Arts Council Menifee Spotlight of the Month: Chef Rosie

By Tony Reverditto

Chef Rosie O’Connor -- restaurateur, amazing mom, free spirit and avid storyteller -- is known for sharing her passion for travel, food, and cocktails. She was born and raised in Southern California, but part of her heart will also always have a place in Mexico.

Chef Rosie is the Artist Spotlight for this month by Arts Council Menifee.

In her cooking style, Chef Rosie blends together the food cultures she and her customers have come to love … California cuisine meets Mexican gastronomy, better known as Cali-Mex Cuisine.

Her family has owned restaurants for close to 40 years, so cooking is in her DNA. It was a natural progression that as a young mom, she and her son thought about starting up a little place to call their own one day. Opening Provecho Grill in Menifee was a dream come true for both of them.

That venture connected her to family, allowing her to do many great things in the community, and helped pave the way to achieving her dreams. During that time, she competed on Supermarket Stakeout. That episode originally aired on Sept. 17, 2019 and can be streamed on Amazon, YouTube, Hulu and Vudu.

Also, during that time, for the first time in SoCal Chef Open history, just one chef was decorated with both the Pinnacle Award and People’s Choice Award by the judging chefs and over 600 in attendance. That was Chef Rosie. Recently, they invited her back to appear as a celebrity chef panelist.

Chef Rosie owned and operated Provecho Grill for 12 years, in which she and her team served up delicious cuisine and cocktails at the Sun City Plaza.

As she entered 2024, Rosie embarked upon a new adventure and a super cool dream, ultimately named Lady R Bistro. On March 6, 2024, the doors officially opened. Rosie and her talented team, including her dedicated husband, Kris, transformed a run-down taco joint into a chic boutique eatery with a lot to offer in addition to a delicious dining experience.

I caught up Chef Rosie to see how the new dining venue is progressing.

You've had such a colorful journey to launch Lady R Bistro. What has been the most rewarding outcome so far? 

The most rewarding outcome has been cooking for my old Provecho customers and reconnecting with them. There’s something truly special about seeing familiar faces, hearing their stories, and sharing moments over the food I prepare.

It feels like coming home -- like being part of a community where my work is appreciated and meaningful. It’s not just about the dishes I cook; it’s about the relationships and memories that come with them.

You have accomplished so much as a culinary artist. What should readers know about the unique menu at Lady R Bistro and how it has evolved?

The bistro menu is eclectic because we want to offer something special for everyone. We’ve just launched our winter dishes, and many of them are inspired by my travels. These are some of my favorite recipes, combining seasonal flavors with the experiences I’ve gathered along the way.

Please share a little about the catering aspect of Lady R Bistro.

Catering is a big part of what we do at Lady R Bistro. It gives us the chance to bring our eclectic menu to special events, offering a mix of flavorful Mexican dishes and classic American favorites. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a formal celebration, we work closely with our clients to create a menu that fits their needs and highlights the best of what we offer. It’s all about providing delicious food and a memorable experience, tailored to every occasion.

You also conduct cooking demos; how do you determine which dishes you're going to teach aspiring home cooks and chefs to prepare?

I like to focus on my favorite dishes, often inspired by the season. I also take into account the requests and favorite recipes of my customers, ensuring the demos are both personal and engaging.

You are a huge advocate of the Visual Arts. What originally inspired you to start the Paint and Sip events? 

I wanted to create a fun and welcoming space where people could relax, connect, and explore their creativity through art. We make the experience even more enjoyable by offering dinner, cocktails, and a live DJ to set the perfect atmosphere.

Your new space lends itself beautifully to comedians, singers, and musicians. Why is it so important for you to showcase the performing arts in the city of Menifee?

Showcasing the performing arts is important to me because we need more venues like Lady R Bistro that bring people together through live music and chef-driven . It’s about creating a space where art, culture, and food come together to offer a unique experience. Supporting local talent and celebrating creativity adds a special energy to our bistro, making every visit memorable.

What is the best way to book a private event?

The best way to book an event is to call Lady R Bistro directly. We’ll work with you to design a delicious menu tailored to your needs and can assist with every detail, including the cake, music, and theme. Our goal is to make planning your event as seamless and enjoyable as possible, creating a memorable experience for you and your guests.

Do you have any future aspirations or goals?

We are working on a full liquor license and will celebrate our first-year anniversary in style.

Weekly Events:
1st Tuesday - Cooking Demonstrations by Chef Rosie and Kawmedy Entertainment
2nd Tuesday - “Kawmedy” Night
3rd Tuesday - Paint & Sip
Wednesdays - Karaoke Night
Thursday through Saturday Evenings - Live Music
Sundays - Brunch & Live music

Lady R Bistro
27102 Sun City Blvd, Menifee, CA 92586
Reservations & Info: 951-723-8152 or www.chefrosie.com
For information on Arts Council Menifee, visit www.artscouncilmenifee.org