Cinecittà – Alfredo Marando

Italian dishes and great cinema in Caracas

Alfredo Marando brought the cuisine of the Belpaese in Venezuela. In its Cine Città premises, inspired by the famous film studios Romans, traditional preparations are found smiles typical of the tricolour peninsula.

Ten restaurants opened in the Venezuelan cities of Caracas and Isla Margarita, with a combined turnover of 185 employees. For Alfredo Marando, owner of the long-running chain with over 60 years of history, Italianness is expressed above all through the cinematic atmosphere. He thus named his restaurants "Cine Città." These tasty stops offer a classic bar menu with pastries and pizzerias, but also serve as ice cream parlors and restaurants. Over half the ingredients used in their preparations come directly from Italy, making the dishes more authentic and recognizable. The walls are adorned with giant posters of Italian characters who have shaped cinema history, such as Don Vito Corleone, and reels of old films. Indeed, the Cinecittà film studio complex in Rome has produced masterpieces that have become famous throughout the Old World, helping to make the place a symbol of the Italian film industry. Many famous Italian directors and actors have worked at Cinecittà, such as Federico Fellini, Ettore Scola, Sergio Leone, Roberto Benigni, Luchino Visconti, Anna Magnani, Alberto Sordi, Vittorio De Sica, Sophia Loren, Gina Lollobrigida, Claudia Cardinale, etc., as well as many foreign directors and actors, including Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola.

And what could better represent the creativity of the Bel Paese?

The Cine Città headquarters is located in Caracas, on the outskirts of the metropolis, a city that has experienced rapid growth, establishing itself internationally as an example of creativity and craftsmanship. And, in the streets of the city center, you can find numerous restaurants specializing in European cuisine, including highly sought-after Italian and Spanish flavors.

The idea for the restaurant was born from Alfredo's desire to uphold Italy's reputation in another country, over eight thousand kilometers away. Traditional dishes, exquisite ingredients, and the sunny smiles typical of the Bel Paese.

This majestic entrepreneurial project bears the signature of Aba Arredamenti which, for the first time, has worked overseas.“I met Massimo Giaccherini while I was visiting my relatives in Poggibonsi. Many people told me he was the best in the pastry, bar, and restaurant business, and we immediately had a great connection.,” explains Marando“It took me just an hour of conversation, and with great intelligence, he immediately understood what I wanted to achieve. We translated Italian style into a modern interpretation, starting with the red and black colors inspired by the famous car manufacturer founded in Maranello by Enzo Ferrari. What's really important to me is that the space be impactful but always tidy, clean, and organized. The layout we chose with Aba succeeded in creating this extraordinary atmosphere that nods to the 1950s. It's a great challenge to try to attract an audience who loves the country of the tricolor and perhaps who have Italian roots like me.”Alfredo's parents were both born in Italy and have always remained deeply connected to the culture and style of the Bel Paese. He, on the other hand, was born in Venezuela but inherited this passion from them.

All the furniture pieces were conceived and designed in Italy. Alfredo, who returns to Tuscany at least four times a year, had the opportunity to interact with Massimo and the entire Aba team, to propose ideas and constantly monitor the dream as it took shape. Then came the manufacturing and assembly, halfway between the old and new continents. For Aba, too, it was a challenging challenge, one that, with commitment and determination, was overcome. The success achieved opened new horizons of creativity, allowing the company to establish itself in distant and unexplored markets.

“"We've given a modern twist to Italian style, starting with Ferrari-inspired colors. The layout we chose with Aba created this extraordinary space that nods to the 1950s."‘

“Aba's strength was its design, which excelled in both concept and functionality in a country with working practices completely different from those of Italy. Indeed, project management was crucial, with plant designs managed eight thousand kilometers away and with only one technical contact on site. Not to mention the surveys and production, which left no margin for error..” The historic Caracas headquarters is located at the base of the Polo 1 center near an important area, “la Mercedes” and is housed in a building annexed to the base of a skyscraper.“The 4-story building,” explains Marando"“It is completely closed by red glass, which is the predominant colour of the Cine Città concept, designed in its architectural part by Massimo Giaccherini and of which I am truly proud..” The restaurant covers 2,100 square meters and is divided into three floors, including a café, ice cream parlor, pizza, pasta, sushi, and Italian restaurant, an American bar, and a market selling all Italian products. “We will soon be opening the new Cine Città market on the fourth floor of approximately 800 square meters with a 500 square meter parking lot convenient for customers to purchase and load their cars in maximum safety..”

Although the social situation is not the best at the moment, Alfredo Marando continues to believe and invest in Venezuela and its great potential and the facts repay him because the Cine Città brand has become the point of reference for all Italians and non-Italians in Caracas.

And a new venue is already in the works; just wait and see what new chapter of cinema will grace its walls.