Long-time and former residents of Palms fondly remember ZaBumBa, the ubiquitous Brazilian restaurant, bar, and energetic gathering space that was a staple in the local night-life. An anchor for Brazilian ex-pats and a magnet for Samba enthusiasts, ZaBumBa was owned and operated by the indomitable Monica Beresford-Redman (aka Monica Burgos), a former Brazilian beauty queen and savvy business woman who ran her proud establishment with unlimited charisma and charm. It was not uncommon for Burgos to work long hours at the restaurant, away from her husband and two children in Rancho Palos Verdes.
But Burgos' husband, Bruce Beresford-Redman was also a workaholic. As a reality TV producer, his work on such successful shows such as Survivor and Pimp My Ride had him traveling for weeks on end. It was no surprise to their friends and families, especially Monica's sisters Jeane and Carla, that the Burgos / Breresford-Redman's marriage was on the rocks.
Both admitted to having affairs. Both admitted to explosive arguments. The Burgos family stated that the couple's trip to Cancun was a last-ditched attempt to save their marriage. Beresford-Redman on the other hand, contends that the trip overseas was a long-planned family vacation; a break from their extremely hectic lives and chance for the couple to reconnect with each other and their children.
Whatever reason for the trip, the outcome was devastating.
After leaving her family's hotel room at the Moon Palace Golf and Spa Resort on April 5th, 2010, Burgos never returned. Beresford-Redman reported her missing to Mexican authorities, and news of Burgos' disappearance quickly spread through the LA Restaurant scene.
Tragically on April 8th, 2010 Monica Burgos' badly beaten and strangled body was found in the hotel's gutter, and her husband was swiftly arrested and charged with her murder.
The heinous story spread through Hollywood like wildfire. The major broadcast networks, the respected Hollywood trades, and even the likes of TMZ latched on, covering every aspect of the crime as it emerged. A B-Movie based on the scandal was even produced. After a tumultuous five years, Beresford-Redman was convicted of his wife's murder and sentenced to 12 years in a Mexican prison.
Closer to home, the fate of ZaBumBa was grim. Without the charismatic presence of Monica Burgos, the restaurant fell into decline. Heartbroken patrons and shattered friends drifted away, and despite a valiant effort by Jeane and Carla Burgos to re-brand the eatery and continue Monica's legacy, the restaurant ultimately failed, and was reclaimed by the building's landlord.
In the years since ZaBumBa's demise, the building has gone through many failed iterations. From an organic coffee cafe, to a sub-par brunch Spot, to Peruvian restaurant, to marijuana dispensary.
It seems like the tragedy that rocked Palms nearly a decade ago continues to linger, but here's hoping that with time, the sadness of the past will fade, and a new energetic nightly gathering place will emerge for a new generation of Palms residents to enjoy.
UPDATE: 9/09/2019