The Rainbow became known as a hangout for rock musicians and their groupies.
Īfter operating for 28 years, Villa Nova closed in 1968 and the building re-opened as the Windjammer until it closed in 1971. Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe met at the restaurant on a blind date in 1952. īefore becoming the Rainbow, the restaurant was the Villa Nova restaurant, which was originally owned by film director Vincente Minnelli, at the time married to Judy Garland. įor many years, the owner was Mario Maglieri. The pornography actor Ron Jeremy was also known to regularly hangout there in the 2000s and 2010s. John Belushi ate his last meal (lentil soup) at table No. It quickly became known as a hangout for celebrities of all types. At the time, the word 'rainbow' signified peace and freedom. They brought in co-owners Elmer Valentine, Lou Adler, Mario Maglieri and others, opening on April 16, 1972, with a party for Elton John. The restaurant was founded in early 1972 by Gary Stromberg and Bob Gibson, heads of the PR firm, Gibson & Stromberg.
