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Joie de Vivre, a California-based hospitality group, has announced its plans to open Aquarius restaurant in the newly renovated Santa Cruz Dream Inn, in June 2009.

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Designed by San Francisco-based DPS Interiors, the 2,900 square feet Aquarius features grand wrap-around windows that offer panoramic views of the Monterey Bay coastline, municipal wharf and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

A canopy of handmade surfboards and teardrop-shaped latticework lamps hang from above, while smooth, pebbled flooring in the lounge area transitions to gray slate in the restaurant. Sheer, mustard yellow curtains, natural teak tables with rattan chairs, and blond plank-wood banquettes accent the restaurant's relaxed atmosphere in a refined yet casual style.

Aquarius will spotlight sustainable seafood and local organic produce, signature cocktails and an extensive selection of wines reflecting the several Central Coast terroirs of the Santa Cruz Mountains and of Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties.

Prepared by Philippe Breneman, the chef of Aquarius, the menu will be a showcase of fresh, sustainable seafood, and seasonal organic produce from California's Central Coast region. Guests can also order dishes from the Aquarius bar menu for poolside dining, including Dungeness crab wontons with stone fruit relish and Meyer natural ‘sliders’ with onion confit, smoked bacon and Point Reyes blue cheese.

Located in the Santa Cruz Dream Inn at 175 West Cliff Drive, Aquarius will be open to hotel guests and the public on weekdays for breakfast, cocktails and dinner, and on weekends for breakfast, lunch, cocktails and dinner.