When Andrew Kirschner departed Wilshire Restaurant to open his own place, Tar & Roses, Nyesha Arrington was faced with succeeding one of L.A.’s hottest chefs. But rather than try to emulate Kirschner, she has put her own personality into the menu at Wilshire, an establishment that has over the years morphed from hot spot to neighborhood favorite, where regulars range from unassuming locals to movie-industry heavyweights. Arrington, a protégé of Josiah Citrin, says, “Not a day goes by that I don’t draw from my time at Mélisse under his tutelage.”
Having reached her goal of becoming an executive chef by 30, Arrington says, “Being successful at a young age absolutely puts more pressure on me.” She is conscious of presenting herself in a light that garners respect: “I do try to work twice as hard to be taken seriously by those who doubt me because of my age.”
Wilshire Restaurant, 2454 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.586.1707.