Chef Ari Taymor founded Alma in 2012 as a pop-up, which became an established restaurant that same year. His Southern California-inspired cooking has garnered attention… [Read More]The post Exclusive Interview with Award-Winning Chef Ari Taymor of Alma appeared first on Pursuitist.

Chef Ari Taymor founded Alma in 2012 as a pop-up, which became an established restaurant that same year. His Southern California-inspired cooking has garnered attention both domestically as well as internationally. In 2013, Alma was named America?s Best New Restaurant by Bon Appétit magazine. In 2014, Taymor was named Food & Wine?s Best New Chef. He also received a James Beard nomination as Rising Star Chef in both 2014 and 2015. Taymor?s food is influenced by his commitment to supporting the farmers and ranchers of Southern California.Taymor recently took the time to talk with Pursuitist about the state of the culinary and mixology world in Los Angeles.Pursuitist: How has the LA culinary and mixology scene evolved in the last few years" Where do you see it going"Taymor: I?ve seen it become more location based. For a long time LA would look outside for inspiration, giving way to a lot of Italian and French restaurants. Now, LA is developing its own flavor palate and identity and is looking to include more of a mix of the local culture and nature. It also coincides with younger people stepping up to take on more creative and leadership roles.Mixology-wise, it started with Juli...