Love At First Bite

By Taylor Lieberstein

French 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-from-scratch 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 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.

The café hopes to create a Southern Sunday tradition of sharing an afterchurch supper and relaxing with loved ones only in a French atmosphere for those who want to experience it. They serve breakfast, lunch and dessert with rotating specials and a selection of pre-made to-go meals including over 30 varieties of macaroons, crepes, croissants, tarts, salads, sandwich and soups all hand-made from scratch. Bosela and her husband get up long before the sun to freshly bake and prepare viennoiseries, meringue and all the other pastries such as peanut butter chocolate tarts, every day. Favorites include the Croque Monseiur and Croque Madame, served with homemade bechamel sauce, the crepes stuffed with sweet or savory fillings, and their vast assortment of delicious French pastries made on site by their pastry chef.

They also plan a special dinner menu the first Saturday of each month that requires a reservation and includes French specialty dishes. Thanks to strong word-of-mouth popularity, some good press, and delicious recipes, Madelines Place continues to grow. They opened their second location in Strawberry Alley. They also recently re-opened their original store located at 2185 Wilma Rudolph Blvd and the newer café is located at 100 Strawberry Alley in downtown Clarksville and is open Tuesday through Sunday. Pop in for a leisurely lunch, a sweet treat or come sit and enjoy coffee and pastries for an entire afternoon. They also offer assortment pastry boxes. They make great gifts for teachers, family and co-workers. Call to place an order today or come in and make one yourself. Bon Appétit!