St. Tammany Taste Quick Bites: Carlos Sanchez Of Tournesol Cafe & Bakery

Louisiana Eats

When customers walk into the quaint dining room of Tournesol Cafe & Bakery, they are immediately greeted by the aroma of fresh-baked breads and pastries. And whether they choose a raspberry croissant, chocolate éclair, or tres leches, the decision is bound to be a happy one. Carlos Sanchez is the owner, baker, and chef behind the charming Covington, Louisiana establishment – but he didn't start out to become a maker of culinary magic. Carlos was raised in Central America during an unstable time for his native El Salvador. In 1990, a raging civil war forced his emigration to the United States where he found work washing dishes in a Los Angeles restaurant. When his interest in cooking caught the owner's eye, Carlos' culinary career began. In 2003, he moved to New Orleans where he held such prestigious posts as sous chef to Dominique Rizzo at La Boulangerie, as well as head baker and sous chef of the Donald Link Group. Along the way, Carlos' work was awarded 2017 Best Baguette in New Orleans and 2018 Best Croissant in New Orleans by the Southern Food and Beverage Museum. In 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, Carlos fulfilled his dream of opening his own bakery in Covington. He joined us to talk about Tournesol, and the winding path that brought him there. Big thanks to our sponsor, Visit The Northshore, where you can discover world-class culinary flavors and so much more. Experience the bounty of the bayou and rich culture from award-winning chefs, soulful mom and pop restaurants, extraordinary bakers, and creative mixologists. To learn more, request the Explore the Northshore Visitor Guide for inspirational stories, custom itineraries, and event information at VisitTheNorthshore.com.