127. Aitor Zabala: Somni Reimagined
On The Pass
This week, Gabriel sits down with the deeply imaginative and visionary chef Aitor Zabala, the creative mind behind the newly reimagined Somni in Los Angeles. In this expansive and intimate conversation, Aitor opens up about the last five years — from losing precious creative time when the original Somni closed, to rebuilding not just a restaurant, but a philosophy. He shares how failure became a tool for growth, how time has reshaped his approach to leadership and storytelling, and why fine dining must be about more than just impressing — it must be about meaning, memory, and human...
info_outline
126. Pablo Rivero: Powering Restaurants in a New Era
On The Pass
Pablo Rivero is CEO of Resy + Tock and SVP of American Express Global Dining, leading the charge in reshaping how diners connect with restaurants worldwide. With a deep background in both strategy and hospitality, Pablo brings a rare blend of tech-forward thinking and boots-on-the-ground understanding of the industry. In this episode of On The Pass, Gabriel and Pablo dive into how he stays close to the heartbeat of restaurants even as his role becomes increasingly strategic. They discuss the evolution of Resy’s mission, the current structural challenges facing independent restaurants,...
info_outline
125: Hot Spot: Kwame Onwuachi of Tatiana
On The Pass
You may know Chef Kwame Onwuachi from his remarkable origin story — immortalized in his bestselling memoir, Notes from a Young Black Chef, celebrated on Top Chef, and most recently, reimagined on the latest season of Netflix Chef’s Table. His Harlem-born, Bronx-raised perspective, blended with global influences and deep cultural roots, has positioned him as one of the most compelling voices in food today. His New York City restaurant, Tatiana, has quickly become one of the most exciting and culturally significant dining experiences in the country — earning praise from The New York Times,...
info_outline
124. Andrew Wong: Our Chinese Restaurant
On The Pass
Our next guest is Chef Andrew Wong — chef, anthropologist, and cultural historian. Born in Britain and of Chinese heritage, Andrew’s culinary journey is a compelling blend of personal legacy and academic curiosity. It all began in 1985 when his parents opened a traditional Cantonese restaurant in London’s Pimlico neighborhood — the same location where his celebrated, two Michelin-starred restaurant, A. Wong, now stands. Since taking the reins in 2012, Andrew has reimagined what it means to serve Chinese cuisine in the West. Drawing on years of academic research, travel, and immersion...
info_outline
123. Hot Spot: Fariyal Abdullahi of Hav & Mar
On The Pass
Our next guest truly embodies joy—a sentiment beautifully reflected in the meaning of her name within her culture. Chef Fariyal Abdullahi is a multifaceted talent: an accomplished chef, entrepreneur, television personality, and the Executive Chef at Marcus Samuelsson's Hav & Mar restaurant, in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood. Born and raised in Ethiopia as the youngest of six siblings, Fariyal's culinary passion was deeply influenced by her mother's exceptional cooking and the vibrant markets of her childhood. She fondly recalls assisting her mother in the kitchen and cherishing...
info_outline
122. Ryan Cole of Salsify at the Roadhouse
On The Pass
In this special episode of On The Pass, we’re joined by Chef Ryan Cole, the visionary chef and co-owner of Salsify at The Roundhouse in Cape Town, South Africa. Recently recognized by 50 Best Discovery and acclaimed for its innovative approach to modern South African cuisine, Salsify was everything we could have hoped for—and more—for our first proper sit-down meal in Cape Town. Set within a historic landmark overlooking the breathtaking views of Camps Bay, Salsify blends heritage with culinary artistry, offering a dining experience that feels both rooted in tradition and refreshingly...
info_outline
121. Laurent Gardinier: Leading Relais & Châteaux
On The Pass
Many of my most unforgettable hospitality and culinary experiences have been meaningful not just because of their quality, creativity, or service, but because they fostered a deeper connection to the local culture, people, and traditions. These experiences go beyond excellence—they tell a story, evoke emotion, and create lasting impressions. This is exactly what our next guest has dedicated his career to curating, preserving, and championing. Joining us on this episode of On The Pass is Laurent Gardinier, President of Relais & Châteaux, a prestigious global association of...
info_outline
Effects Of Change Ep. 6: Fawn Weaver + Series Round Up
On The Pass
In Episode 6 of Effects of Change, Jamila and Gabriel sit down with Fawn Weaver, entrepreneur, author, and spirits mogul, CEO of Grant Sidney Inc. and owner of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. They discuss leading as your authentic self. Jamila and Gabriel close out the series by reflecting on everything they've learned through these conversations, the progress that has been made, and the work that still lies ahead. Learn More about Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey: Follow Fawn Weaver on Instagram: Follow On The Pass on Instagram: Follow our Host,...
info_outline
Effects Of Change Ep. 5: Clare Reichenbach + Tim Brooke-Web
On The Pass
In Episode 5 of Effects of Change, Jamila and Gabriel sit down with Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation, and Tim Brooke-Webb, Managing Director of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Bars, and Hotels platform. They discuss awards, recognition, and the importance of these platforms as vehicles for discovery and community building. Learn More about The World's 50 Best Ecosystem: Learn more about The James Beard Foundation: Follow Tim Brooke-Webb and Clare Reichenbach on Instagram: Follow On The Pass on Instagram: ...
info_outline
Effects Of Change Ep. 4: Melina Shannon-DiPietro + Juliane Caillouette Noble
On The Pass
In Episode 4 of Effects of Change, Jamila and Gabriel sit down with Melina Shannon-DiPietro, Managing Director of MAD, the nonprofit founded by chef René Redzepi of restaurant Noma, and Juliane Caillouette Noble, Managing Director of the Sustainable Restaurant Association. Together, they discuss sustainability, the supply chain, and the broader impact of how and what we eat. Follow Melina Shannon-DiPietro and Juliane Caillouette Noble on Instagram: Follow On The Pass on Instagram: Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: Watch On The...
info_outlineIn January 2023, Gabriel traveled to the southern Pacific Coast of Mexico, in the state of Guerrero, to experience Playa Viva, an eco-luxury and regenerative boutique hotel founded by our next guest, David Leventhal, and his then-wife shortly after purchasing the land in 2006.
Playa Viva is situated at the base of the Sierra Madre Mountains, just forty minutes from Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa International Airport (ZIH). This unique hotel embodies the concept "where your vacation meets your values™," dedicated to a triple-bottom-line approach that benefits the planet, people, and prosperity. With 19 treehouse rooms spread across nearly a mile of private beach and 200 acres of nature reserve, guests enjoy "The Luxury of Immersion in Nature."
In 2023, Playa Viva achieved B-Corp Certification, becoming a world-leading example of experiential travel. The hotel offers an authentic, all-encompassing regenerative experience, combining wellness, action/adventure, excursions to unique places, and a commitment to restoring and regenerating the landscape and local communities.
David’s passion for sustainability also led him to co-found Regenerative Travel, a company that connects travelers with independent hotels deeply rooted in their communities, enabling people, nature, and culture to thrive. Think of it as a Relais & Châteaux for ultra-eco-conscious sustainable properties worldwide. (I’ll include a link in the show notes to explore it further.)
During my stay at Playa Viva, David and I discovered a shared love for building community and fostering genuine human connection—a mission David has successfully pursued since the inception of Playa Viva.
In this episode, you’ll hear more about Playa Viva’s core values and why they have recieved numerous accolades from prestigious publications like Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure Co., and Global Design News, which have elevated David and his team to a global stage.
Learn more about Playa Viva:
Follow Playa Viva on Instagram:
Learn more about Regenerative Travel:
Follow On The Pass on Instagram:
Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas:
Learn more about On The Pass:
Read Gabriel's Articles:
Lets work together! Get in contact: