Our Story

IMGM2205-RETOUCHED

From the French Alps to South Florida…

Born and raised in Annecy which medieval historic district alongside a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains is known as the little Venice of the French Alps, Stephane met Marie at the University in Grenoble, France. After obtaining their degree in Grenoble, Marie & Stephane pursued their studies in the UK with the double objective of obtaining their Bachelor in Business Administration & improve their English. 

While Stephane fulfilled his French military duties, Marie enrolled in an exchange program with Winthrop University in South Carolina where she obtained her MBA in 1992. It was not her first time in the US as she had a chance to visit the East Coast during a 3-weeks summer camp in the mid-80’s. Although she flew back to France after graduating to marry her college sweetheart, it became a dream of hers to come back one day and live in the US…

After 9 years in Paris -where they both landed their first jobs and welcomed their 2 sons- they moved down to Lyon, closer to their roots and families. Stephane who had developed a taste for cooking from a very young age and got to learn the basics under the supervision of his father who used to be a professional pastry chef fell for the charms of the French capital of gastronomy. The desire to live and share his passion for food lead Stephane to put his former job as an investment banker into parentheses to attend advanced cooking classes at the world famous Paul Bocuse Institute in Lyon and to train as an assistant manager for a few months in a restaurant owned by a friend of his….

A few years & a lot of paperwork later, Stéphane, Marie & their two sons, then aged 10 & 13, took the plunge and crossed the ocean with their 17-year old cat, 2 suitcases & a carry-on each. They first landed in Ocala, FL. Why Ocala, out of all places? It is another long story… one they might want to share with you if you ask them. 

After 5 years establishing their first restaurant there with other partners, they took their dream in their own hands and moved down to South Florida. 

“We love it here and are elated to be able to share our rich culinary heritage within a vibrant community!”

Marie & Stéphane

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TESTIMONIALS

“ Great service, very friendly and attentive ”

“ This is a very nice restaurant, low noise level, linen tablecloths and close to shopping in Boca ”

” Enjoy your meal and go for a mini vacation to France while overlooking a beautiful water fountain located right outside the restaurant “

” Convenient location — charming, warm atmosphere, welcoming to anyone French and English speaking “

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Chez Marie at Restaurant Guru