Vaquera is nestled in the heart of historic San Juan Capistrano, within California’s oldest neighborhood, the Los Rios District. Rooted in the spirit of Californian cuisine, our farm-to-table, wood-fired dining experience celebrates the rich heritage and natural bounty of the region.
Our thoughtfully curated menu pays homage to the land and its history, drawing inspiration from the local terrain and the generations of people who have called San Juan Capistrano home.
An alumnus of the Culinary Institute of America, Aaron began his career with an apprenticeship at the Ritz Carlton, Buckhead under Gunter Seeger. Then for nearly a decade Aaron traveled extensively and worked with a wide range of world-renowned chefs such as Roland Passot, Laurent Gras, Francesco Berardinelli, and Eric Ziebold until landing in his own kitchen at the Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay. He has cultivated a long career as Executive Chef and Director of Operations in premier locations with leading brands including Rosewood Hotel Group, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, and the Google Mountain View campus. Aaron is eager to bring an innovative culinary experience to La Vaquera that is deeply rooted in San Juan Capistrano’s history.
Right out of the gate Yadira was passionate about food and hospitality. Launching her education at the California School of Culinary Arts, Yadira was chosen for a culinary internship in Italy and completed an Associate’s Degree in Hospitality management. She then began a long and successful tenure with Hyatt Hotels and Resorts. Perfecting her craft at Hyatt resorts in Irvine and Beverly Hills, she then accepted the role of Director of Outlets and Beverage Management at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach managing the resort’s culinary venues, onsite festivals, and the development of a new outstanding reserve wine list. She obtained a Level 1 Sommelier certification and was celebrated as Manager of the Year. Yadira moved on for a six-year stint with Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and directed operations at their L.A. location and some of the region’s highest volume sites. Yadira is thrilled to be back in OC and leading La Vaquera’s opening team in this exciting new neighborhood of San Juan Capistrano.
DINNER | SUNDAY TO THURSDAY 4PM TO 9PM | FRIDAY & SATURDAY 4PM TO 10PM
LUNCH | WEDNESDAY TO FRIDAY 11AM TO 2PM
AFTERNOON BITES | WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY 2PM TO 4PM
BRUNCH | SATURDAY & SUNDAY 11AM TO 2PM
