When esteemed restauranteur, Rocco Carbonara died on May 2, 2024, the community of San Clemente was shocked and saddened. His namesake restaurant, Rocco’s, opened in 2010, was renowned for its wonderful menu; homemade pasta dishes, meat, poultry and seafood entrees, exceptional wine offerings and a full bar. Would the restaurant survive without its revered owner; the heart and soul of the place?

 

His sudden passing immediately caused rumors to fly about town - the restaurant was closing, the restaurant was no longer open regular hours, and his cousin was going to take over the establishment. But in fact, very little changed initially. 

The chefs, Andros Gordillo and Francisco Ramirez continued in the kitchen. The menu remained intact. Belkis Cortez, the General Manager stayed. Much of the staff, including the lively bartender, Heather carried on.

Ownership didn’t change hands until approximately four months later when Belkis’ longtime friend and hair stylist, Lorena Moreno signed the paperwork to purchase the restaurant; becoming the new owner August 31, 2024. Luckily, Moreno’s good friend, Rogelio Gordillo agreed to be the General Manager. Gordillo came onboard with previous restaurant experience, including a few stints as a chef. Without his commitment Lorena would not have wanted to take on ownership of Rocco’s.

 This writer had the opportunity to sit down with Lorena and her son, Michael, who was the interpreter throughout the interview. It seems Lorena moved to California from Mexico in 1993. She was employed as a hairstylist until 2001 when she opened Lorena’s Beauty Salon on N. El Camino Real. There she has been styling hair for many long-time customers including Belkis who became a good friend over the years. Belkis told Lorena that running the restaurant after Rocco’s passing was becoming too much for her. She asked Lorena if she would like to buy the place. 

The timing was perfect as Lorena had dreamed of owning a restaurant for many years. Twenty years ago, a client had presented her with the opportunity to acquire a restaurant; however, she declined as Michael and his sister, Mirca, were still quite young at the time. Now that her children are young adults, she figured the time was right to buy the well-respected establishment.

Moreno still works at her salon during the day, closes the salon, then heads up El Camino Real stopping in at Rocco’s where she makes sure the operation is running smoothly from the bar to the kitchen to the customers. But the last 15 months have not been without challenges for the new owner. She does not cook and although she understands English, she is not fluent. She helps with small things to keep the operation running smoothly.

 Making only a few interior updates, including knocking out a wall that had previously sectioned off the private dining area, she has created a more open and welcoming space. She has also hired a marketing company to help promote the restaurant - letting the public know it is open and ready to serve locals and tourists alike. 

Each day of the week offers a different special. On Sunday, four veal entrées are available: veal piccata, veal marsala, veal parmigiana, and veal saltimbocca, each priced at $20. Monday is Martini Monday, $10 martinis. Tuesday is an all-day Happy Hour. Wednesday is $20 pasta night with an offering of five pasta dishes, pumpkin ravioli, pappardelle alla vodka, fettucine con salmone, spicy penne and capellini campagnole. Thursday is locals’ night, 25% off the menu (excludes alcohol and tax.) Happy Hour Monday thru Thursday, 4-6 p.m. Aperol Spritz, Moscow Mule, Old Fashioned and Skinny Margarita $10 each and House Wine $8. Happy Hour appetizers feature Escargot (8 pieces) $9, Calabrese $8, Ahi Tartare $8, and Chicken Empanadas (2 pieces) $5. Take-out is available for pickup or through DoorDash or Uber Eats.

 

Rocco’s offers an extensive menu featuring a variety of enticing entrées, such as premium steak selections, grass-fed short ribs, sea bass, as well as salads and soups. My brother, a trained chef, thought the short ribs were excellent, my partner, always orders the Spicy Penne, Italian sausage, with penne pasta and a spicy tomato sauce. My selection includes an order of Fettucine con Salmone; salmon with caramelized onions in champagne cream sauce tossed with spinach. 

A great place for private events, such as holiday parties and rehearsal dinners, in September and October, the restaurant hosted a creative artist event in collaboration with Palette and Purpose artist Patty Geyer. Geyer arranged for a Meet the Artists night featuring two other local artists, David Harris-Lang and Hyatt Moore to display their art, and mingle with customers while enjoying an artsy cocktail and appetizers from 4:30 - 6:30pm. There will be one more Meet the Artists Night before the end of the year, Wednesday, December 9, and featured paintings are available for sale.

When Moreno is not styling hair at her salon or maintaining quality control at the restaurant she enjoys traveling, she especially loves going across the pond to Venice, Italy and returning to her homeland, Mexico. She also meditates and dances when she is not working.

Fulfilling her dream of owning a restaurant, she continues keeping Rocco’s legacy alive.