Cafe C’est La Vie

Specialties

European delicacies! Italian Coffee, homemade crepes, sandwiches, soups and smoothies. Free wifi, outdoor seating and pet friendly! Wine and Beer available

History

Established in 2012.

«Our concept is to bring a European flavor to the area while still featuring the best that the coast has to offer,» said co-​owner Penelope Cole.“The café was like a love story,” Lisa said, «with Penelope and Tony finding each other.» Every love story needs a setting, and there may not be a better one on the entire coast than the cozy, inviting C’est La Vie.

A European café might seem an unlikely business to some, but it comes naturally to Penelope, who studied abroad in Greece and, while on a short trip to Italy, began her love of European fare. She later took multiple trips to France, including Bordeaux in 2009, studying wine, and Paris, «getting a heavy dose of European laissez faire life, so a café sounded like the perfect fit.» Tony has also traveled extensively, ensuring their café will boast a cultured and diverse essence. It helps, too, that Penelope has been cooking since she was young — a passion shared by both Tony and Lisa.

Meet the Business Owner

Penelope C.

Business Owner

The other two owners are Penelope’s partner, Tony Perez, and his mother, Lisa Morrigan. Tony is owner of N.W. Home and Lawn, a landscape and home maintenance business, while Lisa is a real estate broker for Prudential Taylor & Taylor, with strong ties to the central coast, and Bella Beach in particular. Penelope recently graduated with a post baccalaureate degree in European History. Although she is proud of her recent academic pursuits and excited for the future, she said she «quickly realized how very attached I had become to coastal life and spending more time with family.