Chef Michael Cimarustiās Intuitive, Seasonal Cooking Takes Center Stage at Best Girl
Angelenos flock to downtown Los Angelesā Ace Hotel for the vibrant rooftop patio and pool, the cozy, impeccably decorated rooms or the renowned theatre with its long lineup of often sold-out shows. And, as of the last two years, thereās another reason to swing by: Best Girl, the Ace Hotelās first-floor fine dining establishment, which, on most evenings, is brimming with the same kind of energy the hotel has become so well adored for. Celebrity Chef Michael Cimarusti
Aptly named after My Best Girlāthe first film shown at the adjacent theater on Oct. 31, 1927ā Best Girl opened its doors exactly 90 years later, which is a simultaneous homage to the buildingās storied past and a tasteful look to the future. The jewel-toned space is an open floor plan lined by pillowed booths and tall windows that peer into ever-busy Broadway.
At the restaurantās helm is Chef and partner Michael Cimarusti. Heās somewhat of a celebrity in Los Angelesā food-focused circles and the cityās de facto expert in anything seafood. His much-loved Hollywood establishment, Providence, topped Jonathan Goldās Best Restaurants list four years straight. The chefās second restaurant, Connie and Tedās, is a long-time neighborhood favorite. Heās the perfect personāwith the personality, expertise and refreshing visionāto also turn Best Girl into a classic.
But with plenty on his plate already, how did Chef Cimarusti end up at the Ace? Celebrity Chef Michael Cimarusti
āFrom the very first time I walked into the [Ace Hotel] lobby in New York City, I realized it was something special and different,ā he recalls. āWhen the LA location asked me to be involved, I thought maybe I wasnāt cool enough. But the more I came here and met with the chefs and the management team, the more I realized what this restaurant could become.ā Celebrity Chef Michael Cimarusti
Best Girl has become a downtown favorite, offering all-day bites in a fun, no-pressure, come-as-you-are atmosphere. Donāt stress about being coolājust bring time and a budget to try several standout dishes from the tempting menu. Chef Cimarustiās talent and passion for fresh, high-quality ingredients shine through in every bite you take. His intuitive menu starts at home, where he hosts friends, tests recipes and watches how people react to each dish.
āThe menu at Best Girl is really inspired by what I like to cook at home,ā Chef Cimarusti says.
A precious day off might look like this: browsing local produce at either the Hollywood or Santa Monica Farmers Market. Then he zips over to Highland Park mainstay Cookbook Market for some locally and ethically sourced protein. After that, itās back home again, which is where the creative sparks really start to fly. He often arranges ingredients in an edible collage to preview flavors, colors and presentation for both chefs and future guests.
āSometimes, more simplicity is better,ā Cimarusti explains. āIt can be hard to pull off; itās something Iāve had to grow into as a chef.ā
One thingās certaināheās mastered the art of simple cooking done beautifully. The result: expertly prepared, wholesome meals that place fresh ingredients front and center, elevating all the best aspects of new Californian cuisine.
Several ingredients on the Best Girl menu are sourced locally. Seafood choicesāthe chefās specialtyārange from a half-dozen oysters to a fragrant, inimitable Portuguese fishermanās stew. Chef Cimarusti works with fisheries, farmers and vendors up and down the coast. Over the years, he has built steadfast relationships in the industry. āIt all comes down to sourcing,ā Chef Cimarusti explains.
āWe try to work with local vendors, and weāre lucky that, along the Pacific coast, thereās a great diversity available to us.ā
There are numerous other dishes worthy of consideration. Vegetable lovers will want to dig into the roasted carrots. They deliver all the earthy comfort of a classic root dish, elevated by a sweet-and-spicy kick from red onions and chopped Mission figs scattered on top. Or perhaps your server will recommend the bucatini a cacio e pepeāafter all, who can deny that a twirl of noodles belong with creamy butter, cheese and a dash of cracked black pepper? At Best Girl, the food feels satisfyingly decadent without being overly indulgent. Chef Cimarusti himself recommends the duck breast, served tender, surrounded by roasted Tokyo turnips, black olives and seasoned with citrus and coriander.
For many, the Ace Hotel might represent a home away from home or perhaps a go-to retreat to escape the routine of everyday life. Now, you donāt even have to leave the building for simple, seasonal and sustainable dining at its best.Ā
Best Girl
927 S Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90015
213.235.9660
Ace Hotel
929 S Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90015
213.623.3233
Photography Provided By: Best Girl, Atelier Ace Celebrity Chef Michael Cimarusti