I Had a Dream

From my early 20’s, actually just out of college, I always wanted to own and run my own business.  I recently found old journals from that time with affirmations on wanting to run my own business.  I’ve always loved great food, cooking, eating, sharing good meals with friends and family. I was also always fascinated with the restaurant industry.  I worked in many but always “front of the house”, meaning every position from hostess, wait staff, bartender and manager, I did them all.

In the mid 80’s I moved to the West Coast, Eugene, Oregon, where I worked in a large Prime Rib/Seafood Restaurant, “The Oregon Electric Station”owned by the famous Alberto Salaazar who broke the world record in 1980 at the New York City Marathon.  I also started the original Café Louise, which was a home delivery service of specialty dinners.  I delivered Soups, Chili’s, Stews, Pasta Dishes etc. weekly and one day, one of my clients asked me if I would cater a cocktail party for her.  When I catered her party it was like an epiphany for me where I remember saying to myself ‘OMG I finally figured out what I want to do when I grow up’ because despite the hard work, it was way too much fun.  I sold that Café Louise before moving back to the Hartford area and also sold a house I owned so I had some working capital to create and open Café Louise in West Hartford.  My parents were instrumental as well as family and friends who helped to create my original kitchen.  

My carpenter Dad made the tables and counters and was our first dishwasher and Mom would help wash lettuce, clean and did whatever it took to support me and my vision. 

When we first opened we were a little Café, with seating for 12, serving lunch and dinner and doing “take out” too.  I also taught cooking workshops and did catering.  When I was pregnant with Isabelle, our 17-year-old daughter, I did away with retail and the cooking classes and just focused on the catering. 

We are now celebrating our 20th year! It still seems unbelievable to me.

In honor of the Martin Luther King's  famous speech, I too had a dream and the dream came true.

Bon Appétit!

Louise