Aloha,

Welcome to the TIKI SPICE.COM “about us” page! My story is a simple one…if you care…read on.

My name is Michael McSweeny, I am a chef, father, adventurer and entrepreneur. I live happily on the beautiful island of Kauai with my lovely wife, our two young children and a pesty chocolate lab.

I spent the majority of my life laboring in various kitchens, eventually finding joy and success. I was featured in a few industry mags like Food Arts and Bon Appitite and also appeared on two episodes of Great Chefs.

I parlayed my management skills and micro-minute of fame into a culinary consulting business and enjoyed a great deal of travel as the result. When kid # 2 came along, I opted to take on the position of full time dad…my new job has brought more satisfaction (and chaos) than I could have imagined…and I love it.

During a trip to Boston a few years ago, I bought a small jar of Chardonnay smoked fleur de sel and was seduced by it’s subtle smokiness. Using the few remaining crumbs and fading aroma left in my prize jar… I set out to make my own version. I live on an island surrounded by salt water, I have all kinds of exotic tropical wood at my disposal…I have gobs of knowledge, skills and exerience…how hard could it be?

Well, after two years of trial and error…I have perfected my process! Using a blend of three hand harvested, solar dried Hawaiian sea salts smoked slowly over local guava wood, I have produced a product that I would proudly hold up to any fine smoked sea salt available.

Thanks for reading my ramblings…stay tuned for more salt stories!

Mahalo and Aloha…

Chef Michael