From the Mayor’s Office – Merci!

The power of taste and smell are often described as what lead us. More powerful than our visual or auditory senses. When Proust’s narrator in his book, “Remembrance of Things Past” bit into a madeleine, its taste evoked a memory which became the catalyst for a famous series of French novels.

A Proust moment happened to me when I first became acquainted with Jean Claude’s Patisserie. The sweet, buttery fragrance of Jean Claudes shop transported me back to a heartsick 20-year-old. When I was an art student in Paris, I had a crush on a young lady who worked at a local patisserie on Rue Jacob. I was smitten and bought and ate a lot of pastry, hoping to get her attention. It never happened – though unrequited love and pastry are a perfect combination!

Jean Claude and his wife, Annette, have decided to retire after 26 years in business. To think that in the Town of Warwick that we could purchase delicious, elegant French pastry, not something “in the spirit of” but the real deal, has been a bonus to living here – a gift.  In France there is a rich tradition of baking. It’s performed on the highest level nationally and is part of the country’s identity. It varies regionally which gives it nuance and Patisserie Arts are one of the hallmarks of French culture and cuisine.

For many of us we will miss the brick-and-mortar part of Jean Claudes. To sit for awhile in the ambiance of delicious treats, coffee and company was simultaneously comforting and transporting. I particularly loved to visit at Christmas and Easter – Bouche des Noel, Galette des Rois or in the Spring, Strawberry Shortcake were some of the seasonal offerings. A special occasion became more memorable with the visual beauty and taste of a Jean Claude creation.

During the Village’s 150^th anniversary Jean Claudes made multiple remarkable cakes – each representing the special event that was occurring. The design and artistry of each cake captured the spirit and enthusiasm of the celebratory year. The cakes were given to the Village through the generosity and love that Annette and Jean Claude have for their community.

I worked with Annette on the Warwick Farmers Market Committee. Not only was she the welcoming face every Sunday during the season but a strong advocate for our local farmers. Annette’s care and understanding about the long-term health and sustainability of the Market was clear in her dedication and in every conversation, we had over the years.

It is hard work to run a bakery of this caliber and there is a moment when a reckoning with the next step is inevitable. We are all hoping the legacy will prevail and that a gifted person will pick up the spatula and continue.

Annette and Jean Claude, you have shared so much with us. Two and a half decades of delicious memories. Our corner of the world has been altered and enriched. Merci!

The next Village Board will take place on October 16, 2023, 7:30 pm, Village Hall, 77 Main Street. Agendas are available online HERE.