Mt. Hood is most definitely the central and majestic centerpiece to the small towns that encompass the Mt. Hood Villages. There are stars among the community that shine bright regardless of the mountain’s illuminating glow. One of these is Chef Meshach Hottendorf of Pub 26.

Inspired to create Hawaiian infused dishes with a kick from his southern roots, Hottendorf realized at a very young age that cooking was in his blood and it soon became his professional passion. “Growing up, my dad would make the best teriyaki chicken, it’s basically world famous,” said Hottendorf. Crediting his father’s skills in the kitchen with his chicken teriyaki. “In Hawaiian culture and lingo we say ‘Bruddah Arts,’” Hottendof said. “It’s what my dad always called the sauce,” he added.

While Hottendorf credits his father for helping him find his passion for food, he also acknowledges other chefs, both world renowned and local, who have helped shape his style as a chef and helped create the techniques he uses today. Hawaiian chef Sheldon Simeon, Emeril Lagasse, Julia Child, Alton Brown and Mt. Hood’s own chef Jason Horner are just some of the chefs who have helped Hottendorf hone his skills. “Working under Jason Horner at The Skyway was like going to college, but getting paid to be there,” Hottendorf said. “He took the time to teach me the basics and that was huge for me.

Growth and change have become a staple for Hottendorf, who moved to the mountain in April of 2013. Hottendorf followed in the footsteps of his older sister and moved to Oregon.

Using his native Hawaiian roots and love for cooking, Hottendorf soon found himself working in the restaurant industry and has never looked back. “Being a chef means spreading love,” he said, adding “It’s the easiest way for me to show that I appreciate and care.”

Using that love, appreciation and the gratitude of a community that adores his cooking, Hottendorf will be making his grand exit from the mountain at the end of October. Reaching for new heights in the form of his own food truck, Hottendorf plans to expand his knowledge of food and cooking with his own business.
As Hottendorf prepares to leave the mountain to achieve his food truck goals, residents within the Mt. Hood villages will miss his food and friendship.

In celebration of Hottendorf’s accomplishments, Pub 26 will be featuring his special Hawaiian plate August 25-27th, along with their monthly comedy show featuring Portland comedian, Hyjinx, on Saturday, August 26th at 9pm. Pub 26 encourages the community to come and show their appreciation, gratitude and well wishes as this most unique and talented chef takes his talents back to Florida.

While all of my articles are non-opinionated in nature, it is with a heavy heart and pure excitement that I wrote this one. A dear friend and someone who inspires my own creativity in the kitchen (though Italian and Hawaiian cuisine seem light years apart), Meshach will be missed. I look forward to all of the culinary endeavors he achieves, and wish him all success.