320  West Johnson Street   Madison, Wisconsin 53703       608.268.0372      lechardonnay@gmail.com        http://www.LeChardonnayMadison.com

Sami Fgaier grew up in Tunisia's Kerkennah Islands, in the Mediterranean Sea. Life in the islands taught him much about fish and seafood. He also worked in his mother's bookshop, where friends and strangers alike were welcomed to sit and talk over tea and yu-yu (doughnuts).

Arriving in Madison in 1995, Sami earned his computer science and business degrees, but quit his first professional job after just five weeks when he realized his real passion was serving food. He waited tables, bartended, learned the restaurant business, and opened Le Chardonnay in 2003.

A self-taught, creative and exacting chef, Sami shops daily for fresh ingredients and annually treks to Tunisia for his favorite spices. He charms his customers with his personal attention, and effortlessly switches among French, English, Arabic and Spanish. Le Chardonnay’s casual, friendly atmosphere and its delicious cuisine are an expression of Sami’s love for people and food.