About C'est La Vie

 Welcome to ‘C’est La Vie’ gourmet shop Bonaire, my name is Juan de Sousa.

I am originally from Venezuela, but they also call me the ‘traveling chef’. I have lived in Portugal and Aruba for many years.

I started in the hospitality 32 years ago when I was 22 years old, moving away from my homeland and with all the excitement of traveling the world. I went to Aruba. In Aruba the first steps were very difficult, trying to find a job without experience; I got a spot in one of the famous restaurants in the Caribbean (at that time) called CHEZ MATILDE. I still remember the interview with the GM when he told me: 'sorry but I only have an open spot for pot washer'. From that moment my life has changed: I took the opportunity and started in the kitchen. The first time I stepped into this kitchen I felt the magic and the responsibility that involves to be in this environment. The first days were very hard for me: late shifts, walking home from work, 6 days a week and a lot (yes, a lot…) of pain in my hands because of washing the big pots.

I was always trying to do my job fast so I could ask the chef 'can I help you with something else'? The answer was simple: you finish washing all the pots over there? Come and clean the walls over here! Six months later one of the kitchen helpers left and there was my chance to move into the real kitchen preparations zone.

From that time my kitchen's-journey began. A total of 6 years passed by; climbing positions and learning from the best chefs and going to school as well! I went from 0 to 10 including a silver medal from the Aruba cook-off competition.

Eventually I ended up on Bonaire and here too I was given great opportunities to turn my hobby into my job.

I have come to a point in my life that I wanted to start something for myself. And that moment has now arrived. I got this opportunity on a top location and couldn't say no! At ‘C’est La Vie Bonaire’ we'll introduce you light cooking like: Salads, Charcuterie platters, Paninis, Carpaccios, Tartars, Soups, Marinated Olives, Ceviches and anything that will come on my way. We'll work with the freshest and most high-quality products. Fine wines and delicious coffee will also be at your disposal.

Come by and enjoy delicious food and our beautiful view.

Juan de Sousa