Michael Cimarusti is a celebrated American chef who owns two Michelin-rated restaurants - Michelin-starred Providence restaurant in Los Angeles, California, and Connie and Ted's his more casual New England–style seafood restaurant in West Hollywood, California.[2][3] He won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: West in 2019.[3][4]
Michael Cimarusti | |
|---|---|
| Education | The Culinary Institute of America |
| Known for | Sustainable Wild Seafood Advocacy |
| Spouse | Cristina Echiverri |
| Culinary career | |
Rating | |
Current restaurant(s) | |
Previous restaurant(s)
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Early years
editOriginally from New Brunswick, New Jersey, Cimarusti's culinary career began at an early age inspired by his grandmother's and great-grandmother's cooking. He graduated with honors in 1991 from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. His first professional experience as a chef came after graduation cooking at An American Place with Chef Larry Forgione.[5]
He first came to Los Angeles when he had the opportunity to work for Wolfgang Puck as chef de cuisine at the chef’s original Spago. Cimarusti also worked notable stints at fine-dining institutions in the U.S. and abroad, including New York City’s Osteria del Circo, at which he served as opening chef de cuisine; the Michelin three-starred Arpège with Chef Alain Passard in Paris; and Le Cirque, the New York City establishment by Sirio Maccioni, at which he had the opportunity to cook with renowned French Chefs Paul Bocuse, Roger Vergé, and Gérard Boyer. For six years he worked as executive chef at downtown L.A.’s Water Grill, earning excellent reviews.[5]
Providence and Connie & Ted's
editCimarusti was approached by Patina founder Joachim Splichal, who offered him the head role at Patina’s new Walt Disney Concert Hall location. Instead, Cimarusti told him his real ambition was to open his own restaurant. A few months later, Splichal offered him the former Patina space on Melrose Avenue to open his restaurant.[6] In 2005, Cimarusti founded Providence. Providence retained two Michelin stars since 2008 and earning the Green Michelin Star for its dedication to sustainable practices. In 2025, the restaurant was elevated to three Michelin stars—one of only two in Los Angeles to uphold Michelin star status for over 15 consecutive years.[7]
In 2013, he opened, Connie & Ted's in West Hollywood, a casual New England-style eatery. The restaurant announced it will be closing in July 2026.[8]
Awards and accolades
edit- James Beard Award for Best Chef: West (2019)[3][4]
- 3 Michelin Stars from the Michelin Guide for Providence.
- A Green Michelin star
- Robb Report as one of the 50 Most Powerful People in American Fine Dining
Personal life
editCimarusti met his wife Cristina Echiverri while working for Forgione.
See also
editReferences
edit- ↑ "The Best Chef in the West Advises ICE Students | Institute of Culinary Education". www.ice.edu. October 10, 2019.
- ↑ Gold, Jonathan (October 24, 2017). "The top 10 picks on Jonathan Gold's 101 Best Restaurants in L.A. list". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
- 1 2 3 Hochman, David (May 9, 2019). "James Beard Winner Michael Cimarusti On Food Porn, Michelin Jitters And The Speech He Meant To Give". Forbes. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
- 1 2 Harris, Jenn (May 6, 2019). "Michael Cimarusti finally wins the James Beard Award for Best Chef: West". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
- 1 2 "Chef Bio: Michael Cimarusti".
- ↑ "Twenty Years of Providence: Michael Cimarusti on Legacy and the Work Ahead | Fine Dining Lovers". www.finedininglovers.com.
- ↑ "Michael Cimarusti". Ojai Food and Wine.
- ↑ Roland, Rebecca (May 13, 2026). "Seafood Destination Connie & Ted's Will Close After More Than a Decade in West Hollywood". Eater LA.