JT Torregiani is what you might call a serial entrepreneur: the co-founder and principal of Horse & Carriage Hospitality is responsible for creating some of the most popular restaurants in Los Angeles.
Torregiani became involved in the restaurant and hospitality industry in the early nineties when, while attending college, he worked in marketing and promotions with Ole Madrid, helping to spearhead a dining resurgence in San Diego’s famous Gaslamp district. After moving to Los Angeles in 2000, JT became a fixture on the Hollywood dining and nightlife scenes, hosting celebrities at various venues throughout the city and working with them during the day as a fitness advisor.
He subsequently began investing in a handful of venues and begin developing a reputation as a pioneer in the revitalization of Hollywood Boulevard, most famously opening Beso with business partners Eva Longoria and Todd English. A few of his other restaurant credits include Ketchup in West Hollywood, and Bella Cucina Italiana, La Cantina, and Kitchen24 in Hollywood. In the nightlife world, he served as a managing partner of the infamous nightclub and lounge, Les Deux. Most recently, he partnered with Sylvain Bitton and David Jarrett in the establishment of Warwick LA, Aventine Trattoria and Maia West Hollywood.In the nonprofit sector, JT has hosted numerous major fundraisers for local Los Angeles organizations including The Lupus Foundation, Cause Just 4 Paws, The Eva Longoria Foundation and Matter of Trust. Here, this hospitality guru shares his haute secrets to the City of Angels.
Where were you born: San Diego
How long in LA: 16 years
Neighborhood: West Hollywood
Occupation: Nightlife entrepreneur and restaurateur
Favorite Restaurant: Craig’s
Best Sushi: Izaka-Ya
Best Italian: Giorgio Baldi
Best dessert: Sweet Lady Jane
Best place for a romantic date: Nobu Malibu
Best Sunday brunch: Four Seasons Beverly Hills
Best place for a power business meeting: Fred Segal Cafe
If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? The London West Hollywood
Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Giorgio Armani Boutique
Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Rolex – Beverly Hills
Best Spa: Four Seasons Beverly Hills
Favorite Charity Event: Eva Longoria Foundation
Favorite Cultural Event: The Taste of Italy
Favorite Cultural Institution: Getty Villa
Best Steakhouse: BOA Steakhouse
Best Pizza: D’Amore’s Pizza
Best Lunch: Joan’s on Third
Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Equinox
Best Massage: The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Best Limousine/Driving Service: Uber
Best Museum/Exhibit: LACMA
Describe your city in three words: “Anything is possible.”
Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Hike at the Hollywood Sign
All-around favorite spot in Los Angeles: Chateau Marmont
Best Aspect of Los Angeles: The people
