The crème (brûlée) of the crop
C’est La Vie celebrates 10th anniversary in style
By Sabine Wilson
For the TODAY
The flowers were in full bloom on a lovely spring Sunday afternoon when folks from all walks of life gathered to celebrate the one thing they have in common — a genuine love for Café C’est La Vie, owned by long-time coastal residents, Penelope and Tony Perez.
Customers old and new congregated to commemorate a decade of homemade French pâtisserie, seasonal quiches, delicious and high-quality coffee, hand-picked wines, alluring art displays and locally crafted treasures.
The turnout was a testament to how successfully the couple has cultivated a unique space nestled in the Bella Beach neighborhood, where customers can walk in and feel as though they have been transported into a bistro in France. The decor is positively Parisian — adorned with French cookbooks and stylish furniture, enhanced by the mouthwatering smells traveling from the kitchen.
“We got to see all the different cycles of life in the café,” said Jim Sullivan, a long-time supporter. “Being here reminds you of being home. There is truly nothing like it.”
Jim and his partner, Quentina Sullivan, rave about the incredible quiche, friendly atmosphere, thematic music, savory crepes and sophisticated decor.
“We have traveled all over the world,” Jim said. “And it is a testament to how beautifully run this place is that it reminds us of our travels. Ten years have passed in the blink of an eye.”
Penelope reflects back on her journey and the gratitude she has for the team that made it possible.
“We’ve had such a wonderful mix of full-time and part-time coastal customers,” she said. “It’s been a blessing to get to know so many recurring patrons and see their kids grow up. It’s been such a hard time for so many businesses but I have to highlight our amazing staff for sticking with us and adapting.”
While the anniversary obviously celebrates an amazing feat, Penelope also wanted to support the people who have contributed to its success.
“We wanted to use our 10-year achievement as a way to say ‘thank you’ to the providers for all these years and showcase their crafts,” Penelope said. “Our vendors are amazing.”
The regular vendors who helped make the anniversary event special include Panini Bakery in Nye Beach, who offered their delicious fresh Focaccia; Provvista Specialty Foods in Portland, with delicious meats and cheeses on charcuterie boards; Left Coast Coffee Co. in Depoe Bay; and Café Umbria from northern Italy who provided coffee samples.
The regular menu includes soups that change daily and scones that are also an ever-changing but always a delicious item, with seasonal fruits like dried apples and pears in the fall and blackberries and marionberries in the summer.
In addition to their rotating seasonal menu items, the café offers some beautifully made staples where breakfast lovers can get their craving fix, even at two o’clock in the afternoon.
Their Suzette crêpe, for example, is a lacy and delicate creation, topped with an effervescent orange juice and grand marnier reduction, painted with melted butter and topped with caramelized sugar.
For a savory choice, their “Croque Madame” sandwich includes grilled ham and melted Swiss cheese, topped with an egg and homemade Dijon sauce pressed between a toasted and rustic ciabatta bread.
For drink pairings, the hand-picked wine menu focuses on French and local wines.
The cafe has also captivated an amazing group of artists and has even pioneered the way for many of them.
Before mosaic artist Joanne Daschel had her work in the Lincoln City Cultural Center and the Volta Glass Gallery in Taft, her beautiful pieces adorned C’est La Vie’s walls. Her work, incorporating the original mosaic glass of Italy known as smalti, complements the European vibe.
“I was looking around town to see where I could hang my work and found a flyer for C’est La Vie,” she said. “I remember thinking how it had a different feel — like stepping into a new place. Penelope is so supportive of local artists and welcomed me into her space a decade ago. Now I’m a full-time artist.”
Another Pacific Northwest favorite, painter Ben Soeby, also got his start at the cafe.
“I’ve probably had hundreds of pieces pass through here,” he said. “C’est La Vie has definitely played a role in my success today. Not to mention, the food and coffee are wonderful. You can really see the quality in every single thing the café has.”
C’est La Vie changes artists four times a year, so is always open to hearing from new ones.
Reaching new milestones while honoring the past, the café is also making some exciting changes.
“My brother Tom Ramsey has taken over the everyday operations,” Penelope said. “He worked in 2016 as café manager while I was traveling and even designed our logo and menu. He has been instrumental in our success and the town should definitely anticipate some exciting new offerings.”
As the celebration went on, guests reminisced on stories of C’est La Vie’s movie nights in the off-season where Penelope would design a menu around the movie. Some recalled bringing their families here for the past 10 years and one customer even serendipitously bought a house in Bella Beach after seeing an advertisement for the café’s wine-tasting event. Others marveled at the charming feel and how one quaint location can bring so much joy and memories to so many people.
Café C’est La Vie is located at 8 Bella Beach Drive off Highway 101 in Lincoln Beach and is open from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm from Wednesday through Saturday and 8:30 am to 2:30 pm on Sunday. For more information, go to thecafecestlavie.com or call 541-764-2828.