Yvonne Paradiso -- Yvonne's Cafe in Ocean Grove

So how did a former fitness instructor and massage therapist come to own a restaurant? Yvonne Paradiso owns this gem of a restaurant in Ocean Grove which has become one of my favorite places. Yvonne’s Café was established in 2008 as a Mediterranean style restaurant. It’s no easy feat to operate a successful restaurant, but Yvonne makes it happen while serving up breakfast, lunch, as well as dinner to her enthusiastic guests. During this interview, we’ll find out more about Yvonne and her personal journey to opening her own restaurant.

And then there is the chef at Yvonne’s Cafe. Oh yeah – definitely a story here! After he earned a Masters Degree in Engineering in Moldova, Chef Oleg Scorpan came to the Ocean Grove area as an international exchange student in 2008. He decided to combine the knowledge and experience he gained from his grandmother, a lady of Romanian heritage from the Ukraine, with his polished skills earned through formal education at the culinary arts program at Brookdale College.

Better save room for dessert when you go to Yvonne’s Café, because Oleg also is one of the extraordinary bakers at Devil’s Food Bakery in Ocean Grove, which is also owned by Yvonne. Seriously good stuff if you’re a dessert lover. Hey, they don’t call it Devil’s Food for nothing. After the interview, please check After Hours at Jersey Coastal Live for additional information.