Cafe Calypso Takes over Sunrise Cafe

The owner of Del Mar's iconic Cafe Calypso in the historic Hotel San Clemente has taken over Sunrise Cafe on El Camino Real.

Calypso owner Chen Wen says she wants to make minimal tweaks to the restaurant's menu and won't change the name.

But, she said she wants to make Sunrise more of a community gathering place. Cafe Calypso is well known for hosting all sorts of informal business meetings, formal meetings of community organizations like the San Clemente Historical Society and is a well-know hangout for city staffers and elected officials.

Wen said she liked the prospect of expanded capabilities at the diner, which serves typical diner fare.

"Cafe Calypso is a total different concept," she said, speaking from behind the register at her new eatery Friday afternoon. "This is a full kitchen, full traditional American breakfast."

Wen plans to add some healthier options to the lunch menu, and she has already repainted the interior and replaced tables since she bought the place Dec. 1.

She also plans to add smoothies and espresso drinks to the menu.