A Taste of Elegance: The City’s Newest Fine Dining Gem Finally Debuts!
Last night, Mirror Park officially welcomed The Elegant Swan to its lakeside landscape. As guests filled the warmly lit dining area and the buzz of opening-night excitement settled into a soft hum, it was clear that The Elegant Swan had arrived with purpose and heart. Owner Kat Miller watched the evening unfold with the unmistakable pride of someone who built a dream from the ground up, albeit with a fair bit of stress as well. But if anyone reading has ever worked in the restaurant biz, you know that’s par for the course. However, once the last plates were cleared and the final guests drifted out into the night, Kat stopped by the JBTV news building to reflect on her journey.
I’ve always wanted to have a restaurant. I’ve worked in bars and stuff before. I love planning events, even when they’re stressful. I like sit-down places.
Kat’s journey to restaurant owner was anything but traditional or boring. Like many of us in Los Santos, Kat has a lot of side hustles. She is a mechanic, a sous chef, and a car dealer. And JBTV staff can vouch personally for her carpentry skills as the whole of the “Hard Facts” set was built by her alone. Regardless, her end game was always to be a restauranteur.
My main thing is just to bring people together. When I proposed the business, I just kept saying I wanted the Swan to be a hub for people to chill.
Connection. A place for people to sit and enjoy their meal and their time together. We all really ought to slow down every now and then. Kat hopes The Swan becomes a destination where people go not just to eat, but to share time, make memories, and rediscover the joy of slowing down. Everything in the restaurant reflects this philosophy: the gentle lighting, the comfortable seating, the slower-paced service intentionally designed to feel unrushed, and a menu crafted to be savored rather than hurried through.
As expected, the menu was crafted with meticulous attention. From artfully plated appetizers to entrées that balance richness with refinement, each course told a story rooted in passion, craft, and a deep respect for ingredients. Early favorites from the evening included avocado toast and the caviar crostini. My table was in love with the refreshing taste of the veggie options just as much as the meat dishes. Though last night’s event featured a set menu, with vegetarian options, Kat expressed that there will eventually be rotating specials. Notably, an upcoming steamed lobster dish being her favorite that she’s stoked over.
For Kat, choosing Mirror Park wasn’t just a logistical decision, it was an emotional one. The neighborhood, known for its calm lakeside paths, sweeping willow trees, and easy blend of residential charm and creative energy, perfectly matched the kind of atmosphere she wanted The Elegant Swan to embody.
Mirror Park is so beautiful, and the construction team really did my vision justice.
During evening hours, the lake reflects shimmering city lights, giving the area a soft, almost cinematic glow. It’s the kind of place where people walk a little slower, where conversations wander as freely as the ducks along the shoreline, and where community feels organic rather than manufactured. Kat wanted The Elegant Swan to echo that feeling. It’s serene, welcoming, and unpretentious despite its fine-dining flair. And during the day, the locals act just a little less crazy what with the yoga classes, bike riders, and cute dogs being walked along the park paths.
After a beautiful fireworks display, the raffle winner was announced. Ronnie Walker won a beautiful custom Vapid by Smoke and Mirrors mech shop, formerly known as Harmony Customs. This led to my personal favorite moment of the evening. Guests were gathered around as the winning ticket was announced, cheers rising through the room. But what happened next said everything about the kind of community The Elegant Swan is already inspiring. Instead of keeping the car, the winner stepped forward and gifted the vehicle to another couple in attendance. Samantha and Terrance Credulous, a pair highly beloved by JBTV news staff and the community as a whole, had mentioned earlier that they were struggling with transportation and could truly use it. The room fell into a stunned, emotional silence before erupting into applause. It wasn’t planned. It wasn’t for show. It was simply an act of generosity that fit the exact spirit Kat hopes The Elegant Swan will nurture. People looking out for one another, creating moments of connection, and turning a night of fine dining into something deeply human.
With most of my interviews, I like to ask what’s next. For a lot of people, finally being the owner is what the goal is and they hope they can just delegate the work to their employees. Its good to know that Kat Miller is like most of us in the city that have far more planned for their business. An art gallery, boat rides, brunch events, and much more are up her sleeves. I for one am so excited to see what else she gives the city of Los Santos.
