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Chefs Serge Pambo and Evens Estinfort

Despite a late entrance in to the culinary world, Chef Serge Pambo has become a master of French cuisine. He began his journey in Meaux, France, where he studied for three years at a culinard under the renowned chef Cyril Lignac. Chef Pambo expanded his knowledge and experience by working for ten years in different Parisian restaurants and contributing his knowledge in to several culinary articles and two cookbooks. Pambo is known for his creative and inventive recipes, one of which won him First Prize for Beer Ice Cream in a French dessert competition.

In 2005, Chef Pambo relocated to Birmingham to work for Bottega, a Frank Stitt restaurant. In December of 2008, Pambo, alongside Chef Jean Evens Estinfort, became co-owner of Café de Paris. Chef Pambo stars in a Youtube cooking show, where he teaches viewers how to make Classic French Toast, Crepes, Salads, and other specialties. Pambo also enjoys a fulfilling personal life in Birmingham and loves yoga, traveling, and experimenting with new recipes.

Chef Evens Estinfort followed in his father’s footsteps to become a chef. He graduated from Ecole de Paris des Metiers et de la Table and continued to work in European restaurants for thirteen years, the majority spent in French restaurants. His resume includes employment at Plazza Athenee, a Parisian restaurant, under the guidance of the talented and famous Chef Alain Ducasse.

After his many years of experience, Chef Estinfort, along with 2 of his friends, decided to buy a small restaurant in the 19th District of Paris. The trio opened Les Tontons (The Uncles) in 2000. It was an instant success and remained so for five years. But in 2006, Chef Estinfort decided to pursue the American Dream and followed his cousin, Chef Serge Pambo, to America. The challenge was to bring Paris to Birmingham, Alabama. His dreams were realized when Café de Paris opened on December 8, 2008.

Chef Estinfort is not only a culinary chef, but a pastry chef and baker as well. He has a passion for good food and strives to exceed expectations on a daily basis at Café de Paris. In his spare time, Chef Estinfort loves to travel and visit his home in France.