The Night Owl Talks the Best LA’s Hottest Restaurants and His Climb to the Top
Written By: Tyler Holland JT Torregiani
The weekend is here. The options for a night out are nearly endless in a city like LA. Sometimes it pays to stick with the tried and true, where you know you will always have a good time. Warwick, Aventine, and Beso are such places. All have their fair share of celeb credibility, but still remain friendly and welcoming. Co-Owner of these hot-spots, JT Torregiani lets us in as to what’s the most poppin’ at each venue, and who we can expect to see.
The Expert: JT Torregiani
Credentials: Co-Owner of Warwick, Aventine and Beso
Q: What was the moment you knew you made it as the successful restaurateur you are?
JT: I had three restaurants and a club named La Deux which were all pretty successful. Offers from places such as Dubai, London and Milan started pouring in. They all wanted to duplicate what I had created. This all happened about 14 years ago. It was a great feeling.
Q: With this success, how do you keep your dating life private when you work in the public eye?
JT: It can be difficult. Owning four restaurants and a nightclub means you’re going out every night and are frequently around paparazzi. The big thing is making sure to keep business and pleasure separate.
Q: Was it difficult undergoing a public breakup with Cheryl Burke when your careers take you through the same circles?
JT: We dated for a long time but always kept the relationship separate from business. We never let it interfere. Growing up we always had the same circles in LA, especially with me being in the nightclub and restaurant business, but despite this the breakup didn’t affect me at all. For example, I still did the Dancing with the Stars Wrap up Party post-breakup and everything went smoothly.
Q: Which of your restaurants can we expect to see the hottest A-list celebrities?
JT: Beso has been here for eight years with Eva Longoria as my partner. She comes in every other week and brings her A-list friends. Recently, Bella Thorne was there for her 18th birthday party, so naturally, the place was filled with A-listers including Eva and the Dancing with the Stars cast. Jose Cortes, who sings with the Gipsy Kings, performed that night as well.
Q: Are there any events people should be looking out for?
JT: We just did a Grammy event for Armani featuring Mark Ronson, and Calvin Harris also was at our Fallout 4 event. We are currently working on some really big events, but can’t say much at the moment. Keep checking our websites to stay updated.
Q: What are your favorite exclusive spots for late night drinks or dancing when your work is over?
JT: Warwick is my favorite place to hang out after work. It’s open three nights a week and you will always find a great crowd. Any club is good really, but there aren’t a lot of hot spot venues to choose from. For drinks, Chateau Marmont is one of my favorites.
Q: What can we expect to see from you in the upcoming year? What is your next move?
JT: We’re opening up a few things. Beso will be remodeled this summer and two leases for a restaurant and bar space are in the works. I’m looking into the Beverly Hills and West Hollywood area but can’t really say officially where they’ll be until everything is signed. We will also be opening up a barber shop on the Sunset Strip called “Like a Gentleman.”
Warwick
If you’re after the true Hollywood vibe, celebrities and all, Warwick is what you are looking for. The inside is decorated elegantly and the drinks are mixed to perfection. You know those places that serve you mostly ice and a smidge of gin? Warwick puts those watered-down drinks to shame. With great ambience, star power and drinks that satisfy, you can’t go wrong.
Hours: Wed 10:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m., Fri-Sat 10:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m., all other days closed
Native Knowledge: Wednesday is their most popular night and comes highly recommended
6507 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323.460.6667
Aventine
Aventine has a casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxing night out. Whether enjoying the famously almost-always-perfect weather in the outdoor seating area or basking in the warm ambiance of the rustic Italian décor indoors, you will never want to leave. Well, you will have to leave eventually, but you will never feel rushed, leaving you to enjoy your night to the fullest.
1607 N Cahuenga Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323.500.0969
Hours: Sun-Thur 6:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m., Fri-Sat 6:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m.
Beso
Mingle with the Hollywood A-list in this venue, run with the help of Eva Longoria, who is a partner. Beso is one of the most filmed restaurants in LA, see if you recognize the signature looks! It’s noted for the elegant Art Deco design. The beautiful decor and noteworthy guests will entice you. Not to mention the gourmet Latin cuisine will have you coming back time and time again.
6350 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323.467.7991
Hours: Mon-Thur 6:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m., Fri-Sat 5:30 pm-2:00 a.m., Sun closed
JT Torregiani Offers Insight Into His Life and Some of LA’s Premiere Establishments
Tyler Holland is a Southern California native, born in Los Angeles and spent his younger years between Los Angeles and Orange County. He has lived in several states and spent his High School years in British Columbia, Canada. He attended San Francisco State University to get his degree in International Relations before returning to Orange County. Tyler loves to explore the world around him and is always eager to seek out new experiences. Besides writing, his favorite activities include snowboarding, Muay Thai, playing bass guitar, dance and photography.
