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In my most ardent quest and mission to find
TRUE French Macaroons and Meringues,
I was gently turned in this direction.
Article:
Marcel Didierjean is the master baker whose skill and training seem like something that should be lost to time, or at least misplaced here in Southeastern Michigan, where too often it seems like the population prefers what is new, and cheap, and (in the case of small businesses) a national chain. This is just down 14 Mile from an intersection where extra police were recently deployed to control traffic at the opening of a Sonic Drive-In. Sometimes Marcel gets up at 2-3:00 a.m. to start baking, and stays as late as 8-9:00 p.m. In addition to the sweets, Le Petit Prince offers a full array of French baked goods including the best baguettes in Detroit, brioches, croissants, and a pain au chocolat with almond paste that will blow your mind. Marcel's wife Yvette and one of his three sons are usually there to manage the shop. Two of the sons are artists whose work is on the walls, and looking at these exquisite hand-painted bunnies, roosters, and squirrels, it's pretty clear that the whole family is pretty talented. The Didierjeans brought the molds with them from the shop they once ran in the south of France and make the chocolate themselves (and Marcel trained in Switzerland for two years on chocolate, so you know it's good stuff)
Every time I visit there is some talk about the shop's future. Obviously, a business like this must be supported by people who appreciate fine craftsmanship and the passion that goes into these products. But the Didierjeans also make it easy to appreciate the family nature of their business. Yvette is always there to greet her customers with a warm smile and some words in French. It was hard to pull Marcel away from his work for this photo, but after his sons pestered him a bit he finally came out in his baker's clothing. In the hope of keeping this treasure open for future generations of metro Detroiters, I know I am not alone in selfishly hoping his passion for this grueling work does not soon wane, at least not until after one of those young men is ready to follow him.
Le Petit Prince is located at 124 W. 14 Mile Rd., Birmingham, MI; I believe they open at 7:00 a.m. and are closed on Mondays. There are traditional French pastries and breads every day and seasonal chocolates and sweets for Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Easter, but please be aware that like any honorable Frenchmen, the Didierjeans close their shop for an extended period in late summer (sometimes as long as two months) when they return to the south of France and presumably enjoy some time off. In the summer, it's best to call (248-644-7114). It makes a great stop before (or after) a trip to the Cranbrook grounds and gardens and museums!
article via Sweet Juniper
PS: My secret trip to this magnificent french confectionary is scheduled so soon I can TASTE the magic!!!
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