All-Star Chef Josiah Citrin Shares His Haute Secrets to LA

Photo Credit: All-Star Chef Classic/AEG

Where were you born: Los Angeles

How long in LA:  My whole life

Neighborhood: Venice/Santa Monica

Occupation: Chef

Favorite Restaurant: Mélisse, with Charcoal Venice as a close second

Best Sushi: My all time favorite sushi spot was Mori, before Mori Onodera left.  Now, it would be Urusawa

Best Italian: Angelini Osteria

Best dessert: I don’t really have a sweet tooth, so for me, the best dessert is a well curated cheese plate.  If I do have a craving for something sweet, I’d say the best dessert is Nancy Silverton’s budino

Best place for a romantic date: Lunch at Nobu in Malibu on a sunny spring day

Best place for a power business meeting: Lunch at Providence

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? A room in the Palisades wing at the Fairmont Santa Monica

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Isaia

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: I jump around depending on what watch I’m looking for

Favorite Charity Event: LA Loves Alex’s Lemonade

Favorite Cultural Event: The release of Beaujolais wine 

Best Steakhouse: Charcoal Venice

Best Pizza: Pizzeria Mozza

Best Lunch: Spago Beverly Hills

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Equinox Marina del Rey

Best Massage: Dr. Shelly Boston

Best Limousine/Driving Service: Uber black car

Best Museum/Exhibit: LACMA / Breathing Light

Describe your city in three words: I only need two. Dog Town

All-around favorite spot in Los Angeles:  Zuma Beach

Best Aspect of Los Angeles: It’s a great place to be because of the weather and proximity to different places.  Living here, I am close to the beach and the city, and I can get to the snow in almost 4 hours.  It’s a great mix of sunshine, city life, nightlife and culture