Expanding on his empire of successful restaurants in San Francisco – four in total – ultra-talented and charismatic celebrity chef Tyler Florence debuted his first restaurant in Hawai’i at Four Seasons Resort Hualālai in late December. Situated in the space previously occupied by the Hualālai Grille for more than two decades, Miller & Lux Hualālai retains an intimate and comfortable club-like vibe, overlooking the 18th green of the resort’s Hualālai Golf Course.
“Four Seasons Hualālai is one of my favorite resorts, and I’m honored to bring a new dining experience to this incredible beachfront property,” Chef Tyler says. “For me, when you walk into a great restaurant, it needs to check three boxes. The ambiance needs to be spectacular, the service needs to be top-notch and the food needs to be amazing.”
And now just two months into a 10-year contract with the resort, diners and critics agree that the new addition builds on the resort’s stellar culinary program, joining Ulu Ocean Grill & Sushi Lounge and Beach Tree restaurant – two of the best dining experiences on the island. It also aligns with their commitment to sourcing at least 75% of the food served, cultivated by Hawai’i Island food producers.
“Chef Tyler seamlessly blends his American steakhouse techniques with locally sourced, fresh ingredients to deliver a one-of-a-kind dining experience for resort guests and local residents,” regional Vice President & General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Hualālai, Charlie Parker says. “In addition, Hualalai Grille’s award-winning wine list continues to be available, complemented by the addition of seasonal cocktails from the team at Miller & Lux to pair with each dish.”
The collaboration stems from a successful Miller & Lux pop-up, multi-day event with Chef Tyler at the resort during the 2022 festive season. “We’re proud to partner with him and his team to create a permanent home here on Hawai’i Island,” Charlie says.
Among the island-grown delights are Kumamoto Oysters (cultivated on property by the resort’s natural resources team) Kona Lobster, Hearts of Palm, Kamuela Tomatoes, Hirabara Kale, Ali’i Mushrooms and much more.
With a nod to a bit of glam, Miller & Lux Hualālai delivers a refined, yet lively and fun, dining experience with a one-page menu that includes many of Chef Tyler’s critically acclaimed signature dishes from his flagship San Francisco restaurant. From the not-so-humble M&L Burger featuring a blend of Dry-Aged beef, Mt. Tam Triple Cream Brie, Bacon Jam, Crispy Onions and Truffle Fries; Kaluga Caviar with Potato Chips and Whipped Crème Fraiche; and Truffled Devil Eggs topped with Caviar to the 48-ounce Prime Black Angus Tomahawk Steak, these dishes scream decadent deliciousness.
While this is, after all, a steakhouse, with a number of prime cuts and a variety of preparations on offer, pescetarians and vegetarians have many over-the-top menu items to enjoy – Kauai Shrimp Cocktail, Crispy Lobster Louie, Hawaiian Big Eye Tuna Niçoise, M&L Caesar for Two and Rosette Ravioli with Lemon Ricotta, Waimea Tomato Passata, Parmesan and Garden Basil to name a few.
Knowing how to throw a great party is Chef Tyler’s self-proclaimed ‘super skill’ and that skill is on brilliant display from the moment you enter the restaurant. Welcoming guests as if they are entering his home, overseeing the roaming Champagne carts, collaborating with staff to prepare table-side presentations (including Dover Sole imported fresh from France every 48 hours, and arguably, the world’s best Caesar Salad) as well as frequent visits to guest tables to make sure everyone is having a good, he does it all with flair and warm, genuine hospitality.
“What gets me out of bed every day is knowing I’m going to one of my restaurants and will be showing lots of people a really good time,” he says.
And, Chef Tyler is no stranger to entertaining as he is a 27-year-veteran of the Food Network where he captivated millions of viewers on numerous hit shows, including Emmy nominated Tyler’s Ultimate, and The Great Food Truck Race, among many others. His reach and influence extend well beyond his cooking shows and restaurants, however, as he also has authored 17 cookbooks, including his newest, American Grill: 125 Recipes for Mastering Live Fire. In addition to Miller & Lux, Chef Tyler’s restaurants include Wayfare Tavern, and two Miller & Lux cafés, all located in San Francisco.
Having spent one month at the restaurant following the December opening, Chef Tyler promises he will be back in the kitchen – and dining room – at least eight times a year, despite his already full plate.
So, you may be wondering, what’s up with the restaurant’s name? It’s a tribute to two German immigrants, Henry Miller and Charles Lux, who opened a butcher shop in the 1850s at the same location now housing Miller & Lux, San Francisco. They went on to become two of the largest cattle ranchers in the United States, producing some of its finest beef. Today, their legacy lives on, celebrating the good life, in the relaxed luxury settings of their namesake restaurants.
Miller & Lux Hualālai is open daily from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Reservations a must. For more information and to reserve your table, call (808) 325-8000 or book online at fourseasons.com/hualalai/dining/restaurants/miller-and-lux/.
"I’m honored to bring a new dining experience to this incredible beachfront property."
