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Where’s Gabe?

La Fonda’s Gabe Bako has been absent for weeks. By Leslie Turk

The conspicuous absence of what was once the most visible face at La Fonda is leading to lots of questions — and very little answers.
Gabe Bako is no longer managing the iconic Tex-Mex restaurant.

In his book, The Spirit of La Fonda, restaurant founder Leebob Cox writes of choosing Bako as his successor in 1996; Cox died in February 2008. At some point in time, Bako was cut in as a 50 percent partner, sharing ownership with Cox’s two children, Sherwood and Stephanie. Sherwood, whom Cox hoped would one day take over, has since moved out of town, and it now appears that Stephanie is in charge.

“The status is that he’s on vacation,” longtime Office Manager Pat LeDoux said of Bako in a brief phone conversation Feb. 16. “There’s not much we can say right now.” With Stephanie in the room while the interview was taking place, LeDoux added: “Things are out of our hands right now.”

Bako could not be reached for comment.

For more than five decades, La Fonda has managed to maintain a loyal following among the city’s movers and shakers. Bako’s departure, if permanent, is certainly a blow to its rich tradition.

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written by Doctor Ciano , March 03, 2011 - 03:24 am

The traditions of Lafonda's vary, from the best tex-mex enchilidas in the U.S. to the next day well-worth hangovers, after a night at Lafonda's, to the great wait staff each one of whom can take 10 different entree orders and 5 different appetizer orders and 18 different drink orders, and 2 waters, one with a lemon wedge and one w/o,and set each dish in front of the person who ordered that specific dish, while taking a second order of drinks from all, sans an order pad. And while not a tradition but an allegiance to the honor of Leebob, we'll continue to pledge our allegiance to his children "The Rightfull Heirs", of the only worth-while dynasty in this one-horse town. Or as the podunk kid who referred to Lafondas as the old fogeys hangout. "We is proud of our old fogeys cave."

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written by John Fulsom , May 07, 2011 - 03:06 pm

Sherwood is a flake and Stephanie has about as much business since as my dog. Gabe was cut in on ownership and put in charge for a reason! Now he's cut out by the two spoiled brats that have never done a thing for LaFonda other than sully its reputation. They should have stayed away!!

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