Story by LaVerne Stevens, Photos provided by Très Jolie
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Step out of Florida and take an international trip to France as you step through the doorway of Très Jolie Pâtissiere and Artisan Gift Shop, located in the Rhodesbilt Arcade in downtown Lake Wales. The first hint that you will be going on a journey is the lovely sidewalk café located outside of the shop.

Round tables made by Harold Bray and chairs that actually came from France adorn the outdoor café, as well as inside the shop. Table tops were designed and fashioned to depict French scenes by owners Patrice Grenier and Jessica Bray. French music is pleasing and, along with the French décor of this place, carries one away to another land. White lace curtains enhance the stained glass windows.

Helen Hostetler and Jan Scott were enjoying lunch here for the first time. They had the asparagus with provolone cheese croissant and the ham and cheese croissant. “They are wonderful!” said Helen. The English decaf tea is great.” Jan said, “We will definitely come here again! I like the atmosphere.”

The lunch menu is light, but delicious such as Quiches Du Jour, ham and cheese or vegetable croissants, accented with fresh fruit. The meal ending is a difficult decision with so many choices offered of creamy French pastry desserts. Éclairs, almond and chocolate croissants, baguettes, cream puffs, napoleons, cheesecake, tarts, bread pudding and more tease the appetite and taunt the diet conscious. A variety of beverages are offered including choices of coffees, cappuccino/latte, choices of teas, and a specialty called drinkable chocolate. This is definitely the place to escape daily pressures, relax and enjoy the surroundings.

My lunch consisted of Quiche Lorraine, a pie-shaped slice with the taste of baked eggs, cheeses and bacon in just the right proportions. This was accompanied by crisp fresh grapes. I chose a fruit tart for dessert. It consisted of a crushed almond and almond butter crust under creamy custard which was topped with blueberries, mandarin orange slices and kiwi fruit. The fruit was carefully placed in a definite designed pattern. It was so pretty to look at, but I decided to eat it anyway and enjoyed every decadent taste of it. The decaf coffee was freshly made and was served with a shaker of powdered chocolate in case I wanted some added flavor.

The artisan gift shop has a selection of specialty items. Grenier creates one of a kind vintage jewelry. She restores antique hats. Bray designs beautifully molded bars of soap in a variety of styles and scents. Unique accent lighting pieces, antique Limoges china, ceramics, crystal and glass line the shelves. Delicate glass perfume bottles are adorable. Limited edition investment grade and decorator paintings are sold here. Artwork of local artist Margaret Thomas is featured and pine needle basketry by local artists Mary Ellen Miller and Phyllis Butcher can be found. Embroidered linen pieces by Charlene (Sam) McKee are available. Some items come from auctions and shops in England and France.

This business is a family affair. Lake Wales’ residents Patrice Grenier and Jessica Bray are sisters. A third sister, Elizabeth D’Acunto, has recently arrived to participate in the business as well. Grenier, a former teacher and college administrator from Connecticut, manages the gift shop and runs the café. She now considers Lake Wales her home and loves it here in Florida.

Bray is the pastry chef. She has studied culinary arts at Le Cordon Bleu in London, Paris and New York City. She’s an electrical engineer with an MBA, but has found her niche in the culinary world. She will soon be opening a Bed and Breakfast in Lake Wales in their home which was built in 1913. Bray does all the baking for the café. She does specialty cakes, including wedding cakes and catering. Framed awards and award ribbons she has won for her culinary expertise don the walls in the café.

For specialty and catering requests call (863) 676-4142.