About Chef Chris Lavigne

Chef Chris LaVigne entered the culinary world as a result of a mid-life “aha!” He first explored his passion for food while participating in a recreational course at the Institute for Culinary Education in New York City. At the end of the course his career would follow a new path. He enrolled in the Advanced Professional Course at the Connecticut Culinary Institute in Farmington, CT (now located in Hartford). Upon graduation he worked an externship to refine his skills at Jordan Caterers in Cheshire. He then accepted a position at Flik International, a corporate dining corporation with clients worldwide. He first position was as a cook in the Middletown office of Aetna. He quickly became a First Cook at the SBC Building on the wharf in New Haven. He then transferred to the Hopkins School in New Haven as a First Cook, then Sous Chef, and finally the Executive Chef.

Energized and eager to share his creative ideas with a wider audience, he opened Lily’s Café, LLC in Durham and looks forward to providing new additions to your local culinary options. �