The Life of Luxe Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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

Part Two of our two-part episode catching up with Ben and Joel and the guys talk all things Rye Whiskey.

On this Episode:

- Rye Whiskey is Joel's favorite whiskey in the world, and also his least favorite.
- It all started with Candy Crush
- With a little air in it, I love it now
- Say no a lot
- The latest LoL Release - Brook Hill Rye
- Rye gets better with age
- Are the best Ryes from Indiana?
- George Washington, Whiskey mogul
- Joel's Rye Whiskey recommendations
- Ben regrets NOT buying a bottle at Michter's.
- Life of Luxe happenings

On the Menu:

- Rare Character Single Barrel Series Rye Whiskey LOL-2: Life of Luxe Pick.  121.56 proof, 8yr 2m, 375ml

Follow us on Social Media - @lifeofluxe

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

Part One of our two-part episode catching up with Ben and Joel and the guys talk all things Rye Whiskey.

On this Episode:

- Joel is starting to out price Ben
- Busy with Life and Joel Moved.
- Ben was sad to see Joel go
- Joel is a cowboy now 
- Cowgirl vs. Cowboy steak
- Another not so quick Rapid Fire with Joel
- slide into the DM’s, Joel is looking for a friend
- when you say yes to something you are saying no to something
- Dallas cigar scene is awesome
- Joel killing dreams since 08
- The Dallas Whiskey scene is incredible
- Recapping The Life of Luxe Event at Willett Distillery
- Rare Character: Tastes Expensive
- Eating caviar off expensive watches
- Seafood: I had a bad experience
- Bring Le Grande Dame to the Dance
- The Bar at Willett is unmatched
- Ben was on the Dusty Train
- I already bought these bottles, can you guys drink this stuff?
- Candy Crush Auctions for a crazy amount
- Sick bottles getting put into the Wild. 

On the Menu:

- Rare Character Exceptional Cask: Fuente Charity Pick
- Rare Character Single Barrel Series Rye Whiskey LOL-2: Life of Luxe Pick.  121.56    proof, 8yr 2m, 375ml

Follow us on Social Media - @lifeofluxe

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

Part Two of our two-part get to know Ben and Joel episodes.

On this episode:

• Chocolate chips on the outside
• Have you seen food prices lately?
• Life of Luxe? Douche.
• Ben hates small talk 
• Silly questions
• 100 Grand is an underrated candy
• Joel can’t get into cheese curds
• Luxe or Sux
• Listener Questions
• Joel’s other personality
• Leave your shoes on!
• Let’s make Whiskey fun again
• Rating Ben’s Whiskey trade

On the Menu:

• Rebecca Reed’s famous chocolate chip cookies
• Private Reserve Seelbach’s Cabernet finish (130 proof)
• Private Reserve Seelbach’s Amburana finish (115.5 proof)
• Woodinville Single Barrel Bourbon, Barrel #6180 (116.23 proof)
• Hancock’s President’s Reserve (88.9 proof)
• Paladar Tequila: Life of Luxe Private Barrel Pick

Follow us on Social Media - @lifeofluxe

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

Part One of our two-part get to know Ben and Joel episodes.

On this episode:

• How Ben played in the new Life of Luxe golf hat
• An update on Joel’s golf game
• Genius’ pick green
• Dumb and Dumber doesn’t hold up
• It all started with Dewer’s White Label
• Joel’s first bourbon was a unicorn
• Ben and Joel’s Crazy Willett connection
• We have cool wives
• First impressions and crazy liquor store prices
• Pillaging the Cigar Honey Hole
• Best pour we’ve had lately
• God does not want Ben in Charleston
• Crushing Pappy Bottles 

On the Menu:

•  Henry McKenna Single Barrel 10 year Bottled in Bond Bourbon

Follow us on Social Media - @lifeofluxe

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

Part Two of our two-part interview with Actor, Investor, Podcaster and Co-Founder of Palm Republic Rum, Eric Winter.

On this episode:

• Eric’s latest venture: Palm Republic Rum
• Rum is everything to Latin America
• Rum that tastes like Bourbon
• Beautiful Art Deco bottles
• Joel is NOT a rum drinker
• The Silver is not too sweet, great balance
• This is going to replace Tequila for Ben
• Rum is a lifestyle
• Punch up the alcohol (92 proof)
• The Dark Rum tastes older than 8 years
• Distilled in a Pot Still
• Joel is a little hungover
• The motivation behind starting the company
• It’s tough to find great rum
• This is NOT just another celebrity spirit brand
• The Rum is the Star
• A huge gap in the U.S. Rum market
• The goal for Palm Republic
• Why Bourbon when you can Rum?

On the Menu:

Palm Republic Silver Rum (80 proof)

• Distilled: Jamaica and the US Virgin Islands
• Taste: Light, tropical with hints of pineapple and lime
• Finish: Smooth and crisp with a whisper of lemon zest
• What makes it Special: A uniquely skippable silver rum

Palm Republic Aged Rum (92 proof)

• Distilled: Panama, Jamaica and the US Virgin Islands
• Taste: Rich and robust with hints of caramelized banana, brown sugar and walnuts
• Finish: Smooth, light and sweet.  Full bodied finish
• What makes it Special: Aged 8 years in sherry casks, delivering the complexity of a bourbon

Get more info on Palm Republic Rum at palmrepublicrum.com

Follow us on Social Media - @lifeofluxe

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

Part One of our two-part interview with Actor, Investor, Podcaster and Co-Founder of Palm Republic Rum, Eric Winter.

On This Episode:

• Bocce ball tournament’s at Mario Lopez’s house
• The Success of “The Rookie” on ABC
• Michael Bay worthy action sequences
• Eric’s indirect path to acting
• Never ask out an extra
• Eric’s first big break 
• A Musical Cop Show with Hugh Jackman
• One step away from being a Fire Fighter
• The Hollywood Hustle
• Best and Worst Actors to work with
• The Big Role Eric didn’t get
• Nudity on The Ugly Truth

Get more info on Palm Republic Rum at palmrepublicrum.com

Follow us on Social Media - @lifeofluxe

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

While we are on hiatus preparing for season 2,  we decided to share some unreleased recordings from our practice runs before the Podcast launched.  Enjoy!

On this episode:

• Joel is NOT an influencer
• The Draw (Get to know Ben and Joel)
• Not so Rapid Fire Answers
• Airing of Grievances
• Nothing better than Late Night In-n-Out 

Follow us on Social Media - @lifeofluxe

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

While we are on hiatus preparing for season 2,  we decided to share some unreleased recordings from our practice runs before the Podcast launched.  Enjoy!

On this episode:

•  Plush Picks
• Joel’s Tampa finds
• When to crack bottles
• Pandemic Picks for Joel
• Blind wine tasting

On the menu: 

• Willett Family Estate - Life of Luxe/Corona Cigar Co. 8yr (Barrel no. 2120) 124.6 proof

Follow us on Social Media - @lifeofluxe

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