New Guilford Café Promises Healthy Versions Of Favorite Dishes

GUILFORD, CT — Alexandra Ayala Costache came to the U.S. from Romania in 2005. Four years later, she graduated from the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan. She worked her way up the culinary ladder, beginning at L’escale in Greenwich and then moving to The J House, and then to David’s Soundview Catering in Stamford. In 2019, she opened Baked by Alexandra.

On the website of her new business, Belle Vie Café in Guilford, she said her mission is to "create healthy options for a variety of baked goods while preserving the taste of the original recipes."

Costache's new café, at 20 Church St., had its grand opening Thursday.

It offers soups, salads, sandwiches, crêpes and fresh baked goods "tailored to many specialized dietary restrictions or lifestyles."

She's said she's "carrying out her dream" at Belle Vie Café, by creating an "eatery specializing in Keto-friendly, gluten-free, paleo and diabetic-friendly dishes without sacrificing taste and flavor."

Belle Vie Café offers "healthy versions" of classic favorites, according to her website.

"Gone are the days of boring, tasteless gluten-free, Keto and paleo dishes," it reads. "We believe in being able to enjoy the food you love and staying healthy. Each plate is made with the absolute best ingredients available, ensuring a great experience for your palate."

The café is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.