LOCAL EATS
LOVE AT FIRST BITE
F
rench traditions and culture hold a special fascination. Certain elements of the culture are world-famous, such as the deep regard the French have for excellent food and conversation. Owner, Haja Bosela and her husband, Eric Moutard opened Madleines Place, a French bistro and bakery, two years ago. They opened the place in hopes of creating an authentic experience for locals to find a little Joie de vivre or joy of life, the feeling they had while preparing and eating meals in their hometowns of central France. Madelines Place offers French-inspired, made-fromscratch soups, salads, pastries and sandwiches. While it`s not easy to replicate homemade cooking and baking inside a café Bosela says they get as close to the old recipes as much as they can. What makes a French bakery unique? Is it the quality of its baguettes, the flakiness of its croissants, the relaxing atmosphere? It’s some combination of all three and so much more. This bakery’s namesake comes from
By Taylor Lieberstein
Moutard`s grandmother Madeleine who was a wonderful baker and chef. Using only wholesome ingredients paired with French techniques they aim to create and celebrate the French cuisine, using recipes that have been passed down for generations. The couple moved to Clarksville two years ago. When they discovered there was no French bistros they decided to try and create an authentic French café for natives, transplants and all Francophiles. Madelines Place is their way of throwing it back to weekend and holiday meals in France- the cooking never ends. On weekends and holidays in France as soon as the breakfast meal is finished, the family starts prepping for lunch. The lunch meal runs late into the afternoon and then they move immediately into dinner time. Bosela said between her previous restaurant experience, having raised five kids and now owning two restaurants cooking is something she has spent much of her life doing and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Continued on page 10
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Clarksville Living
