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Robert Irvine is at it again. The world famous chef and Food Network personality is set to return to Santa Cruz County next week to restore Ristorante Barolo from its current stale state.
Food Network's "Restaurant Impossible" was last in the area in October to do a number on Hoffman's in downtown Santa Cruz. Now Ristorante Barolo, the Aptos eatery located on the bottom floor of the Bayview Hotel, has its shot at glory.
"The restaurant applied online with us and they stood out for a lot of reasons," said "Restaurant Impossible" Associate Producer Erin Hilgedick. "They are characters. The fact that it is in an old hotel and historical building is very exciting to us. We really think that they have a great opportunity to do something cool with this space and they can do it with the right help. We can go in there and hopefully make a difference."
Shooting is set to begin Wednesday, Feb. 8 and will continue until 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, when the public is invited to the restaurant's grand re-opening. Anyone interested in attending the re-opening can contact the restaurant for reservations at 831-688-8654.
If you're looking for a before and after comparison of the food and interior decor, Ristorante Barolo will be open until production begins next Wednesday.
Stay tuned to Patch for full coverage of this exciting event. Have you been Ristorante Baroloto? If so, do you agree that it needs a makeover? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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itsmecissy
11:54 am on Thursday, February 2, 2012
I think that's a job for "Yard Crashers" (lol) not Robert Irvine.
Afestiveaffair Party-rentals
10:30 am on Friday, February 3, 2012
Give it a chance... No one said anybody didn't need a little help sometimes!
Shirley Christmore Stroh
12:52 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
Me thinks he likes it here in our gorgeous county!!
Jennifer Squires
2:10 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
I got a reservation. Ate there once before and think they can definitely improve, if you know what I mean.
Caledonia
3:41 pm on Thursday, February 2, 2012
They've certainly got the "characters" they need! I went in once for a drink & the owner (?) was very friendly. After about 10 minutes of friendly conversation, she invited me to a friends "get together". As she went on, I realized she was trying to cut me in on a pyramid scheme! She assured me how well it was working for her, she was making a killing! I'm guessing she didn't spend any of her earnings on Barolo - that's what Restaurant Impossible is for! Hilarious!
Afestiveaffair Party-rentals
10:38 am on Friday, February 3, 2012
Negativity never got anybody anywhere... at least she is positive. Every business has its faults - there's a reason why most family owned places struggle, and it basically because the lack of help & the lack of care of most the people who walk in & out of the building - Do you know the history of the Bayview Hotel(the LONGEST running hotel in SC county? Did you know it is a historical landmark? The Magnolia tree that stands in front is one of the oldest Magnolia Trees in the Western Hemisphere... This place has a ton of LOCAL history within it's walls & that being said, SC County has strict laws onto how much you can redevelop - so it's not JUST the owners fault it looks the way it does, IT's a lack of caring towards history that allows refurbishment towards the walls. WE are lucky that SC County is so beautiful that the food network would graciously come back... not only did they help Hoffman's they're helping HISTORY for the Bayview Hotel as they've been trying for a long time to get SC County permits for help & grants. Im proud to say "It's ok to ask for help when you know you need it" - We are all human - lets not forget it!
cindy mcdowell
1:03 pm on Friday, February 3, 2012
I'm all for helping out any business in Santa Cruz County and putting it on the map. It helps the industry and everyone who lives her. Historic landmarks should be preserved. They are what helps give Santa Cruz it's character. And I watch Restraunt Impossible every week. It's a popular show. I made reservations already!!! Thanks for this article and on the New Mt Maddonna Inn. I hope they both do well and bring more publicity and tourists to this county like Hoffman's has.