Luxury hotel attraction shut down after 'living nightmare' in pool exposed
Disturbing video highlights the 'nightmare' conditions where a pair of dolphins have been housed for the amusement of cashed-up tourists. In the wild, the animals could travel up to 100km in a day, but instead they were kept in two concrete tanks no bigger than swimming pools.
Heartbreakingly, the tanks at the Mexican hotel where they were confined were just metres from the Caribbean Sea near Cancún, a holiday destination popular with foreign travellers. Conditions at Dolphinaris Barceló at Barceló Maya Grand Resort were so concerning that this week it was ordered shut, and its gates were sealed by the government's environment protection agency PROFEPA.
Outspoken activist Phil Demers has repeatedly shared aerial footage of the dolphins on his Urgent Seas social media channels and called for their release. Speaking with Yahoo News on Friday, he said the dolphins had been living in shadeless pens that were 'very shallow'.
'It was a living nightmare for all of the dolphins there. The size was disproportionately small for what they needed. It was absurd, frankly,' he said.
'One of the great tragedies is the contrast of the size of their pool against the vast ocean, which is just metres away. Conditions were awful.'
An investigation into the facility was launched after a shocking moment at the park that was broadcast across social media in February, 2025 highlighting to the world how small the tanks were.
Filmed five years ago and then stashed away, it showed a dolphin attempting to perform a trick, misjudging the edge of the pool, and then crashing onto the edge. That animal survived, and was moved to another facility, but he is now blind in one eye and has just 60 per cent vision in the other due to keratitis — a condition that causes inflammation of the cornea.
PROFEPA said the facility in southwest Mexico's Quintana Roo had been closed due to 'various operational irregularities".
They included a failure to report "dangerous incidents", acrobatic performances that endanger animals, unregulated water temperature, forcing animals to complete tricks when unwell, and problems with water temperature.
BREAKING: The dolphin tank at Hotel Barcelo in Riviera Maya, Mexico has been permanently closed. Thank you to all the tireless advocates who fought so hard for this resolve. Now we must ensure the dolphins are responsibly removed and relocated. More to come. pic.twitter.com/2jvIaE694e
— @UrgentSeas (@urgentseas) May 13, 2025
Demers said the outcome highlights both the power of social media and the work of activists who protested there every day.
'This has gone on for far too long, but credit to the activists who never gave up. Sometimes there were only one or two protesters out front, but they never gave up,' he said.
Now that the facility has been closed, the focus is turning to what happens to the dolphins. The most likely outcome is that they will be moved to another facility, sparking fresh concerns that their lives will continue down a sad path.
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According to Demers, the closure of Dolphinaris Barceló tells a much bigger story about the failure of dolphin parks. Last year, US-based Miami Seaquarium was ordered to close following an investigation by authorities, while Marineland Antibes permanently shut its doors due to declining attendance and improved animal welfare regulations in France.
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Forbes
3 hours ago
- Forbes
Best Hotels In Mexico City 2025
T he best hotels in Mexico City offer top-notch accommodations across a wide range of neighborhoods, from stylish Condesa to artsy Coyoacan. Whether you're looking to explore Frida Kahlo's house, watch a lucha libre wrestling match in Arena Mexico or go on an immersive taco crawl, a trip to Mexico's capital is a culturally enriching experience that an increasing number of travelers are seeking out. To select the best accommodations, we tapped experts like Marcos Ramirez, a travel advisor at NUBA, for key insights. Our top overall pick is Casa Polanco thanks to its superb service and beautiful architecture, while The St. Regis Mexico City is the city's most luxurious stay. Couples seeking an intimate hideaway will appreciate La Valise Mexico City, while families will enjoy the many amenities offered at Kimpton Virgilio. Below, our selections for the best hotels in Mexico City in 2025, based on multiple trips and stays. Guest room at Casa Polanco. Casa Polanco Who Will Love It: Stylish travelers who appreciate art and bespoke service All-Star Amenities: Rooftop spa cabin; world-class art in every room; an exclusive partnership with local perfumery Xinú on in-room bath products What Not To Miss: The complimentary minibar stuffed with chef-prepared snacks Location: Polanco This 19-room luxury hotel, which sits right in the heart of posh shopping district Polanco, is a favored stay among stylish travelers. 'It's a fascinating example of the city's architectural heritage,' says Ramirez. 'You feel as though you've escaped the vibrant city and entered a calm, relaxing house.' Rooms here are intentionally designed with a minimalist touch, occasionally punctuated with stunning art and decorative pieces by Mexican creatives like Ricardo Mazal, Jordi Boldó and Graciela Iturbide. Every room comes with a complimentary minibar stocked with treats like matcha-covered blueberries as well as bath and bodycare products developed in partnership with Xinú, a chic local perfumery. You can also work with experience planners to craft exclusive excursions like private evening tours of Chapultepec Castle. Suite bedroom at The St. Regis Mexico City. Courtesy of The St. Regis Mexico City Who Will Love It: Luxury lovers and Champagne enthusiasts All-Star Amenities: A well-appointed kids club; four restaurants and bars; 24-hour butler service What Not To Miss: La Table Krug, the private dining room that serves an eight-course French meal paired with Krug Champagne Location: Reforma Perched right on Paseo de la Reforma, steps away from the Angel of Independence statue, The St. Regis Mexico City is in the heart of the business district while still just minutes from trendier districts like Condesa and Roma. The spacious guest rooms (designed to look like sleek private residences) come with equally roomy marble bathrooms. There are four restaurants and bars that stand out even in such a gastronomic city. La Table Krug, the private dining room that serves an eight-course French meal paired with Krug Champagne, is among the most coveted culinary experiences in town. And to keep up with your wellness regimen, there's an indoor pool with fantastic views of the skyline, an impressive fitness center, and Remède Spa for massages, facials, or just a relaxing session in the sauna. Hotel Carlota's building centers around an outdoor pool. Hotel Carlota Who Will Love It: Travelers seeking excellent amenities at an approachable price All-Star Amenities: Spa; L'Occitane toiletries; outdoor pool; complimentary bicycle rentals; pet-friendly What Not To Miss: The on-site library Location: Cuauhtémoc Mexico City's hip Cuauhtémoc neighborhood is known for its many art galleries and cultural institutions. Reflecting its surroundings, Hotel Carlota offers travelers an industrial-chic escape that leans in on architecture and design while offering plenty of high-end amenities. The 36-room hotel near Paseo de la Reforma is packed with personalized touches, like Mexican candies awaiting guests in each room, a stylish library and an outdoor pool—along with a happening bar alongside it—that serves as the property's centerpiece. Guests can also indulge in seafood-forward dishes at the on-site Julia Bistro, helmed by celebrated chef Fernando Martínez Zavala. Plus, rooms can regularly be snagged for around $150 a night, even during peak season (November through April). Best Boutique Hotel In Mexico City: Casa Tenue Guest room at Casa Tenue. Casa Tenue Casa Tenue Who Will Love It: Those seeking an intimate hideaway All-Star Amenities: Rainfall showers; private courtyards What Not To Miss: The contemporary local art collection curated by Mexico City gallery ÑÚ Location: Roma Norte 'I almost don't want to share this little gem,' says travel advisor and Mexico City native Ioanna Alvarez of her top recommendation, Casa Tenue. The property, which opened its doors this spring, features just eight rooms in a historic home—the neighborhood's second-oldest. Lovingly restored and designed by architecture firms Vertebral and Habitación 116, guests are welcomed by sleek concrete, earthy stone, locally crafted furnishings and natural fabrics. 'It feels like a home,' says Alvarez. 'The rooms are beautifully curated and are all about design.' Many of the rooms have access to private courtyards, and the hotel's location in trendy Roma Norte is steps away from shops, boutiques and restaurants. For larger groups, the property can even be booked out as a private home on Airbnb. Best Hotel For Couples In Mexico City: La Valise Mexico City The Cilene Suite at La Valise Mexico City. Courtesy of Namron Hospitality La Valise Mexico City Who Will Love It: Honeymooners; couples looking for an intimate hideaway All-Star Amenities: Private terraces; 420-thread-count linen-cotton sheets; Loredana toiletries; in-room projectors; outdoor bathtubs and showers What Not To Miss: The suites with slide-out king-sized beds Location: Roma Couples craving a romantic pied-à-terre will find it at La Valise, a gorgeous boutique hotel in the cool Roma neighborhood. This adults-only, pet-free sanctuary used to have just three rooms, making it tricky to nab a reservation. Thanks to an expansion in 2024, it now offers eight suites with even more dreamy features. Each spacious hideaway is individually designed with custom furnishings and Mexican artifacts and antiques. The concierge can arrange everything from food tours to in-suite massages to hot air balloon rides over the archaeological site of Teotihuacan. Best of all, the hotel has partnered with a selection of restaurants in the area to deliver freshly made breakfasts, snacks and other meals to the suite. Best Hotel In Mexico City For Families: Kimpton Virgilio Bathroom at Kimpton Virgilio. Courtesy of Kimpton Virgilio Kimpton Virgilio Who Will Love It: Multigenerational groups and families who value style and space All-Star Amenities: Complimentary evening social hour; loaner bikes; special amenities for kids and pets What Not To Miss: The rooftop swimming pool and bar Location: Polanco With its spacious family rooms, amenities for all ages and central location next to Lincoln-Polanquito Park, Kimpton Virgilio is one of the best hotels in Mexico City for families. The 48-key property, which opened in February 2024, provides a convenient base for exploring the area's many museums and restaurants. It also offers plenty of the amenities many people have come to associate with the Kimpton brand, including an outdoor pool, in-room yoga mats and a fitness center. A dedicated kids' program, which includes welcome gifts, cribs and child-friendly dining, also makes it an appealing option for those traveling with little ones. When you're ready for adventure, borrow a complimentary bike and explore the nearby Bosque de Chapultepec, home to a castle, botanical gardens, a zoo and a great children's museum. Best Airbnb In Mexico City: Casa Teo Guest room dining table at Casa Teo. Courtesy of Casa Teo Casa Teo Who Will Love It: Foodies looking for an independent stay All-Star Amenities: Priority booking at Pujol, Mexico City's premier fine-dining restaurant; an on-site tasting dinner What Not To Miss: Organized excursions around the city Location: Polanco Located in the heart of Polanco, Casa Teo is a unique serviced apartment run by one of Mexico's most celebrated chefs, Enrique Olvera. Olvera originally launched Casa Teo in order to host friends—mostly other famous chefs visiting from all over the world—and has since opened the guesthouse up for public bookings. Casa Teo is a boutique bed-and-breakfast experience, so there aren't a ton of amenities, but you do get a fantastic chef-made breakfast (think fresh bread, light bites and coffee) as well as the option to arrange a tasting meal in the on-property dining room, prepared by a member of Olvera's team. And if you're looking for help with your CDMX itinerary, your hosts can recommend everything from the hottest new cocktail bars in town to more immersive cultural experiences in and around Mexico City. Best Hotel For Design Lovers In Mexico City: Octavia Casa Guest room at Octavia Casa. Courtesy of Octavia Casa Octavia Casa Who Will Love It: Design-minded travelers who want to be in the center of it all but still want privacy All-Star Amenities: Soothing minimalist design; great location; plenty of privacy What Not To Miss: Breakfast delivered daily from a nearby bakery Location: Condesa In this seven-room hotel, Mexican designer Roberta Maceda meticulously created the guesthouse of her dreams that acts as an extension of her fashion and decor brand, Octavia. With its location in the heart of the happening neighborhood of Condesa—walking distance from top restaurants, trendy shops and cool cocktail bars—it makes sense that the property allows for guests to have a thoroughly independent stay. The natural-leaning interior design (rooms are named after things like rock, or roca , and linen, or lino ) features a mix of furniture and accessories by national designers like Onora, Encrudo and Ente as well as pieces from Octavia's latest homeware releases. Accommodation categories range from standard rooms to larger studios and all come with balconies. Best Spa And Wellness Hotel In Mexico City: Sofitel Mexico City Reforma Spa at Sofitel Mexico City Reforma. Courtesy of Sofitel Mexico City Reforma Sofitel Mexico City Reforma Who Will Love It: Travelers who want spa time in the sky All-Star Amenities: Five restaurants and bars; a pool with fantastic views; a full-service spa in partnership with French skincare brand L'Occitane What Not To Miss: A drink at Cityzen, the highest rooftop bar in Mexico City Location: Reforma Located on the iconic boulevard of Paseo de la Reforma, Sofitel Mexico City Reforma ticks a lot of boxes. Its 275 modern rooms and suites are housed inside a glistening 40-story glass skyscraper, offering fantastic views over the surrounding metropolis. It's also home to the best spa in CDMX: a luxe wellness retreat that sits on the 39th floor, where massages and facials come with a bird's-eye view. Wellness experiences here can range from yoga and meditation to sound healing, but you may want to try the 90-minute Sleep and Reset treatment, which is aimed at promoting total relaxation, starting with a mindful breathing exercise followed by a full-body rubdown. A floor below that is the elegant and beautifully decorated pool, a great perk that is exclusively accessible to hotel guests. Hotel With The Best Views In Mexico City: The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City Samos Terrace. Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City Who Will Love It: Luxury travelers who want the city's best views All-Star Amenities: Six-room spa; a heated indoor swimming pool; exclusive experiences What Not To Miss: The Club Lounge's culinary tastings Location: Reforma Occupying the top 13 floors of a 59-story skyscraper, The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City is simply unbeatable when it comes to views. And considering the hotel's location at the entrance of Bosque de Chapultepec (CDMX's answer to Central Park), incredible vistas can be seen from almost every corner of the property. Ninety percent of the hotel's 153 rooms come with private balconies and terraces, and if you're staying in the building's west side, you can even spot Chapultepec and the mountains further afield. Southeast rooms look over Paseo De La Reforma and the iconic monuments that dot it: Angel de la Independencia, Fountain of Diana the Huntress and the Monument to Cuauhtémoc. When you're ready to put your camera down, the hotel also curates bookable experiences that offer a different view of the city, including a natural wine bar crawl with a sommelier or private classes with a local artist. Why Trust Forbes Vetted The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe. The travel section is managed by Forbes Vetted's senior travel editor Astrid Taran, an 8-year industry veteran who's visited over 40 countries and has spent a good amount of time enjoying the excellent museums and constantly evolving food scene of Mexico City. This story was edited by deputy editor Jane Sung, who oversees the travel, beauty and fashion verticals at Forbes Vetted. She has extensively traveled throughout Mexico, including multiple visits to Mexico City, which she considers one of her favorite cities in the world. For this story, Taran collected key insights from NUBA travel advisors Marcos Ramirez and Ioanna Alvarez, who both have extensive experience booking trips to Mexico City. Alvarez is also a Mexico City native. How We Chose The Best Hotels In Mexico City We selected the top contenders based on personal stays as well as extensive research. For this story, Taran combined first-person experience at hotels she's stayed at and spent hours combing through reviews on TripAdvisor, hotel websites and more. We included a selection of larger hotels as well as intimate boutique stays. We also included family-friendly properties as well as ones more oriented towards couples and adult groups. We included hotels and Airbnbs across a wide range of Mexico City neighborhoods, including Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Reforma and Cuauhtémoc. More Travel Stories:
Eater
4 hours ago
- Eater
Where Cookbook Author Rick Martinez Eats in His Hometown of Mazatlán, Mexico
I didn't move to Mazatlán for the food — but it's one of the main reasons I never I first came here five years ago, it was just one quick stop on a longer research trip for Mi Cocina , my James Beard Award-winning, regional Mexican cookbook. I'd heard whispers that the shrimp in Mazatlán was the best in Mexico — maybe the best in the world. I was skeptical, but curious. And then I tasted it. Sweet, plump, cold from the ocean, a perfect vehicle for lime and lots of chiles. That was the beginning of my love for the city, which resulted in my move here in 2020. Since then, this city has seeped into every corner of my life and routine. I live a few blocks from the ocean, where fishermen bring in their boats before dawn and soon get busy selling their catch — sweet scallops, oysters, fish for ceviches and aguachiles — straight from the beach to vendors, restaurants, and home cooks. (People eat seafood here in the morning because that's when it's at its best.) I walk to the mercado and pass stalls piled high with tomatoes so ripe they practically sauce themselves, avocados that are always ripe and creamy like butter, limes still fragrant from the tree, and pineapples still warm from the sun. By afternoon, the air thickens and tacos emerge full of cabeza, tripa, and other meats — and they don't retreat until 3 a.m. The food isn't rushed or forced. It's seasonal, local, intuitive — a reflection of the people who cook it and the land and sea that sustain it. At the places I love most, you can feel the passion and the sazón. There's a tea shop down the street from my house where a young baker taught himself how to make laminated pastries on YouTube. There's a couple from Mexico City making tlacoyos and tacos with masa as intense as the filling. There's a seafood stand with the best aguachile in town, expertly butterflied shrimp, and three ridiculously gorgeous salsas. These restaurants aren't just following tradition; they're expanding it, pushing it, making it their own. I've eaten in every corner of this city. From the loudest stalls to the quietest cafes. These are the places I return to again and again. The places that taste like Mazatlán. The places that taste like home . This serene tea salon started as a plant-filled cafe focused on chai, matcha, and vegetable-focused dishes. Then it hired José Armando Arellano, a self-taught local baker who mastered European pastries through curiosity and determination. I love coming here because I'm a laminated pastry obsessive with high standards and zero self-control. His ham and cheese croissant is a revelation; made with dough laminated with guajillo chile butter, it bakes into crispy, spicy layers wrapped around salty ham and cheddar. It tastes like a flaky, porky miracle. The bostock — a frangipane (almond cream) topped brioche — is a perfect hybrid of French toast and almond croissant. Both are decadent, deeply satisfying, and often gone before noon. I come for the pastries, but the hojicha lattes (roasted green tea), matcha, and sense of calm keep me there. Constitución 620, Centro Histórico . Open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Monday; closed Tuesday Aguachile, a dish born in Sinaloa and arguably perfected in Mazatlán, is a bite of spicy, oceanic bliss, combining raw shrimp with a searing mix of lime juice and fresh serrano chiles, cucumber, red onion, and (if you're smart) creamy avocado. After trying versions everywhere from fancy restaurants to plastic-stool puestos, I come back to Ay Papá again and again. I love coming here because this is the best aguachile in Mazatlán — and I've done the research. Just north of Centro, this casual, super local restaurant slices its shrimp whisper-thin so it soaks up every drop of that lime-chile 'agua.' It's cold, spicy, salty, and wildly fresh, perfect with the crispy tostadas or a stack of Saladitas (Mexico's far superior version of saltines). On the side, you'll get three salsas: a green serrano salsa for extra sting, a fiery red chile de árbol, and a deep, umami-rich, soy sauce-based salsa negra. I use all three. My ideal bite? A half tostada, one giant tender shrimp slice, a half-moon of cucumber, some avocado, a spoonful of salsa, and a sliver of red onion. It's crunchy, creamy, tangy, spicy, and ice-cold — basically the culinary equivalent of jumping into the ocean in August. Antonio Rosales 2104A, Mazatlán . Open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday through Monday; closed Tuesday and Wednesday Mariscos Piquillas is one of those effortlessly cool neighborhood gems where you can settle into a white plastic chair under the trees, sip a michelada, and let the hours melt away. It's casual and deeply local, with sidewalk seating, friendly staff, and the kind of laid-back energy that makes you want to order another round just to keep the vibe going. Bring a date, bring your friends, bring your book — it all works here. I love coming here because a perfect afternoon involves seafood, beer, and zero urgency. The menu leans Baja-ish with light, tempura-style seafood tacos served on excellent blue corn tortillas. But the standout, for me, is the taco de chicharrón y pulpo: fatty, crispy pork belly paired with tender grilled octopus and splashed with a punchy salsa verde. It sounds chaotic. It is. And it works. The restaurant also does a tostada de chile morita that layers smoky peanut salsa with cucumber, onion, and your choice of shrimp (raw or cooked) and octopus; the combination of textures is incredible. And while the aguachile de chile morita may not be the most traditional in town, it's deeply flavorful and just spicy enough, with the signature dark, smoky heat of the chile morita. Avenida Miguel Alemán 915, Centro, Mazatlán . Open from noon to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday; closed Monday 1/8 Best to try every meat option. The name does not lie — this taco cart-meets-open-air-restaurant serves super tacos. By 4 p.m., the team fires up the grill on a busy street corner near the beach, and it stays hot until well after midnight. I love coming here because some nights are made for cabeza and tripitas, and this spot is the undisputed king of tacos after dark. Customers order their meat of choice (six kinds, if you're counting) and preferred format: tacos (maíz or harina), vampiros (rippled, crispy tortillas that look like vampire wings), chorreadas (corn gorditas with asiento de puerco and queso Chihuahua), or quesadillas (flour tortillas with melty cheese and meat). My move is a flour quesadilla with cabeza (rich, fall-apart cow's head meat) and an extra crispy tripa quesadilla on the side, but whatever route you take, you're in good hands. But it's not just the food — it's the whole vibe . The smells of carne asada, cabeza, tripa, and al pastor fill the air, while the sounds of banda spill out from cars and sidewalk speakers. It's open-air, loud, happy, and totally infectious, the ideal stop after a night of dancing, karaoke, beach beers, or cruising the Malecón. You sit shoulder to shoulder with friends, families, and strangers, inhaling carne and laughter in equal measure. It's not just a taco stop. It's a Mazatlán ritual. Calle Segunda Carvajal 3057-C, Reforma . Open from 4 p.m. to 2 or 3 a.m., Tuesday through Sunday; closed Monday La Chilanga ES is a Mexico City-style restaurant run by a couple who brought their masa, recipes, and Chilanga (CDMX resident) spirit to Mazatlán. They nixtamalize and grind their own corn, and build the menu around masa-rich classics like gorditas, tlacoyos, huaraches, quesadillas, sopes, and more. I love coming here because CDMX cravings hit hard when you're 600 miles away. My forever order? The gordita de chicharrón prensado — those crispy, fatty bits of pork belly pressed into masa are ecstasy. The runner up has to be the quesadilla de huitlacoche with Oaxacan cheese, folded into a thick, chewy tortilla that actually tastes like corn. And then there's the pambazo, maybe the only one in Mazatlán: a soft telera roll dunked in guajillo chile sauce, grilled until toasty and red, then stuffed with chorizo, potatoes, beans, lettuce, crema, and queso. It's messy and spicy, and it calls to me. Dr. Carvajal 2501, Centro, Mazatlán . Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday; closed Monday See More: Celebrities Mexico Travel Guides
Eater
20 hours ago
- Eater
Displaced by Wildfires, the Palisades Community Finds a Slice of Home as Cinque Terre West Reopens in Venice
As the Palisades Fire burned through the Santa Monica Mountains on January 7, 2025, Marlo and chef Gianbattista 'Gianba' Vinzoni were on a flight approaching Los Angeles International Airport. They watched massive plumes of smoke darken the sky from the window of their plane, which was the last flight allowed to land before the airport closed for the night. Since the devastating fires, the couple, who previously lived with their two children in the Palisades, relocated their family to multiple temporary rentals before settling in Venice. They were forced to close their longtime Palisades restaurant, which was severely damaged, and eventually operated out of Venice ghost kitchen the Colony on Lincoln Boulevard. But as of June 23, the Vinzonis have reopened their locally loved restaurant Cinque Terre West at 523 Rose Avenue in Venice, in the space previously occupied by Bluestone Lane. For Palisades wildfire survivors, Cinque Terre West's reopening is a welcome sight. Displaced Palisades resident Andre Ulloa was instrumental in helping the Vinzonis bring their restaurant back to life. Ulloa, who works in the financial sector and formerly served as CEO of Yamashiro in Hollywood for 15 years, invested in the restaurant so the couple could reopen. Ulloa finds it comforting to see Cinque Terre West's return. 'Marlo and Gianba were able to make deep connections with the Palisades,' says Ulloa. 'The new location still has that aura they captured in the Palisades. With so many residents relocating to Venice, they're providing a slice of nostalgia because it was such a special space for the many generations who lived in the Palisades.' Regulars will find the same menu with branzino and tuna shallot crudos, grilled octopus salad, pan-seared Chilean sea bass, pizzas, and Gianba's homemade lobster pasta. From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., daily brunch and lunch include a classic American breakfast as well as omelettes, Italian croissants and focaccia made by Gianba, breakfast sandwiches, and salads. Gianba also makes Cinque Terre's gluten-free pizza crust and focaccia, and serves gluten-free pasta as an alternative to the standard pasta he and his team make in house. The two transformed the former Bluestone Lane into their own personal space. The 1,200-square-foot restaurant seats 50 with a sunny patio on this busy stretch of Rose Avenue next to Venice Beach Wines and modern Mexican restaurant Chulita. The couple took weeks to clean out the space, repaint, and add distinctly coastal Italian artwork to make it a bright, inviting dining room with a deep ocean blue exterior. They're working with the city in hopes of adding the established al fresco sidewalk dining space, but also have the front patio with new floors for diners to nest on. Before opening on Monday, Marlo and Gianba found a loyal stream of customers who continued to ask them when they would open. Many of these regulars either moved permanently or are waiting for repairs on their Palisades homes. The Vinzonis won't be able to move back into their Palisades condo for at least a year. Both believe they persevered in these last six months because of the inherent up-and-down nature of restaurant ownership. 'We always find a way to keep going and restarting,' says the Italian-born Gianba. 'I always tell everybody that if I ever have a heart attack, I'm not going to die right away.' 'I'll clean the plate, cook, serve, and then I can just collapse on the floor,' he adds, laughing. Cinque Terre West is open for brunch from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily at 523 Rose Avenue, Venice, CA, 90291. Dinner is 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Friday until 9:30 p.m., and Sunday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. See More:
