Janet and Yvon started Le Barn Appetit in 1987, and they've been serving satisfied customers every summer since. Yvon, the chef, originally from Belgium, came to Alaska in 1966. Janet, the organizer, decorator and gardener from New Mexico, came to Alaska in 1972 to teach school and now also coaches swimming. Besides the restaurant, both are kept busy with a multitude of different projects.

Yvon and Janet have three natural children, who have spent most of their lives in Seward. Andre, 27, is currently living in Hollywood, wants to be discovered as an actor and film producer. He is presently working with Disney Corporation for their special events and does body guarding. Jared, 25, living in San Francisco is a body guard extraordinaire. Jacqueline, 20, is aspiring to be a doctor and has a solid eye on becoming an Olympic swimmer.

The van Driessches have acquired a very wide variety of animals. Tomasino, our outside cat is a mouse and squirrel hunter extraordinaire. Visit our pond with geese, chickens and giant Belgian rabbits in front of our restaurant complex.

The family is constantly involved in life's processes. Our log cabin is in the final stages of construction located next to the van Driessche home. Besides the upkeep of the present buildings, we are building a bigger log cabin. When not building, there may be people going fishing, hunting, hiking, or consulting with Yvon or Janet. We have recently completed the ‘Taj Majal’ smokehouse for smoking our fabulous Alaskan salmon.  Guests can have their fish smoked for a small fee.