Chef/Proprietor Julien Asseo of Les Petites Canailles, Paso Robles Part 2

SoCal Restaurant Show

The Michelin recognized, Family-owned Les Petites Canailles in Paso Robles is a “French farm-to-table Bistro specializing in local Central Coast California ingredients. The food is sophisticated and modern served within a lively, casual atmosphere.”

The proprietors (Husband and Wife Team of Julien and Courtney Asseo) like to refer to themselves as the Winemaker’s son & the Butcher’s daughter…

“Chef Julian Asseo was born in Libourne, a small town in the southwest of France. He grew up in the vineyard of his parents until he was 10 years old before moving to Paso Robles, with his family. His father became one of the greatest pioneers of winemaking in the area, with his winery L’Aventure. At 16 he decided to move back to France to follow his culinary school education at the Lycee Hotelier de Gascogne near Bordeaux. After finishing culinary school he moved to Paris to work at La Fontaine de Mars as a commis, then chef de partie.”

“Courtney Asseo was born and raised in the foothills of North Carolina. Her family owns Mays Meat Processing in Taylorsville, NC. It’s one of the last, family- owned slaughterhouses and butcher shops in the southeast. In her younger days, she wanted to be an actress. She studied film acting at the New York Film Academy in NYC, and later graduated from UNLV in Theatre Studies. Being in that industry wasn’t easy, and she worked many restaurant and bar jobs. She may not have chosen the hospitality industry in the beginning, but it ended up choosing her, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Julien and Courtney moved to Vegas in 2008 and the rest was history. They both excelled in the hospitality and culinary world. Julien worked for Joel Robuchon for 4 years as a sous chef, until he made his way to Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesar’s Palace. Courtney worked behind the bar at Todd English and later took over as bar manager of DB Brasserie, by Daniel Boulud. While Julien made his way up to Executive Chef of Guy Savoy, Courtney made 2 babies and a home for them in Las Vegas.”

“Courtney and Julien always loved hosting people at their former residence in Las Vegas for whole pig BBQs or paella. Entertaining and hospitality is part of their souls. While they often visited Paso Robles to spend time with Julien’s family, they always dreamed of someday leaving Vegas and opening their own restaurant in Paso Robles. For years people didn’t question whether or not they would ever do it, but it was a matter of when.”

“Paso Robles is now their home with Les Petites Canailles. Les Petites Canailles translates to English as “the little rascals,” which represents their 3 children, Margaux, Maddox, and Phoenix.”

Chef Julien Asseo takes another break from his busy kitchen to continue with us.