There is something to be said of a person that dreams big and then follows through on those dreams. Meet Michelle Rocca, the 31 year-old owner of Le Passage French Bistro located in the village of Carlsbad.
Quite the hidden jewel, Le Passage offers light and innovative French cuisine and decadent desserts. Just how did this quaint establishment come into being? With determination and moxie. Rocca, a former waitress in La Jolla, says she always knew she wanted to own her own restaurant it was just a matter of when. She stumbled upon Le Passage while browsing through businesses for sale in the newspaper and decided to check it out.
"I immediately fell in love with the place," says Rocca recalling her first thoughts of the restaurant. "The location, the d?cor, it was perfect." She also said, due to the automatic connection she had with the previous owners, she purchased the business on blind faith. "There were no lawyers or anything. It was a very genuine transaction."
The restaurant, which has been under new ownership for almost two years has 11 staff members that operate like family according to Rocca. The establishment is quaint with an intimate inside dining room next to the kitchen and an outside courtyard dining area. Together this makes Le Passage the perfect setting for a romantic dinner, birthday celebration, wedding reception or even a corporate lunch.
The menu features authentic French cuisine including delectable French onion soup and escargots petite entrees, as well as lobster ravioli in pernod cream sauce, saut?ed salmon on lightly seasoned Israli couscous and several duck entrees.
Rocca's dream to own her own business before reaching the age of 30 is now a reality. She officially acquired Le Passage one month before her self-designated age limit. When asked if this was everything she imagined Rocca laughed. "It's harder than I imagined," she said, a grin still tugging at the corner of her lips. "I have a great respect for business owners. It's definitely not as easy as it looks." What with being the owner, manager, chef and friend it's not hard to see that she definitely has her hands full. She doesn't forget to mention, however, that she wouldn't give it up for anything in the world. The Escondido-born former waitress has achieved a goal that brings satisfaction to many locals, tourists and business professionals. Le Passage has truly been the passage.
Le Passage is located at 2961 State Street in Carlsbad. To make a reservation or find out additional information, call 760.729.7097. Restaurant hours are Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday through Sunday 5 p.m. to close. They are closed on Mondays.
Quite the hidden jewel, Le Passage offers light and innovative French cuisine and decadent desserts. Just how did this quaint establishment come into being? With determination and moxie. Rocca, a former waitress in La Jolla, says she always knew she wanted to own her own restaurant it was just a matter of when. She stumbled upon Le Passage while browsing through businesses for sale in the newspaper and decided to check it out.
"I immediately fell in love with the place," says Rocca recalling her first thoughts of the restaurant. "The location, the d?cor, it was perfect." She also said, due to the automatic connection she had with the previous owners, she purchased the business on blind faith. "There were no lawyers or anything. It was a very genuine transaction."
The restaurant, which has been under new ownership for almost two years has 11 staff members that operate like family according to Rocca. The establishment is quaint with an intimate inside dining room next to the kitchen and an outside courtyard dining area. Together this makes Le Passage the perfect setting for a romantic dinner, birthday celebration, wedding reception or even a corporate lunch.
The menu features authentic French cuisine including delectable French onion soup and escargots petite entrees, as well as lobster ravioli in pernod cream sauce, saut?ed salmon on lightly seasoned Israli couscous and several duck entrees.
Rocca's dream to own her own business before reaching the age of 30 is now a reality. She officially acquired Le Passage one month before her self-designated age limit. When asked if this was everything she imagined Rocca laughed. "It's harder than I imagined," she said, a grin still tugging at the corner of her lips. "I have a great respect for business owners. It's definitely not as easy as it looks." What with being the owner, manager, chef and friend it's not hard to see that she definitely has her hands full. She doesn't forget to mention, however, that she wouldn't give it up for anything in the world. The Escondido-born former waitress has achieved a goal that brings satisfaction to many locals, tourists and business professionals. Le Passage has truly been the passage.
Le Passage is located at 2961 State Street in Carlsbad. To make a reservation or find out additional information, call 760.729.7097. Restaurant hours are Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday through Sunday 5 p.m. to close. They are closed on Mondays.