I caught up with Rocco Carbonara, local culinary star and owner of the popular restaurant Rocco’s, the other day to see what he’s been up to lately. Recently, he’s been quite busy as he has opened a second restaurant at the downtown Holiday Inn called, Rocco’s Bistro 74. With that, he has taken over food and beverage for the hotel, which features two conference rooms and a pool area.
Rocco Carbonara, a classically trained chef from Italy, local culinary star for the past twenty years and proud owner of the highly regarded Rocco’s Restaurant, has opened up a new restaurant at the Holiday Inn, in downtown
San Clemente.
The old restaurant Maxim’s is completely remodeled and updated, transforming into Rocco’s Bistro 74, now open daily from 4:30 to close. The cuisine is casual, reasonably priced, and of course, features Chef Rocco’s amazing creations made completely on-site to ensure optimum freshness and quality. The menu features appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, tacos, salads, pasta, chicken, fish, duck and steaks including a 16 oz. Rib Eye for only $24.
I visited Rocco at Bistro 74 and was impressed with the restaurant’s new modern look, the clean large kitchen, various conference rooms and pool area available for events. I’ve lived here for years and have driven by the Holiday Inn many times, but had no idea they possessed these facilities. The pool area with adjacent conference room is perfect for parties and receptions.
I asked Rocco about his new project. “With a restaurant that seats 60 to 70 easily, two conference rooms and pool I am able to accommodate much larger groups and host a wide variety of events, wedding receptions and birthday parties,” Rocco says. “We have already had a wedding rehearsal dinner, a wedding reception, a pool party, several catered lunches, a memorial service, and birthday parties with great success and happy clients. Also, we recently had a charity event with the amazing band Tunnel Vision that drew hundreds of people and raised money for a great cause, we love to be able to give back when we can. Tunnel Vision is a local band that plays for us from time to time in the restaurant. The band has been recently signed and we expect big things from them in the future.” Rocco further went on to say, “When the owners of the Holiday Inn approached us with the opportunity to run their food and beverage operations we were intrigued. And when we were able to tour the facilities and see the conference rooms, the pool area and the restaurant, we realized their potential and were excited to become involved with the Holiday Inn. The kitchen is large and clean, the restaurant has ample seating and a cozy bar area with a laid back atmosphere. We have great food, great drinks, great staff and good music. We are able to host most events, large or small with the various rooms at our disposal.”
I inquired about Rocco’s new Bistro 74 menu and was told that it is a little more casual than “Rocco’s Restaurant” and features a diverse menu that is quite reasonably priced (the most expensive item on it is a 16 ounce Rib Eye Steak for $24). The restaurant itself has been completely remodeled, it has a warm inviting atmosphere along with a New York City vibe. The Sonos sound system is state-of-the-art and after dinner, the music gets turned up for dancing. On weekends, during the summer there is live music. For the many locals who love Rocco’s great food, this new venue offers easy access, plenty of seating and a warm friendly atmosphere to accommodate their culinary needs, be it for one or one hundred.
949.492.7744
111 S. Avenida De La Estrella
San Clemente, CA 92672
bistro7744@gmail.com
Rocco Carbonara and Business Partner Kevin MacGillivray have taken over Food and Beverage at the Holiday Inn in Downtown San Clemente, opening Rocco’s Bistro 74, a Casual Dining Restaurant, hosting events in two conference rooms and operating room service for the 72-room hotel. Rocco’s Bistro 74 hosts weddings, wedding receptions, birthday parties, youth and sports banquets, office parties, special events, cocktail parties, pool parties and catering. Call Kevin at 949.466.0072 to book events or to tour the facility.
