September 23, 2025 - Coffee Bean in Marina Del Rey - James Legge a man of many characters one being in the high end restaurant world having worked with Wolfgang Puck when he opened Spago in the 80's

When I was staying on and off in Marina del Rey with a friend in Marina Del Rey, I spent a lot of time working out of the Coffee Bean near the AMC 6 theater. It’s one of the few spots with outlets—and interestingly, it’s the same theater Dean Hadley, who attended Piney Woods School, grew up going to, and the same theater I saw Spiderman : Across The Spider-verse, (see Nick episode for the spiderweb themes) with Dean which was voiced by my lead in Cut Throat City, Shameik Moore.That shopping center mattered to me for another reason too. It was one of the visual set pieces I always imagined while dreaming about rebooting They Live. Some places just hold ideas differently.One afternoon, sitting there working, I met a man who seemed to know everyone who walked through the door. His name is James Legge.As we talked, I realized James has lived many lives in one. He started out as a Michelin-star-level chef, working alongside Wolfgang Puck when Spago first opened in the 1970s. From there, his journey took him around the world—opening high-end restaurants, building experiences, understanding hospitality at the highest level. Today, James is a gemologist, among many other pursuits.What struck me most wasn’t just his résumé—it was his depth. His understanding of craft, excellence, and culture across decades.That world—hospitality, food, experience, atmosphere—is a core pillar of the Love Street Experience. Because of that, I’ve brought James in as an advisor to what Tommy Bina and I are building long term: Love Street Utopias around the world.This episode captures the very first conversation James and I ever had. Not long after, he joined us again at Canyon Country Store with Tommy Bina and Michael Vonn. You can find episodes with both of them as well—one owns the store, the other I met through my work and connections during RFK Jr.’s presidential run.This is how Love Street grows.Through real conversations.In unexpected places.With people who’ve lived full, layered lives.Enjoy the conversation.