La Costa Cafe chef Ignacio Ortega is bringing a fresh, modern Mexican concept to East Sacramento, taking over the former Juno’s Kitchen space at 3675 J St with a new spot called Nene's by La Costa. Ortega says the menu will move beyond La Costa’s ceviches and aguachiles into elevated, taqueria-style plates and morning staples like breakfast burritos.
The handoff was first spotted on social media, then picked up by local outlets. As reported by WhatNow, a Juno’s Facebook post confirmed that Nene’s will be taking over the space and noted the new operators “are very excited to meet everyone.” WhatNow also reported that no official opening date has been announced.
Menu and influences
Ortega told The Sacramento Bee he is drawing heavily from Mexico City neighborhoods like Roma Norte and Lomas de Chapultepec, and especially from their open-face enchiladas. “We’re inspired by their open-face enchiladas,” Ortega said, explaining that Nene’s plans to use housemade tortillas and its own mole, salsa verde and salsa roja, then top those tortillas with proteins such as thinly sliced Angus ribeye.
From Juno's to Juju
Juno’s called it a day after roughly 15 years in the neighborhood, which cleared the way for a new concept at 3675 J St. Chef-owner Mark Helm has already moved on to downtown’s Juju Kitchen & Cocktails and told The Sacramento Bee he wanted to “cook again, instead of just making sandwiches,” while still bringing some Juno’s fan favorites along to his new operation.
What’s next
There is still no formal opening date or timeline for Nene’s, and Ortega has not yet shared a detailed menu or any reservation plan. Ortega operates La Costa Cafe at 701 19th St and lists himself as chef and owner on the cafe’s website; see La Costa Cafe’s about page for more on his background and approach.
For East Sacramento diners, Nene’s looks like one to keep an eye on. If Ortega can spin La Costa’s coffee-and-ceviche following into a busy modern Mexican outpost, the neighborhood could land another daytime hangout with some serious flavor ambitions.
