Brett Villarmia, Sous Chef, Coast Grille 
Brett Villarmia began his career as a student in Culinary Arts, then rapidly advanced his skills and knowledge with some of Honolulu’s most prestigious restaurants such as Russell Siu’s 3660 On The Rise, AlanWong’s and Hoku’s in the Kahala Mandarin Oriental. Following a career adventure as Executive Chef in Kokage (Seoul, Korea) he then explored mainland opportunities with Mao Asian Bistro and La Tour Restaurant in Colorado. Chef Brett returned to the Big Island in 2005, joining Mauna Kea Resort’s culinary team as Sous Chef for Hapuna’s contemporary Coast Grille restaurant. Here, the focus is on flavor, where recipes combine the best local fish and seafood, island meats and market produce into creative dishes with a fresh take on Hawaii Regional Cuisine. In 2007, Chef Brett was showcased at the Festival Gourmet in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, a two-week festival where chefs from around the world present their food to international travelers.
"Coast Grille is one of the best kept secrets on the Kohala Coast,” says Chef Brett. “We’ve got great music in the dining room, unbeatable ocean views from the lanai. And the food’s pretty good too. We really enjoy surprising guests with old favorites stepped up for today’s menus.”
