French breadmaking · illustrative photoCulinary arts
The people who have brought French culinary culture to life in Iowa.
Explore the storiesArchives, photos and stories: a shared history from 1996 to today.

French breadmaking · illustrative photoThe people who have brought French culinary culture to life in Iowa.
Explore the stories
Iowa City · contextual photoFrench, Francophone and international stories of contribution to research, the arts, entrepreneurship and community life in Iowa.
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Bakeries, restaurants and places that mattered.
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The 1996 newspaper report and the connections built since.
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Photo: PattayaPatrol · CC BY-SA 4.0Lives and connections that remain part of our stories.
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An anecdote, encounter or photo to contribute, with editorial review.
Open this topicFrom French people in the Midwest to friends back in France, from meaningful encounters to places now closed: this collection honours what they brought to our lives and our community.
Explore the Hub's memories by period. Personal profiles will only be published with the person's consent.
5 items to explore
The stay documented by the Iowa City Press-Citizen marks the starting point of this shared memory.
View the collection →Encounters where French people, French speakers and Francophiles build a lasting local network.
Share a memoryKing cakes, meals, coffee meetups and events keep French-speaking life vibrant in today's Midwest.
Share a memoryMemory is more than an archive: it continues to grow with every new encounter.
Share a memoryPARIS · A CONNECTION WITH FRANCE
The shoemaker on rue Blomet with a passion for philosophy. A first portrait to enrich with verified memories.
Explore the tribute →No memories match this search yet. You can help enrich the collection.
For French people and French speakers in the Midwest who have died, and for friends in France we remember. A place to recall their presence, their craft, their kindness or their contribution to the community.
The philosopher-shoemaker of rue Blomet
At 64 rue Blomet, in Paris’s 15th arrondissement, Pierre-Marie Oum Sack worked as a shoemaker. Published profiles also describe his passion for philosophy.
This first tribute remembers a craftsman and a meeting place. Personal recollections can give it their own voices, after review and approval by those sharing them.
Public sources document Cordonnerie Blomet and Oum’s interest in philosophy. My Little Paris reports his death. Dates of his life are not shown here because they have not been confirmed.
Text portrait based on these sources. Personal connections with the Midwest remain to be documented. No photograph or video is included in this tribute.
Chefs, founders and restaurateurs have brought French culinary culture to life beyond the plate. These first stories celebrate their craft and the gathering places they helped create.

Chef and restaurateur
Maître Cuisinier de France since 2018
From Baru 66 to projects in northern Iowa, David Baruthio has shared French cooking shaped by international experience. His restaurants have brought seasonal ingredients, culinary craft and a connection with diners to the table.

Chef and former chef-owner
Al Punto: documented chef-owner in 2019
Marc Navailles has brought his French training to Iowa tables, from Argentine grilling at Al Punto to Mediterranean flavors at Bistro Nomad. His documented work connects the dining communities of Des Moines and Belmond.
Founder of French Pastry by Sandrine
Since 2018 · a family baking tradition
Originally from southern France, Sandrine Wallace founded French Pastry by Sandrine in Cedar Rapids in 2018. Her macarons and other French pastries bring a family baking tradition to the local community.
Restaurateur and co-owner
Baru 66 · co-ownership and front-of-house hospitality
At Baru 66, Sara Hill helped make French dining an experience of hospitality as well as food. As co-owner alongside David Baruthio, she is documented in front-of-house service and in the development of this Windsor Heights restaurant.
Gaston Café manager in 2016
Gaston · a French table at the museum
At the Des Moines Art Center, Alban Blot brought his background as a musician and artist to a French café. As Gaston’s manager in 2016, working with David Baruthio, he helped connect French dining, hospitality and the experience of art.
Founders of Croissant Du Jour
2004 · Croissant Du Jour opens
By opening Croissant Du Jour in 2004, Ian and Isabelle Cummings gave Cedar Rapids a bakery-café centered on French flavors. Cornell College professor Devan Baty took students there to explore Francophone culture over pains au chocolat.
Nomination · La Mie Bakery
Nominated profile · role and dates to be confirmed
Nicolas Percheron joins Francophone Midwest’s nominations for his connection to La Mie Bakery in Des Moines. His detailed profile will be completed once his role and dates are confirmed.
Researching, teaching, creating, building and bringing people together. This second Hall of Fame highlights French, Francophone and international lives connected to Iowa. Each person’s background, roles and achievements are described using the available sources.
French professor and researcher
Iowa State University · joined in 2012
A native of France, Michèle A. Schaal joined Iowa State University in 2012. A professor of French and Women’s and Gender Studies, she teaches French language and culture and researches contemporary women writers and feminisms.
The Iowa connection. A teaching and research career in Ames, documented in her university biography.
Composer, clarinetist and teacher
University of Iowa · joined in 2016
Originally from France, composer and clarinetist Jean-François Charles has taught at the University of Iowa since 2016. His work connects music and digital technology, including Grant Wood in Paris, an opera premiered by Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre in 2019.
The Iowa connection. Teaching in Iowa City and an opera premiere in Cedar Rapids connect his artistic work to several Iowa communities.
French-American artist and portraitist
Fort Madison and Quad Cities · documented in 2020
French-American artist Cécile Houel has built a portrait practice in Iowa and shares her techniques through workshops. In 2020, her portraits of Nobel Peace Prize laureates were exhibited at several Quad Cities venues, including Bettendorf and Davenport.
The Iowa connection. Quad City Arts identifies her as based in Fort Madison in its 2020 program. This historical record does not establish her current address.
Geneticist · 1934–2020
Master’s degree at Iowa State · 1957
Born in Finistère, Louis Ollivier earned a master’s degree at Iowa State in 1957 under geneticist Jay L. Lush. He later helped establish INRA’s Animal Genetics Division in France while maintaining scientific links with Iowa. His career illustrates the exchange of knowledge between the two countries.
The Iowa connection. A period of study in Ames, followed by scientific collaborations. His accomplishments at INRA belong to his later career in France.
Real estate professional
Realty ONE Group Impact · Greater Des Moines
A real estate professional with Realty ONE Group Impact, Linda Sabic helps clients with residential projects across Greater Des Moines. Fluent in French and English, she also provides language support for newcomers to Iowa.
The Iowa connection. Professional work in Greater Des Moines, complemented by French translation and interpreting skills.
Entrepreneur and interpreter
Founder of EDITA Incorporated
The founder of EDITA Incorporated, Edita Habibic develops interpreting and translation services that help people access essential services. An Iowa State University graduate in French and World Languages and Cultures, she includes French among her professional languages.
The Iowa connection. An Iowa State education and interpreting work in the Des Moines and Windsor Heights area.
Bakeries, pastry shops and restaurants in Iowa and the Midwest with connections to French culture. Closures and changes of restaurant name are documented where sources allow; uncertain details remain clearly marked.
Meet the people · Hall of Fame →A first selection documenting local businesses since 1996. This is not a complete inventory; each entry distinguishes confirmed dates from details still to be established. Sources checked October 11, 2026.
These recent chapters highlight David Baruthio’s projects and Marc Navailles’ work across several Iowa cities. Dated milestones identify each chef’s role at each stage.
444 North Shore Drive · Clear Lake, Iowa
2024 · address now listed under Rivara
David Baruthio’s spring 2024 takeover of The Surfside marked a new chapter in Clear Lake. Near the Surf Ballroom, he offered seasonal cooking shaped by local ingredients and international influences. Business Record · 2024 ↗
3331 19th Street SW · Mason City, Iowa
Late 2024 · a chapter in David’s work in 2025
At Legacy Golf Course in Mason City, Bistro Nineteen extended David’s northern Iowa restaurant journey. He presented it as one of his restaurants in April 2025. Cityview · 2025 ↗
Belmond, Iowa
April 2025 · the club restaurant
Belmond brought their careers together: in April 2025, David Baruthio said he had taken over the club, with Marc Navailles leading its restaurant. Cityview · 2025 ↗
East Village · Des Moines, Iowa
November 2023 · Mike LaValle’s project
In 2023, Marc Navailles served as chef at Purveyor, Mike LaValle’s project. His experience and craft became part of the culinary life of Des Moines’ East Village. Cityview · 2023 ↗
Café Madeleine’s history card distinguishes the closed fixed venue from continuing events under that name. Café Madeleine →
6587 University Avenue · Windsor Heights, Iowa
2010–2019
As chef and co-owner alongside Sara Hill, David Baruthio brought contemporary French cooking and seasonal ingredients to Baru 66. The Windsor Heights restaurant offered a distinctive expression of that craft within the Des Moines dining scene. dsm · 2013 ↗
3531 Mount Vernon Road SE · Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Opened in 2004 · closed by February 2019
Ian and Isabelle Cummings opened Croissant Du Jour in 2004. The French bakery-café later became L’Auberge, a bistro at the same address. KHAK · 2026 ↗
12695 University Avenue, Suite 140 · Clive, Iowa
2011–2013 · under the Tartine name
Opened in 2011, this French café and bakery served pain au chocolat and brunch. It remains part of the culinary memories of the western Des Moines area. Firsthand visit account · September 2011 ↗
4009 East 53rd Street · Davenport, Iowa
Documented in 2017–2019 · opening and closing dates unverified
In Davenport, Carousel of Delights offered French pastries and macaron classes. The bakery also supported local community initiatives. Assumption High School · 2018 ↗
860 First Street · West Des Moines, Iowa
Documented in 2014 · closed in 2016
At Blue Tomato Kitchen, owner David Baruthio and chef Nick Illingworth created a relaxed West Des Moines setting for pizza and pasta. The restaurant reflects another side of David’s culinary journey, embracing Italian flavors. Cityview · 2014 ↗
1430 Locust Street · Des Moines, Iowa
2019 · closure reported early 2020
Bistro Nomad brought together two chapters in David Baruthio’s and Marc Navailles’ careers: David helped launch the restaurant, and Marc later led its kitchen. Overlooking Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the table offered diners a journey through Mediterranean flavors. Cityview · 2019 ↗
218 Sixth Avenue · Fleming Building · Des Moines, Iowa
2025 · venue closed by July 2026
Café Madeleine reflected chef-owner David Baruthio’s craft through an intimate format combining fixed-price menus and conversation with guests. Cityview · 2025 ↗ · Maîtres Cuisiniers de France · chef profile ↗
4700 Grand Avenue · Des Moines Art Center, Iowa
2013–2016 · renamed in 2016
At the Des Moines Art Center, David Baruthio’s cooking accompanied museum visits through Baru and then Gaston. His 2016 collaboration with Alban Blot brought a relaxed French menu to the setting, connecting the pleasures of dining with artistic discovery. Business Record · 2016 ↗
6611 University Avenue · Windsor Heights, Iowa
2017–2018
At Saison, partners David Baruthio and Mike Crownover brought together selected French classics and the welcoming spirit of a pub. The Windsor Heights restaurant offered another setting for approachable, convivial dining. Business Record · 2017 ↗
1261 Eighth Street · West Des Moines, Iowa
Opened November 2015 · closed by 2019
At Prime Land & Sea, David Baruthio and Sara Hill developed a table centered on steak and seafood. Jazz added to the atmosphere of this West Des Moines restaurant, bringing a musical note to their local restaurant story. Cityview · 2016 ↗
Windsor Heights, Iowa · Argentine grill
Chef-owner in 2019 · closed in 2019
As Al Punto’s chef-owner, Marc Navailles brought his French training to a table dedicated to Argentine grilling. The Windsor Heights restaurant forms a distinctive chapter in his Midwest culinary journey. Marc Navailles · professional profile ↗
Your memories can enrich these first entries. Did you know one of these places, keep a dated record, or own a photograph you can authorize us to use? Share a contribution; it will be checked before publication.
A newspaper article already documents a group of young French visitors in Iowa discovering the Johnson County Fair.
Language and cultural experiences continue, creating lasting connections between France and Iowa.
Students, adults in immersion programs, interns and visitors discover the Midwest and leave with memories and friendships.
Different experiences, with one thing in common: an encounter with Iowa, its culture and its people.
We are reconnecting with people who spent time in the Midwest to share their memories and discover their lives today.
The report “Not so far from Paris — French culture meets agriculture” presents the French group at the Johnson County Fair. Both pages are preserved here as reference documents.
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A living gallery to reconnect people, events and places — without publishing personal profiles without consent.
Year, city, type of stay, old photos, “my life today” and people met: everyone can tell their story in their own way.