Paris · France · Sanibel
Paris · France · Sanibel
Laurence and Chef Pierre met as teenagers at culinary school in Paris. After a life shaped by French hotels, restaurants and hospitality, they crossed the Atlantic to write a new chapter on Sanibel Island.
They spent ten years working in restaurants and hotels across France before their lives took new directions—and eventually brought them back to hospitality on Sanibel Island.
“L'amour de la cuisine française”
French training
Master’s degree in Hospitality and a professional diploma from the International Concierge Institute. Pierre worked at La Samaritaine’s restaurant, for private guests, then became a Clef d’Or concierge for Parisian hotels, international companies and private clients.
Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, covering cooking, pastry, bar service, wine knowledge and guest relations. Laurence worked for Meliá Hotels, the Eiffel Tower Brasserie and the two-Michelin-star Relais & Châteaux restaurant Faugeron alongside Jean-Claude Jambon, Best Sommelier of the World 1986.
A life less ordinary
Laurence founded an office design company. Pierre traded Parisian hotels for public service, spending seventeen years in the Paris police motorcycle unit.
Approaching fifty, they felt the call of hospitality again. Their search for a business in paradise led them to this French bistro on Sanibel Island.
In their own words
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.
We arrived in August 2024, and 2 years after, absolutely no regrets!
Laurence & Chef Pierre
The archives
Le Grand Parisien · 26 August 2024 · Open the PDF ↗
Puteaux Info · From Puteaux to Florida · Open the article ↗