On this episode of the Life of Luxe Podcast, Ben and Joel interview Michael Cimarusti, chef and co-owner of Providence and Connie & Ted’s in Los Angeles. Providence just celebrated 20 years in business and they were one of two LA Restaurants to get three Michelin stars in 2025. providencela.com

On this episode:

• None of this would mean anything without my family to celebrate with
• Food is a representation of family
• The Clam Box - food of the god’s
• Joel doesn't eat seafood?!
• 11 pounds of caviar
• Drinking bourbon in Japan

Luxe or Sux - food edition

• The Bear
• Filet O’Fish
• Molton Lava Cake
• Sous Vede
• Branzino

Rapid Fire

1. What does Luxe mean to you?
2. Death Row Meal
3. Best Pasta in Los Angeles
4. Bourbon you love right now
5. Last meal that left you astounded
6. A chocolate chip interlude
7. Misconception of a Michelin Star RestaurantOn the Menu:

• 2022 Stagg Barrel Pick: Providence. 64.6 abv/129.2 proof
• Life of Luxe Rare Character Rye
• Bombagers PFC

About Chef Cimarusti:

Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in fine dining, Michael Cimarusti is a James Beard Award-winning chef, acclaimed seafood authority, and passionate sustainability advocate. With a career spanning more than three decades, he has helped define modern American seafood through a blend of refined technique, reverence for the ocean, and an unwavering commitment to responsible sourcing.

As executive chef and co-owner of Providence & Connie and Ted’s in Los Angeles, Cimarusti has led Providence to the forefront of West Coast fine dining since its opening in 2005. Under his leadership, Providence has become synonymous with excellence, retaining two Michelin stars since 2008 and earning the distinguished Green Michelin Star for its dedication to sustainable practices. In 2025, the restaurant celebrates its 20th anniversary and one of only two Los Angeles restaurants to achieve Michelin’s highest honor, three stars.

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Cimarusti honed his skills in the kitchens of legendary establishments such as Spago, Le Cirque, and Water Grill, where he garnered national acclaim for his innovative seafood menus. In 2013, he opened Connie & Ted’s in West Hollywood—a casual New England-style eatery inspired by his Rhode Island upbringing and love for honest, briny coastal fare.

His accolades include the James Beard Award for Best Chef: West (2019), as well as regular appearances on culinary television programs like Top Chef, MasterChef, Hell’s Kitchen, and Mind of a Chef, where he continues to inspire the next generation of chefs and advocates.

Follow us on Social Media - @lifeofluxe

For Merch and Business Inquiries visit - www.lifeofluxela.com

On this episode of the Life of Luxe Podcast, Ben and Joel interview Michael Cimarusti, chef and co-owner of Providence and Connie & Ted’s in Los Angeles. Providence just celebrated 20 years in business and they were one of two LA Restaurants to get three Michelin stars in 2025. https://providencela.com/

On this episode:

• Italian honey bees
• Picking Barrels with Freddie Johnson
• Michael’s Go to Bourbons
• Quita Michel Restaurants in Kentucky
• How Providence has evolved over 20 years
• 2 Stars and Michelin peaced out
• Namedropping and Michelin event drama
• “I must just be dumb”
• Closeness of the food industry
• The first 3 star service and I was escorting the health inspector around the building
• Restaurant folks are a different breed

On the Menu:

• 2022 Stagg Barrel Pick: Providence. 64.6 abv/129.2 proof
• Life of Luxe Rare Character Rye
• Bombagers PFC

About Chef Cimarusti:

Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in fine dining, Michael Cimarusti is a James Beard Award-winning chef, acclaimed seafood authority, and passionate sustainability advocate. With a career spanning more than three decades, he has helped define modern American seafood through a blend of refined technique, reverence for the ocean, and an unwavering commitment to responsible sourcing.

As executive chef and co-owner of Providence & Connie and Ted’s in Los Angeles, Cimarusti has led Providence to the forefront of West Coast fine dining since its opening in 2005. Under his leadership, Providence has become synonymous with excellence, retaining two Michelin stars since 2008 and earning the distinguished Green Michelin Star for its dedication to sustainable practices. In 2025, the restaurant celebrates its 20th anniversary and one of only two Los Angeles restaurants to achieve Michelin’s highest honor, three stars.

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Cimarusti honed his skills in the kitchens of legendary establishments such as Spago, Le Cirque, and Water Grill, where he garnered national acclaim for his innovative seafood menus. In 2013, he opened Connie & Ted’s in West Hollywood—a casual New England-style eatery inspired by his Rhode Island upbringing and love for honest, briny coastal fare.

His accolades include the James Beard Award for Best Chef: West (2019), as well as regular appearances on culinary television programs like Top Chef, MasterChef, Hell’s Kitchen, and Mind of a Chef, where he continues to inspire the next generation of chefs and advocates.

Follow us on Social Media - @lifeofluxe

For Merch and Business Inquiries visit - www.lifeofluxela.com

On this episode of the Life of Luxe Podcast, Ben and Joel interview Zac Joseph, President and Owner of Old Commonwealth Distillery.

https://oldcommonwealth.com/

On this Episode:

• Was this a curated plan?
• When did you decide to do your own thing?
• Younger Whiskey Drinkers
• Make the buying experience fun
• How do you make Allocated Whiskey more Accessible?
• Helping other Entrepreneurs
• Not using original OC label art
• Julian’s Support and Input
• What’s inside the bottle better kick ass
• The property was in horrible shape when we bought it
• Original Van Winkle Artwork
• The Property has a sense of Importance
• Batman lives on the property
• Forgoing Industry Standard Practices for Scalability
• Recreating the “Dusty” bottle profile
• Leaving the Bung open
• The Barrel does 80% of the work
• The future of Old Commonwealth
• A pre-episode excerpt special

On the menu:

• Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Years Old
• Kentucky Nectar Founder’s 1
• Mystery Charleston OC x Life of Luxe Pick

Follow us on Social Media - @lifeofluxe

For Merch and Business Inquiries visit - www.lifeofluxela.com

On this episode of the Life of Luxe Podcast, Ben and Joel interview Zac Joseph, President and Owner of Old Commonwealth Distillery.

https://oldcommonwealth.com/

On This Episode:

• Joel’s favorite biscuits
• Good looking things for Ben’s new whiskey room
• More Ruthless on Luxe or Sux
• Drinking before Noon
• Pablo made a deal with the Devil
• We love fun stuff
• Did you buy every Rare Pink in Kentucky?
• Joel forces you into the Cigar habit
• Where Cigars have an edge over Bourbon
• Angel Share: Joel’s favorite Opus
• Cigar smokers live 7 years longer
• Hoffman Bourbon dropping soon?
• Lawrenceburg, KY history
• Zac’s Old Commonwealth Obsession
• Making Torpedo Fuel
• Be a Tour Guide
• What was the plan?
• Moonshine University
• Premium Craft Spirits

Luxe or Sux

• Upcoming Subtle Spirit Session One 13yr Rye x Life of Luxe Pick
• Upcoming Brook Hill 12yr Rye x Life of Luxe Pick

Follow us on Social Media - @lifeofluxe

For Merch and Business Inquiries visit - www.lifeofluxela.com

On this episode of the Life of Luxe Podcast, Joel and Ben just talk. No notes, no plan, no problem. Let's see what they have to say!

Follow us on Social Media - @lifeofluxe

For Merch and Business Inquiries visit - www.lifeofluxela.com

A not so Luxe Lite where Ben and Joel discuss their favorite pours of the year. Listen to hear what the guys picked.

Follow us on Social Media - @lifeofluxe

For Merch and Business Inquiries visit - www.lifeofluxela.com

Ben and Joel participate in the social media trend, This or That. On this Luxe Lite the guys will decide between Unicorn Bourbons. Are they crazy? Do you agree? Or strongly disagree?? See what they choose and let us know what you think.

Follow us on Social Media - @lifeofluxe

For Merch and Business Inquiries visit - www.lifeofluxela.com

Ben and Joel participate in the social media trend, This or That. On this Luxe Lite the guys will decide between everyday bourbons. Are they crazy? Do you agree? Or strongly disagree?? See what they choose and let us know what you think.

Follow us on Social Media - @lifeofluxe

For Merch and Business Inquiries visit - www.lifeofluxela.com