Food Network Salvaging Ristorante Barolo on 'Restaurant: Impossible'

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 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!

Do you get Patch in your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter by clicking on the "Patch Newsletter" link at the bottom of our home page.