ABOUT ME
I ended up in St. Pete Beach 14 years ago thanks to TripAdvisor. That year, St. Pete Beach had been voted the best beach in America, and I had to check it out. I am amazed to witness how our area has evolved in the food, arts and cultural scenes since I moved here. I opened Café Soleil because I could not live in an area where I could not find a good baguette and coffee.
Being French, I spent a lot of time in the kitchen growing up. My father is an excellent cook. We had so many apples and pears in our backyard that baking tarts and pies was part of weekend fun. There is nothing like the comforting smell of melted butter and sugar.
The restaurant industry is a hard one, but rich in life experiences. Restaurant workers pour their souls into delivering more than food. Many local restaurants are still struggling after the hurricanes, and some beloved places did not survive. Remember to support small businesses, tip your server and be kind.
MY LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
I am lucky to live just around the corner from Fort De Soto Park. Go on a weekday and get lost; if you are adventurous, you may even have the beach to yourself.
There is not a week that goes by without a new restaurant opening in downtown St. Petersburg. It is a paradise for food lovers. I also enjoy exploring new murals and letting them lead me to new brick-and-mortar discoveries.
For a casual lunch, I enjoy Alésia. They serve a delicious coconut curry in a beautiful, quiet setting.
I also love spending the day at Ginnie Springs. The crystal-clear waters and caves are worth the drive.
When visitors are in town, The Dalí Museum is always a must. Its immersive, tech-driven exhibitions and permanent collection are a source of local pride. For special occasions, Fortu never disappoints. To experience art and culture, I try not to miss the Florida Orchestra at the Mahaffey.
For live music, I enjoy St. Pete Beach’s favorite dive bar, The Drunken Clam—known for its wings and live sets.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
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