The Life of Luxe Podcast

Ben and Joel
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Food
  • Updated Biweekly

Join Ben and Joel as they dive into the finer things of life - Bourbon, Cigars, Wine and more. 

  1. 11/27/2025

    3 Michelin Star Chef Michael Cimarusti Part Two: The Bear Sucks, Airline Chicken Breast of the Sea and Nothing would mean anything without Family - Life of Luxe Podcast

    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 withFood is a representation of familyThe Clam Box - food of the god’sJoel doesn't eat seafood?!11 pounds of caviarDrinking bourbon in JapanLuxe or Sux - food edition The BearFilet O’FishMolton Lava CakeSous VedeBranzinoRapid Fire What does Luxe mean to you?Death Row MealBest Pasta in Los AngelesBourbon you love right nowLast meal that left you astoundedA chocolate chip interludeMisconception of a Michelin Star RestaurantOn the Menu:2022 Stagg Barrel Pick: Providence. 64.6 abv/129.2 proofLife of Luxe Rare Character RyeBombagers 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

    36 min

  2. 11/25/2025

    3 Michelin Star Chef Michael Cimarusti Part One: Big Flavor Bourbons, Italian Honey Bees and Celebrating 3 Stars with the Health Inspector - Life of Luxe Podcast

    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 beesPicking Barrels with Freddie JohnsonMichael’s Go to Bourbons Quita Michel Restaurants in KentuckyHow Providence has evolved over 20 years2 Stars and Michelin peaced outNamedropping and Michelin event drama“I must just be dumb”Closeness of the food industryThe first 3 star service and I was escorting the health inspector around the buildingRestaurant folks are a different breedOn the Menu: 2022 Stagg Barrel Pick: Providence. 64.6 abv/129.2 proofLife of Luxe Rare Character RyeBombagers PFCAbout 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

    37 min

  3. 11/20/2025

    Old Commonwealth's Zac Joseph Part Two: Conversations with Julian, Preserving Hallowed Ground and It Took Balls To Do That! - Life of Luxe Podcast

    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 DrinkersMake the buying experience funHow do you make Allocated Whiskey more Accessible?Helping other Entrepreneurs Not using original OC label artJulian’s Support and InputWhat’s inside the bottle better kick assThe property was in horrible shape when we bought itOriginal Van Winkle ArtworkThe Property has a sense of ImportanceBatman lives on the propertyForgoing Industry Standard Practices for Scalability Recreating the “Dusty” bottle profileLeaving the Bung openThe Barrel does 80% of the workThe future of Old CommonwealthA pre-episode excerpt specialOn the menu: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Years OldKentucky Nectar Founder’s 1Mystery Charleston OC x Life of Luxe PickFollow us on Social Media - @lifeofluxe For Merch and Business Inquiries visit - www.lifeofluxela.com

    48 min

  4. 11/18/2025

    Old Commonwealth's Zac Joseph Part One: Obsession, Reviving a Legendary Brand and Buying Every Rare Pink in Kentucky - Life of Luxe Podcast

    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 biscuitsGood looking things for Ben’s new whiskey roomMore Ruthless on Luxe or SuxDrinking before NoonPablo made a deal with the DevilWe love fun stuffDid you buy every Rare Pink in Kentucky?Joel forces you into the Cigar habitWhere Cigars have an edge over BourbonAngel Share: Joel’s favorite OpusCigar smokers live 7 years longerHoffman Bourbon dropping soon?Lawrenceburg, KY historyZac’s Old Commonwealth ObsessionMaking Torpedo FuelBe a Tour GuideWhat was the plan?Moonshine UniversityPremium Craft SpiritsLuxe or Sux Upcoming Subtle Spirit Session One 13yr Rye x Life of Luxe Pick Upcoming Brook Hill 12yr Rye x Life of Luxe PickFollow us on Social Media - @lifeofluxe For Merch and Business Inquiries visit - www.lifeofluxela.com

    38 min

  5. 11/13/2025

    No Notes, No Plan, No Problem: Ben and Joel are Back! - Life of Luxe Podcast

    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

    37 min

  6. 12/10/2024 ·  Bonus

    Luxe Lite: Favorite Pours of the Year - The Life of Luxe Podcast

    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

    22 min

  7. 12/05/2024 ·  Bonus

    Luxe Lite: This or That, Unicorns - The Life of Luxe Podcast

    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

    6 min

  8. 12/03/2024 ·  Bonus

    Luxe Lite: This or That, Bourbon - The Life of Luxe Podcast

    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

    6 min
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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Join Ben and Joel as they dive into the finer things of life - Bourbon, Cigars, Wine and more. 

Information

  • Creator
    Ben and Joel
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Life of Luxe Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Life of Luxe Podcast