Bobby Michael Sohns
Kapi’olani Community College Alumnus

Changing paths in mid-career

After receiving his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Bobby Michael Sohns was on track to pursue his interest in the medical field. Oh so, he thought. Along the way to a successful medical career, he discovered his true passion—cooking. So, he enrolled in college again, this time at Kapi’olani Community College Cuilnary Arts Program and immersed himself in cooking, where he began to excel in patisserie. Bobby credits his success to the training he received from Kapi’olani CC chef instructors Ernst Hiltbrand, Daniel Swift, Daniel Wetter and Stanton Ho. He feels that the culinary training at Kapi’olani CC pushed him to do his best.

Bobby continues to soar with his achievements. While at Kapi’olani Community College, he received a highly competitive international scholarship award from the Honda International Opportunity Fund for Community College Students, which gave him an opportunity to study French language, culture and cuisine at the Accord Language School in Paris for a summer.

Since graduating from Kapi’olani Community College, Bobby’s talents have been further honed by his experiences at the Orchid Restaurant at the Halekulani Hotel. His outstanding dessert creations have already become legendary, such as his Big Island Goat Cheese with Poha Berry, which is served as the signature dessert at the Orchid Restaurant in the five-star Halekulani Hotel.

About two years ago, he was tapped to serve as a pastry cook under the direction of executive pastry chef Frederic Monti at The Greenbrier, the luxurious five-star resort located in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. We expect to hear more about Bobby in years to come.