The scent of fresh baked goods and a steady stream of delicious dishes flowing from the kitchen are commonplace at MarieBette Café and Bakery. A few years ago, owners Jason Becton and Patrick Evans decided to forgo the hustle and bustle of New York City and resettle with a business of their own and to raise their young daughters (for whom the cafe is affectionately named). Patrick finds passion in the bakery, while Jason feels most confident in the kitchen.
Owners and Bakers, Jason Becton and Patrick Evans, share a passion of creating beautiful and delicious artisan-made dishes and pastries that focus on local ingredients.
Pastries & Breads at MarieBette Cafe & Bakery
Using local ingredients, the café serves unique dishes without being too complex. Patrons will never look down to find unrecognizable ingredients on their plate. The Tuna Niçoise salad, a mixture of sweet gem lettuce, albacore tuna, tomatoes, egg, haricots verts, niçoise olives and boquerones, is one example of a lunchtime delicacy.
What an Average Day Looks Like in a Bakery
Patrick uses his baking skills to create fresh-baked items daily. The couple’s belief is that fresh bread should be purchased every day. The Brioche Feuilletée is the most popular baked good served at MarieBette and follows a three-day preparation protocol.
“It is mixed the first day, layered the second day and baked on the third day,” says Patrick.
Bakers can be found bustling around the establishment beginning at 4 a.m. each morning, preparing already mixed and formed dough. Sourdough loaves, baguettes and pastries file into the oven to meet the 7 a.m. opening of the bakery. Items are then baked continuously throughout the morning.
“Our establishment is all about simple food done really well with quality ingredients,” says Jason. “We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel or do anything too unapproachable.”
The simple nature of Jason and Patrick’s menu is a cultivation of ideas drawn from various culinary influences. Taking each prominent experience, from the International Culinary Center to living in Europe, the pair found their place in Charlottesville.
Creating an experience for each customer is the most rewarding aspect Jason says. Whether it’s to meet a friend for lunch or to celebrate a birthday, he feels as though they have accomplished their initial goal—creating a positive food experience for the community. ~
Learn more about the renowned food and drink makers paving the way for greatness in Virginia Wine Country with Virginia Wine & Country’s Meet the Maker series. From award-winning winemakers, gardeners and Michelin Star chefs, Virginia is home to a robust farm-to-table movement defined by culinary delights and craft beverages such as heritage hard cider and award-winning craft beer. This article originally appeared in Book 4 of Wine & Country Life. To get a copy of Book 4 or any other issue, see our Virginia Wine & Country Shop site. To read more about other VA Wine Country artisan chefs, recipes and local eateries, see our Food and Drink section.
has bachelor’s degrees in both Journalism and Public Relations from James Madison University. She loves writing and sharing all of the wonderful local offerings in Charlottesville.
