Who we are
Back in the 1990s, Laurence and Chef Pierre Bastien met at culinary school in Paris as teenagers, and went on to work for ten years in restaurants and hotels across France. Pierre holds a Master’s degree in Hospitality and a professional diploma in International Concierge Institute, while Laurence holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, including cooking, pastry, bar service, wine knowledge, and guest relations.
Laurence worked for Melià Hotels, Eiffel Tower Brasserie and a 2-stars Michelin Relais & Chateau restaurant called “Faugeron” in Paris, alongside Jean-Claude Jambon, who won the title of Best Sommelier of the World in 1986 (ASI) while working there, and gained invaluable experience learning from him.
Chef Pierre worked at Samaritaine’s restaurant and for private guests where he learned how to cook before being a Concierge Clef d’Or for Parisian hotels, international companies and private guests.
Then, they decided to change careers. Laurence owned her office design company where she learned how to manage a business and employees, while Pierre decided to serve and protect people as a police officer in the motorcycle unit in Paris.
Approaching half a century, they decided to go back to the restaurant industry and searched for a business to buy, somewhere in the world, in a kind of paradise,… and found a French bistro for sale in Florida !
“Bleu RendezVous French Bistro”, located in Sanibel since 2015, reopened in a new location following devastation by Hurricane Ian in 2022.
Laurence and Chef Pierre, owners and operators since 2024, are proud to continue this French story with homemade French delights served with nice wines, and to build with an incredible kitchen staff and attentive servers an intimate place for Sanibel Community !
“L’amour de la cuisine française”
Our Wonderfull team !
They talk about our story
Our journey to Sanibel Island is nothing short of extraordinary. M6 French television, famous show “Zone Interdite” followed us for a whole year, capturing every step of our adventure. They were there as we packed up our lives, moved our furniture across the ocean, and settled into our new home.
From the thrill of our first days here to dancing in the rain during hurricanes Milton and Hélène (what a beginning), every moment was a mix of challenge, excitement, and sheer joy. It’s a story of passion, perseverance, and a love for creating unforgettable experiences.
And this is just the beginning of our Sanibel story…
Extrait Zone Interdite - Bleu Rendez-vous French Bistro
Contact us
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