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 pound...
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 year...
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 ...
Part Two of our two-part get to know Ben and Joel episodes. On this episode: Chocolate chips on the outsideHave you seen food prices lately?Life of Luxe? Douche.Ben hates small talk Silly questions100 Grand is an underrated candyJoel can’t get into cheese curdsLuxe or SuxListener QuestionsJoel’s other personalityLeave your shoes on!Let’s make Whiskey fun againRating Ben’s Whiskey tradeOn the Menu: Rebecca Reed’s famous chocolate chip cookiesPrivate Reserve Seelbach’s Cabernet finish (130...
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 hatAn update on Joel’s golf gameGenius’ pick greenDumb and Dumber doesn’t hold upIt all started with Dewer’s White LabelJoel’s first bourbon was a unicornBen and Joel’s Crazy Willett connectionWe have cool wivesFirst impressions and crazy liquor store pricesPillaging the Cigar Honey HoleBest pour we’ve had latelyGod does not want Ben in CharlestonCrushing Pappy Bottles ...
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 RumRum is everything to Latin AmericaRum that tastes like BourbonBeautiful Art Deco bottlesJoel is NOT a rum drinkerThe Silver is not too sweet, great balanceThis is going to replace Tequila for BenRum is a lifestylePunch up the alcohol (92 proof)The Dark Rum tastes older than 8 yearsDistilled in a Pot StillJoel is a little ...
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 houseThe Success of “The Rookie” on ABCMichael Bay worthy action sequencesEric’s indirect path to actingNever ask out an extraEric’s first big break A Musical Cop Show with Hugh JackmanOne step away from being a Fire FighterThe Hollywood HustleBest and Worst Actors to work withThe Big Role Eric didn’t getNudity on ...
An interview with Staves & Grain Co-Founders, James and Eric. In this episode: An expensive day for Uncle SunnyLife of Luxe 10th Anniversary EventBen may never financially recover from this eventPablo’s Crazy Pours from the Old Lightning Pop-up ShopStaves and Grain Experimental Series with Life of LuxeFirst time Joel has picked a finish whiskeyJoel’s recipe (50/50 blend of these picks)Beautiful Glencarin decanter - looks like moneyA Staves and Grain trifecta to comeStaves and Grain Elevat...
Some last minute shopping recommendations for that special someone. Bourbon $25-$35 Buffalo Trace Bourbon $40-$80 Willett Family (Noah’s Mill, Rowan’s Creek, Johnny Drum, Old Bardstown, Willett Rye, etc.) Bourbon over $100 Rare Character Fortuna Rare Character Fortuna Barrel Proof Wine $35-$50 BV Tapestry Wine $50-$100 Laurent Perrier Brut Rose Chateau La Lagune Bordeaux HDV Chardonnay Wine over $100 Heitz Trailside Cabernet Sauvignon Chateau Haut-Bailly Bordeaux Chateau Haut-Brion B...
A two-part interview with MotorTrend Senior Features Editor, TV and Podcast Host and Super Cool dude, Jonny Lieberman. In this episode: Jonny’s first gig at MotorTrendIf I can’t do it, let’s figure it out nowJonny’s process for testing and reviewingIt’s literally NOT rocket science A Prius is not a Bugatti Make it interestingGetting reviews wrongMy wife vomited in an Aston MartinFord GT in a drive through car washFerrari banned me for lifeJumping a G WagonEpic Drives in...
A two-part interview with MotorTrend Senior Features Editor, TV and Podcast Host and Super Cool dude, Jonny Lieberman. In this episode: What is Cynar?Jonny is remoteThe difference in Blanton’s bottlesJoel is soft and sweet - like his picksJonny’s weight loss journeyNo one cheats onceFitness while traveling with Will VargasThe Lido Deck with Drew StoddardQuality ShizzHow Jonny and Joel metA Zebra wrapped FerrariMy eyes exploded and I rose up to HeavenBro, If you know you know and ...
A preview of the upcoming two-part interview with MotorTrend’s Senior Features Editor, TV and Podcast Host and Super Cool dude, Jonny Lieberman. The Draw What does Luxe mean to you?What is a Luxe gift for the car lover?What is a question you wished people would ask you?Why no “h” in Jonny?What do you wish you would have known about this industry? Follow us on Social Media - @lifeofluxe For Merch and Business Inquiries visit - www.lifeofluxela.com
A two-part interview with Corona Cigar Co. GM and Beverage Director, From the J.C. Newman Diamond Crown Lounge at Corona Cigar Company in Tampa, FL In this episode Early Christmas GiftsOne man’s trash…Different Mash billsThe inside scoop on the spirit industryThe 3 people who have Tommy’s respectWorking for the governmentCorona’s come upFreezing CigarsLearning from a high end clienteleHow Joel and Tommy metWhy Joel and Tommy get alongThe DrawRare Character/Life of Luxe event details On The M...
A two-part interview with Corona Cigar Co. GM and Beverage Director Tommy DeAddio. From the J.C. Newman Diamond Crown Lounge at Corona Cigar Company in Tampa, FL On this episode: A lot of TitlesCorona Cigar Co is awesomeWhy Tommy is the CandymanThe biggest mistake in Barrel PickingSaying No isn’t a bad thingTommy’s Barrel Tasting ProcessTommy’s Epic PicksElmer T. Lee Corona’s Budget Friendly PoursHow Air and Cigar Smoke effect BourbonThe Bourbon Craze is Simmering DownThe state of the s...
Life of Luxe, Rare Character and Corona Cigar Tampa Event Recap with Sunny and Edwin “The Fish” from the J.C. Newman Diamond Crown Lounge at Corona Cigar Company in Tampa, FL In this episode: Why Sunny hangs out with JoelBen’s Reflections on the eventJoel’s motivationCigar NFT’sBirthday Smoke/Breakfast Smoke?What makes Life of Luxe events special?Ben makes a confession about his lack of cigar knowledgeNothing wrong with throwing up after your first cigarEdwin the Fish joins the showEdwin an...
A three-part interview with Rare Character Whiskey Company Co-Founder Pablo Moix, From the J.C. Newman Diamond Crown Lounge at Corona Cigar Company in Tampa, FL On this episode: Inspiration for the Rare Character nameBeing consistently inconsistentRoom for Jazz in BourbonMcDonald’s French Fries and Universal DeliciousnessA Design nightmarePablo’s favorite expressionsRIO from Money HeistUnderstanding Joel’s palate and thoughtfulnessHow Joel and Pablo became friendsTrust, Trust Me and Trust Me...
A three-part interview with Rare Character Whiskey Company Co-Founder Pablo Moix, From the J.C. Newman Diamond Crown Lounge at Corona Cigar Company in Tampa, FL On this episode: Getting fired from Cheesecake FactoryPablo’s big break in LAHustle, Hard Work and learning a lotInspiration from KobeScopa Italian RootsCOVID Shutdowns in LA“Dude, Where’s the Sassicaia?”Old Lightning“I don’t know what that is. Do you have the Pappy?”Pablo’s Barrel Hunting Obsession“Do you have anything in t...
A three-part interview with Rare Character Whiskey Company Co-Founder Pablo Moix, From the J.C. Newman Diamond Crown Lounge at Corona Cigar Company in Tampa, FL In This Episode: The best way to fight Jet Lag Rye for the Bourbon DrinkerRestaurants don’t have to be “in between” jobsHospitality is a passion and makes you better with customer serviceGet the steak at Scopa…and the meatballs…and the five pound charcuterie boardPablo likes cashHow Pablo got started as a bartender in Queens, NYB...
In this episode: Joel reflects on the brand as the Life of Luxe turns ten.The definition of LuxeLove of John Mayer10 Year Anniversary SwagLA Nights and the growth of the brandHow Joel got into eventsJoel is not an influencersLuxe or Sux SegmentWhat’s next for Life of Luxe?A Surprise for Ben On the Menu for this Episode: Nashville Barrel Company - 6yr, MGP 117 proofRare Character Life of Luxe “X” - 7yr Life of Luxe Willett samples Follow us on Social Media - @lifeofluxe For ...
In this episode: Frequently asked questions in the Spirits industryRyan Seacrest’s careerScotch is from Scotland and other peaty tid-bitsTasting by proofDo you finish whiskey because it sucks? Or to gain market share?On-air Staves and Grain barrel pick for Life of Luxe On the Menu for this Episode: Wolves American Malt Whiskey Lot 1, 7 year/110 proofRare Character Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey Single Barrel, 14.5 year/135 proofLife of Luxe Barrel Samples - Armagnac 7yr Rye, Cynar 7yr R...