Rand Packer, former Maui boy and long-time chef at Roy’s Restaurants (both Kahana, Hawaii Kai and Tampa) opened his own taco stand, Mekenita’s Mexican Grille, in Tampa, Florida. His take on Mexican adds a little aloha style to traditional Oaxacan traditions. Now his taco joint has been voted into the #1 in the area’s Tournament of Tacos.

Packer’s Citrus Grilled Pacific Wahoo Tacos come heaped with charred corn, homemade roasted chili salsa and enough flavor to make you start yor own Mariachi band to sing his praises. His wife, Tiffani, helps him run the joint, named after their oldest daughter, Mekena, as in the famous beach in South Maui.