Two years in, Telefèric has established a respected reputation for Spanish classics ranging from paella and jamón Ibérico to plenty of tapas and cocktails. Immensely growing in culinary prowess since its inaugural menu, they have filled the void of proper Spanish food.
But even more, the space has also continued to fill another void: that of Spanish music and culture. Taking over the charge previously led by Caminos Flamenco, Laura Gutierrez Vila of Laviva Flamenco—joined by the utterly gorgeous vocal intonations of singer Jacqueline Chandler—has brought a new liveliness to the space’s every-third-Wednesday-of-the-month flamenco nights.
It is not uncommon to hear the constant whoops of “Guapa!” and “Olé!” from patrons who have witnessed her intensity before—a reflection of her ability to command regulars while making newbies feel encouraged to yell in a moment filled with such sincere emotional artistry.
With its food continually growing in quality and variety—a hosted party for the brand’s 10-year anniversary in the States proved that, where sardine-wrapped green olives and guindillas were met with sandwiches stacked with Montealva cheese and jamón—Telefèric has embedded itself into the Long Beach community in more ways than one.
Lively and emotional, Laviva Flamenco brings the time-honored Spanish tradition to Telefèric Long Beach.
For Laura Gutierrez Vila, flamenco is far more than a performance art. It is a lifelong calling rooted in family. Culture. Cross-pollinating, both culturally and geographically. And identity.
Born and raised in a small village outside Valencia, Spain, Laura began dancing at just four years old and went on to build a professional career spanning ballet, modern dance, and flamenco. Her formal training culminated at Valencia University, where she studied under acclaimed Spanish dancers Maribel Gallardo Gomez and Mila de Vargas.
Before relocating to SoCal, she performed with dance companies throughout Europe and beyond. She toured internationally and appeared in traditional Spanish tablaos. And she was a finalist for Spain’s prestigious Ballet Nacional de España.
Today, Laura is best known as the founder of Laviva Flamenco, an Orange County-based performance troupe and educational program dedicated to preserving and sharing the traditions of flamenco. Through Laviva Flamenco, Laura has created a bridge between her Spanish heritage and local communities, offering audiences and students an authentic connection to one of Spain’s most celebrated artistic traditions. And now, that extends to the patrons of Telefèric Long Beach.
‘More than a passion; it’s a lifestyle:’ How Laviva Flamenco harnesses Spanish tradition.
Laura is equally passionate about teaching the history behind the dance as she is about the dance itself.
In interviews, she has described flamenco as “more than my passion; it’s my lifestyle,” emphasizing that the art form is the product of centuries of cultural cross-pollination. Flamenco’s roots stretch across southern Spain and incorporate influences from Romani travelers, North African musicians, Latin America, and, of course, former Spanish colonies.
Laura often highlights these connections in her classes and performances, noting how elements such as the Peruvian cajón and the Philippine mantón de Manila shawl became integral parts of modern flamenco across Spanish colonialization and imperialism.
That commitment to cultural storytelling has helped make Laviva Flamenco one of Orange County’s leading ambassadors of Spanish dance. Whether performing at festivals, wineries, private events, and community celebrations or teaching weekly classes in cities such as Dana Point, Vila approaches every appearance as an opportunity to share a piece of her homeland. Backed by musicians including her husband, Igor, on cajón, she continues to introduce new generations of Californians to the passion, rhythm, and emotional depth that have made flamenco a UNESCO-recognized cultural treasure.
What is Telefèric Long Beach?
Telefèric, which has its roots in San Cugat, just slightly northwest of Barcelona, opened in 1992. It pioneered what would become the Basque and Catalonia region’s staple: pintxos and tapas. The restaurant’s quick growth in patrons made the children of its owners, brother-and-sister team Xavier and Maria Padrosa, open shop in bustling Barcelona to equal acclaim.
After coming to the States on a scholarship, Xavier—called “Xavi” by friends—wanted to open up shop in NorCal, eventually having spots in Walnut Creek, Palo Alto, and Los Gatos before opening their first location in Los Angeles earlier this year.
“Southern California has really been a gem of a place for us,” Maria said. “Walnut Creek [our first location in the States] was a bit of a challenge getting people to understand the food. Here, people are either already knowledgeable of Spanish cuisine or, in the least, open to the experience of it… We’re truly honored to be a part of Long Beach.”
Some food highlights from Telefèric Long Beach.
As previously mentioned, the menu at Telefèric has been updated. And yes, that is a massive paella with an entire ribeye, two lobster tails, and a firecracker being let off in its center—because why not have a fiesta? Here are some highlights…
Salmon Tartare ($16): Citrus-marinated salmon | tostadas | avocado mayo
La Gamba ($16): Shrimp | bacon wraps | Cajun aioli
Burrata Bowl ($18): Burrata di Stefano | cherry tomato | basil romesco | kale chips
La Salada ($18): Avocado | tuna | cherry tomato | orange | hard-boiled egg
Wagyu Empanadas ($18): Braised short rib empanadas | Manchego crackers | mojo sauce
Fiesta Paella ($180): Lobster | ribeye steak | surf-and-turf paella
Some of the new drinks at Telefèric Long Beach…
The cocktails have always been one of the highlights of the space, contributing to Long Beach’s seemingly endless growth when it comes to cocktails. Here are some of their newer offerings, including a wonderfully concocted pine nut drink that oozes woodiness in all the right ways…
Red Velvet ($16): Plum-infused rye whiskey | cherry liqueur | red vermouth | almond | lemon | cherry mist
Fancy a Carrot? ($17): Fig leaf-infused tequila | carrot cordial | amontillado sherry | oregano | spicy agave
Al-Andalus Sour ($16): Idiazábal cheese-washed pisco | mezcal | quince cordial | lime | egg white
Pine-Apple Inception ($16): Vodka | pine nut orgeat | lime | spiced apple curd | bitters
Telefèric is located at 6420 Pacific Coast Hwy. #160 inside the 2nd & PCH complex.
