Their Stories

Ed loved being a sushi chef and displaying his craft in local eateries. As his kiddos, Sean and Meilani, grew, he knew he had to find ways to build more time with them, with his family, and for himself. In 2013 Ed did his first private event; a 30th birthday party for some amazing folks in the small town of Dixon, California. For the next couple of years, as he continued to work with these wonderful people, he watched a lightbulb start to glow… "I knew I had something unique… one of a ‘kine." Knowing Sean and Meilani were his number one priority, he spent the next couple of years planning, building a following, and perfecting each experience. Ed took his mantra of spending quality time with the people he loves and translated it into what we all know today as the experiences Ed creates for us. Ed finally made the move to work 100% for himself and in August, 2015, More Than Just a Dining Experience with Chef Ed Soliven became a reality.  And more importantly, spending more time with Sean and Meilani became Ed's reality. 

Chef Nick began his sushi journey around 2007, where he was first mentored by Chef Ed at a midtown Sacramento eatery. The two quickly became good friends and have stayed that way ever since. Not only has Nick watched Chef Ed's dream turn into a reality, he became a full time chef with More Than Just a Dining Experience in 2019. 

It's safe to say she's been a lifelong fan of Ed and his many endeavors; More Than Just a Dining Experience is third on the list of Ed's accomplishments of what she's most proud of. (His first two being his amazing kiddos!) Colleen has thoroughly enjoyed being a helper to Ed and each of his Chefs since the start of this company. She feels both privileged and honored to be under the direct guidance of Ed. We all look forward to watching Colleen's journey as a Chef with this amazing team.