The city of Montclair continues to have an affinity for European cuisine (and Daniel Boulud alumni). This time, a new pâtisserie recently debuted on Church Street—Jayce Baudry French Pastry.
Conceptualized by chef-owner Jayce Baudry, the Bordeaux, France native aspired to bring a taste of home to New Jersey. Before setting up his own shop in Essex County, Baudry spent time working for some of the most acclaimed establishments in Paris and came to the States alongside renowned restaurateur, Daniel Boulud, in 2013.
It was during that time where he met fellow Frenchmen and Daniel Boulud alums, Olivier Muller and Dominique Paulin. Now, the two are better known as the owners of the ever-popular Faubourg on Montclair’s Bloomfield Ave.
Baudry, who worked briefly at Faubourg, saw the success of his friends in this small, New Jersey suburb and decided to follow in their footsteps. In November 2021, he opened a pastry shop of his own alongside his wife Rebecca.
A Visit to Jayce Baudry French Pastry
Maybe I’ve been watching too much “Emily in Paris,” but this pâtisserie, tucked discreetly inside the lobby of Clairmont Cinema, feels decidedly chic. For me, a trip here no doubt elevated what seemed like a regular, everyday affair.
Canelé de Bordeaux from Jayce Baudry French Pastry in Montclair, New Jersey l Photo by Abby Montanez
Rows of uniform macarons, dark chocolate éclairs, tarts and more French pastries adorned the display case. Pound cakes, madeleines, financiers and canelés lined the counters and shelves. To the eye, and the palate, there is a clear intersection of modern and traditional at play.
Desserts here rarely feature more than two or three flavors and use only the finest ingredients. Every aspect is meant to draw the consumer in from the aroma to the aesthetic and obviously, the taste. It is an exciting, out of the ordinary experience for anyone in the neighborhood—considering that many of the pastries at Jayce Baudry are hard to find in New Jersey.
Chocolate salted caramel cake from Jayce Baudry French Pastry in Montclair, NJ l Photo by Abby Montanez
The chocolate salted caramel cake with dark chocolate mousse, salted caramel cremeux, devil’s food cake and mirror glaze is a prime example of the pâtisserie’s elegant and refined French flair.
The shop also offers coffee, tea and other espresso drinks. Pastries can be taken to-go and they even offer local delivery. However, if you’re anything like me and find it impossible to resist scarfing down your treats immediately, opt for a tabletop inside the Clairidge lobby instead.
Main image via @jaycebaudryfrenchpastry
About the Author/s
Abby is The Digest's Managing Editor. She spends her time looking at dogs on Instagram and eating her way around Jersey City.
