Our History

Creator of the Original Fettuccini Alfredo sauce over 60 years ago, world renowned chef and restaurateur Alfredo Bellinghieri Conti has served over 15 million people from all over the world. His restaurants Alfredo’s and La Trucha Vagabunda in the Zona Rosa of Mexico City were the culinary destination for diplomats, artists, and entertainers between 1959 and 1994. Among his recipes, he created the creamy, nutmeg-tinged Alfredo Sauce known throughout the world today. Alfredo’s restaurants were a favorite stomping ground for celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Charles Aznavour, Charlton Heston, Nat King Cole, Lucy and Desi Arnez, Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis, Jane Mansfield, Nelson Ed, Roberto Carlos, Cantinflas, Armando Manzanero, Dolores del Rio, Manolo Fabregas and countless others. Marylin and Alfredo would go on shopping expeditions for antiques, and Charlton Heston gifted him his costume from the movie Ben-Hur. Alfredo’s was a must-stop culinary experience for heads of state from President Kennedy to the King of Sweden. Many of these dignitaries and entertainers brought back his recipes to their homes, which eventually made their way into restaurants and food processors throughout the U.S. and the world. Born in Sicily in 1930, the Godfather of Domecq and Santo Tomas wines, Alfredo created distinctive dishes for generations of international guests and remains an unforgettable experience in the minds of the international community. Alfredo is singularly recognized for his contributions to culinary arts, which have left an indelible influence on the gastronomy and service industry of one of the world’s largest cities. In 1988, semi-retired, Alfredo, his beloved wife of 60 years Aurea Elzaurdia, his sons José & Fernando and his daughter Palma; moved to Baja California. On a whim, he had acquired a small hacienda- style hotel in the sleepy fishing village of San Felipe on the Sea of Cortez. He called it Las Palmas ( his mother’s name) and spent his time fishing, writing, painting, and cooking for family and friends. There, he developed his newest passion: learning how to “Nourish Yourself Deliciously” from his daughter, Chef Palma Bellinghieri Anbar. Through designing healthy dishes and lifestyles to improve the health of those suffering from chronic illnesses ranging from cardiovascular disease to chronic pain, Chef Palma headed the Vegetarian Cooking and Outreach Program for Scripps Integrated Health in San Diego. Every summer, she runs her children’s camp “For Young Chefs.” In addition to exciting catering projects, corporate events, and cooking classes, she is developing a soon-to-be- released line of products developed by her and her father. Alfredo had a vision. When he first saw the abundant sea life, warm ocean waters, and hot springs of the Sea of Cortez encircled by the Sierra Madre mountains, he knew that he had stumbled upon no less than a piece of paradise. Since 1988, Las Palmas Hotel Home of the Fettuccine has been inviting guests and families from around the world to enjoy that piece of paradise. Today, his daughter, Chef Palma Bellinghieri Anbar, celebrates Alfredo’s dream and makes his vision a reality. We can’t wait to share it with you. Welcome!