127. Aitor Zabala: Somni Reimagined

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 connection.   We explore his Spanish roots, the spirit of Los Angeles, and how his work aims to spark emotion through every course, every detail, and every interaction.   This episode is for anyone who believes in the artistry of hospitality — and that the future of fine dining is not louder, but deeper.   Learn more about Somni:  https://bit.ly/43MHFwk     Follow Somni on Instagram: https://bit.ly/43S6Xt4     Follow Aitor on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3SExHbj     Follow On The Pass on Instagram: http://bit.ly/3Kvgm1n     Subscribe to On The Pass on YouTube: https://bit.ly/4hajZq8     Watch On The Pass Original: RARE, A Chef's Story: https://bit.ly/3NKDU2N     Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: http://bit.ly/3YS964b     Learn more about On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP     Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.onthepass.com