York city, where he forged his culinary skills, and by way of new England and Colorado (where he owned a James Beard recognized restaurant), he arrived in the San Francisco Bay area to helm Nick’s Cove & Cottages under the ownership of Pat Kuleto and Chef Mark Franz. There he formed lasting partnerships with local farmers, ranchers, and oyster growers, and was recognized as one of America’s “Great Regional Chefs” by the James Beard Foundation.

These deep-rooted relationships contributed to his success at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, where he led a complete renovation and launch of Brasserie S&P, a French inspired brasserie using uniquely California ingredients. There he achieved Michelin recognition and was named “One of Five Chefs to Watch” by John Mariani in Esquire magazine. During his time in California, Chef Mali re-concepted Virgin Hotels San Francisco and The Common Club, was Culinary Director at Twitter HQ, Warner Bros. (Culinary Director and F&B Director), and Hotel Hollywood Roosevelt (Culinary Director) both in Los Angeles, there he oversaw 7 outlets, including the famed Tropicana Pool bar and The Spare Room nightclub. Chef Mali has been fortunate to have worked in such places as Bangkok, Paris, FR under Pierre Gagnaire (at his eponymous restaurant on Rue Balzac near the arc de triomphe), and in London. He was a regular featured guest at Disney’s Epcot Food & Wine Festival, Pebble Beach Food & Wine, and Aspen Food & Wine.

Chef Mali currently lives in Petaluma, CA, considered the gateway to both Sonoma and Napa wine country, with his wife Mary, daughters Hana and Emma, and amazing dog, Jiro. In his spare time, he is an avid hiker, a former competitive skier, and student of French literature.

Founder of The Hotel Club

Our Founder Kristy Whitford has been in the Spa, Beauty, Wellness, Fashion Retail and Hotel industry for over 20 years. She has worked for renowned hotels, beauty companies and with fashion brands and artists with Iconic history, The Claremont Resort & Spa Elizabeth Arden, Mandarin Oriental, and more recently The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows. Since 2015 she was responsible for the vision, curation and design of products and collaborations for the Iconic hotel in Beverly Hills; turning The Shop into a coveted and highly sought after fashion and product destination for guests from all over the world. Through her spa expertise she was also responsible for creating an oasis within the spa and introducing the global menu of services and products that have made the spa a wellness refuge for both locals and guests from everywhere.

Kristy enjoys traveling the globe, immersing herself in cultures through all the senses and bringing home something to remember each destination by. She partners with hotels and brands globally to create and curate bespoke collections and experiences.

When Kristy is not flying around, she spends time with her loved ones and her three pups at home, cooking for friends, reading, listening to music & podcasts, growing her library, trying different beauty & wellness products, dreaming of ways to inspire more kindness in the world and enjoying life one moment at a time.