Elle Moisdon—Biography

Elle was born in Paris France, and at four years old her mother died, leaving her Father widowed to raise her and three brothers by himself.  Unfortunately, at that time, the government of France deemed widowed/single fathers unfit to raise children on their own.  This caused Elle and her brothers to be sent to an orphanage.

Although, the young girl did not understand why she had been taken away from her Father and three brothers, her experience created courage and independence.  All the while, Elle's Father, Roger François Moisdon tried to get them out of the orphanage.  With the help of a very aggressive Godly nun with child credentials, the sister came up out of the blue and said that; "God had put it on her heart to help Roger get his children back."  Elle said, "It was divine intervention!"

At the age of seven, Elle's father being an inventor, decided to move to the land of opportunity - America.  Elle remembers waving good-bye to France as they boarded the original Queen Elizabeth for the ship's last voyage across the Atlantic.   As they approached America, they saw the Statue of Liberty with her torch held high.  Elle said, "When we docked, my father was telling us the story of how France gave the Statue of Liberty as a gift."

The family settled in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida where Elle grew up in a house full of gadgets because of her Papa the inventor.  Being originally from France, Elle did not speak a word of English, with the exception of "book and yes." She worked hard to learn the English language by studying the dictionary at night using a flashlight.  A little book about French food and wines became her constant companion.  As her book collection increased, her interest of fine food and wine became evident. Although Elle got her cosmetology license at the age of 18 and practiced for six years she was also involved in the hotel, food/wine business all through college.

While living in Key West Florida, working by day as a hairdresser and by night as the assistant manager of the Pier House restaurant in the Marriott hotel, she also became Miss 1980 Key West.

A move back to Miami brought about a job at Regine's, a private celebrity restaurant. Elle took great interest in the cuisine and was inspired by the chefs because she loved to cook and had been cooking since she was nine years old.

Then it was off to California in 1984, where she worked for a French company 'Woltner wine importers'.  Elle also went to TWA flight academy and became a flight attendant.   Later, she worked at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills.   Inspired by the numerous wine functions in the Los Angeles area, Elle decided to move closer to the wine country in Napa Valley where she attended culinary and wine classes while working for first class wineries like Opus One.  Then in 2001 she became a certified wine sommelier and teacher.

Being from France, seeing Bistros on every corner, she always wanted to have her own restaurant/ bistro.  Elle opened a restaurant called Misto in downtown Napa Valley. It had unique flavors and sauces and became immediately successful.

As a Christian woman, Elle stayed grounded in the word for over the last decade studying with Pastor Arnold Murray at Shepherd's Chapel Ministry. Because of the importance of her faith, Elle gets up every morning Mon-Fri. for a chapter-by-chapter bible study.

Elle has always loved the state of Texas, so in 2005 she moved about an hour and a half east of Dallas to a small town called Emory. At that time, she discovered a small building in the downtown square, which was first an old service station, Elle said, "the building was so cute, I totally fell in love with it."  So she decided in 2005 to open a new little restaurant called Chateau Bistro. 

Then in 2008, the little Chateau Bistro became too small and with God’s help, she was able to purchase the old historic Amis house across the street and restored it into a restaurant.

At the same time she returned to school and is now a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts.

Her goal has been to create a dining experience using unique dishes with a casual elegance of indoor/outdoor dining just like in Paris, France.  She enjoys serving people with a warm smile and a welcoming atmosphere.  As for the potential to fulfill her dreams in this small town, this city girl with a country heart said four parting words, "I love it here."

Visit our Christian bistro in Emory, Texas, for delicious French food,
including steaks, seafood, burgers, salads, and soups.
(903) 473-1909