Right out of high school Citrin moved to Paris to study the classic French techniques of cooking. He apprenticed in French restaurants Vivarois and La Poste. After moving back to Los Angeles, Citrin worked in the kitchens of Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant, Chinois on Main located in Santa Monica.
California French, with Asian Influences.
Melisse Lemon Moon Cafe
Lobster Bolognese with Fresh Cappellini, Black Truffles and Basil.
Highlights include a two-star Michelin Guide rating for Mélisse in both 2008 and 2009 and numerous Zagat Guide awards which include "#1 American-French Restaurant for Food in Los Angeles" from 2003-2010. Gayot has also consistently recognized Citrin’s Mélisse as a "Top 40 US Restaurant" from 2006-2011.
Josiah Citrin grew up in Los Angeles surfing the waves of Southern California’s sun-drenched beaches. Although he still surfs when he has time, food has become his true passion.
Citrin discovered his love for food and cooking at an early age by constantly being exposed to wonderful home cooking by his two grandmothers and his mother, who worked as a caterer. Right out of high school Citrin moved to Paris to study the classic French techniques of cooking. He apprenticed in well-known French restaurants Vivarois and La Poste.
After moving back to Los Angeles, Citrin worked in the kitchens of Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant, Chinois on Main located in Santa Monica. Chinois is known for its fusion of Asian-inspired dishes with a California twist and prepared using French techniques. He then moved over to Puck’s restaurant Granita in Malibu. Citrin also worked at Pinot Bistro, which boasts an intimate French dining experience, and Joachim Splichal’s critically acclaimed French restaurant Patina located in the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown LA. He met his wife Diane while working there. Citrin then became Chef at Capri located in Venice and West Hollywood’s Jackson’s.
In 1996 Citrin partnered with his long-time friend Raphael Lunetta to open the French bistro JiRaffe in Santa Monica. The two chefs focused on serving California-French dishes in an intimate and comfortable setting. However in 1999 Citrin followed his dream of opening his own French fine-dining restaurant and sold his share of JiRaffe to Lunetta. He then opened Mélisse, which has since earned Citrin a two-star Michelin Guide rating. Citrin is adamant about using only the freshest produce, which he handpicks himself from the local farmers market. The signature dishes served here include lobster Bolognese with fresh cappellini, black truffles and basil, and liberty duck breast and confit with roasted turnips.
In 2004 Citrin and Lunetta teamed up again to open Lemon Moon Café, the quirky name originated from a translation of the two chef’s surnames. Lemon Moon caters to the West L.A. business crowd and serves up breakfast and lunch as well as to-go items, including sandwiches and salads.
Citrin has published one book, In Pursuit of Excellence, and has won a number of awards. Highlights include a two-star Michelin Guide rating for Mélisse in both 2008 and 2009 and numerous Zagat Guide awards which include: "#1 Top Food in Los Angeles" in 2006, 2008, and 2009, "#1 American-French Restaurant for Food in Los Angeles" from 2003-2010, and "#1 Service in Los Angeles" in 2010. Gayot has also consistently recognized Citrin’s Mélisse as a "Top 40 US Restaurant" from 2006-2011.
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