A classically trained French chef with decades of culinary experience is bringing a taste of France to Cocoa Beach with the opening of a new café planned for the first week of May.
A La Vie Cafe, located at 1 S. Orlando Ave., will focus of delectable pastries and more, with a deliberately relaxed, beach‑friendly approach.
What’s on the menu?
The café’s menu will cater to fresh, traditional French pastries, including croissants and pain au chocolat, with many featuring inventive fillings inspired by Chef Laurent Carillon’s travels.
One standout offering will be what he describes as a “true French beignet”, made fresh and lighter than the New Orleans‑style versions most Americans know.
The concept is designed as quick service, allowing customers to grab pastries to go, linger inside, or relax outside on a terrace with an ocean breeze.
Carillon envisions the café as accessible, casual and community‑focused, with prices meant to encourage frequent visits rather than special‑occasion splurges.
Expanded plans for the Cafe
Initially expected to operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the café plans to expand hours as staffing allows.
Looking ahead, Carillon hopes to introduce Friday and Saturday evening date nights, including interactive cooking experiences. The concept would invite guests to participate in hands‑on cooking sessions before enjoying a sit‑down dinner.
More about the Chef
The French‑born chef began his culinary training at just 15-years old, earning formal certifications in baking, cooking, butchery and high‑end catering.
After leaving the army, seasonal work and an opportunity abroad led Carillon to Florida in his early 20s. He joined the French restaurant Le Provence in downtown Orlando as a sous chef and was promoted to head chef within a year.
Carillon later transitioned into hotel kitchens and ultimately began a long career with Walt Disney World, as executive chef at Chef de France inside EPCOT’s France Pavilion.
An avid kitesurfer and longtime Cocoa Beach visitor, Carillon and his wife Whitney, purchased a home here four years ago. He says the area has held special meaning since his earliest days in Florida.
Amber Olesen is FLORIDA TODAY’s food and dining reporter. Reach her at aolesen@floridatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Cocoa Beach gets a taste of France this May, with a new cafe opening
Dining and Cooking