Rocca’s Last Supper At Le Passage

by The Editors on November 29, 2007

Lepassage-4Fans of Carlsbadistan’s best little restaurant, Le Passage, already know that owner Michelle Rocca has sold the business and is leaving Carlsbad. In an email to her best customers she hinted at exactly what she is up to:

I’ve been traveling to Australia for over a year now each time falling more and more for the country and the people, one in particular, and have decided to move to the Barossa Valley in March 2008. I know this move will be very hard not only on me but my family and friends, I also know that if I don’t go, I’ll never know. . .So, it is with a heavy heart that I wish to say good-bye and thank you for all the great times that we have shared over the years.

As a way to say good-bye while at the same time introducing Le Passage patrons to the restaurant’s new owners, Laura and Drew Reyer, Rocca and Sous Chef Frank Decker hosted two nights of what she called, The Last Supper. The invite-only dinners (held last night and tonight) included some of Le Passage’s finest creations including seared scallop salad, mac -n- cheese, Kobe sliders and chocolate decadent cake.

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Michelle Rocca (left) with Le Passage’s newest owners Laura and Drew Reyer.

The first question fans of Le Passage ask when hearing that Rocca is leaving is will the restaurant change. Rocca said that she has confidence in the Reyers. “I interviewed several potential buyers and actually turned some down because it was like, no way. That’s why I’m happy about Laura and Drew,” she said. “Of course, a part of you always wants to be missed a little, but I think they’re going to be great.”


Like Michelle when she bought Le Passage four years ago, Drew and Laura, are new to the restaurant business, but they are not new to Carlsbad. “Drew and I met here and then got married and moved to LA,” Laura said. “Recently we started looking for a way to get back to Carlsbad. I researched all kinds of businesses and this one seemed right.”

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Chef Bernard Chaze and Sous Chef Frank Decker.

While we are going to miss Rocca’s teasing sense of humor and charmingly generous ways we can say that after spending a short time with Laura and Drew were confident that Le Passage is in good hands. We’re actually looking forward to what Laura has planned for Carlsbad’s finest French Bistro. If we were to bet, we’d say that Carlsbadistan will be very happy.

Le Passage French Bistro on Urbanspoon

{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }

Herman Siemsen November 29, 2007 at 11:50 pm

very nice story and nice pictures…..a nice contribution to both parties by Carlsbadistan

Ann & Kenneth November 30, 2007 at 8:45 pm

Your Chef Frank, is key to the resturant. He works his tail off, and we appreciate him. Glad to hear he will be staying with u.

Herman Siemsen December 1, 2007 at 11:24 am

Perfectly executed….Thanks so much! No confusion now at least to us….

malinda dixen June 28, 2008 at 4:44 am

GLAD to see her and her “overly flirtatious ways” go! carlsbad will be a classier place without her.
so happy that frank “the backbone” of the place is staying. now my husband and i can return to enjoying dining out here.

thor nibus August 9, 2008 at 11:05 am

Malinda, Malinda

RRRRRRRRAAAAAEEEERRRRRRR !!!!!!

your husband has always enjoyed dining there.

T N

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