The Middlebury Baking Company will hold its grand opening Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, at 590 Middlebury Road, Middlebury, formerly Ovens of France.
If Philippe Niez, the new owner, looks familiar, that's because he's taking over the location from his brother, Denis Niez. Denis opened the bakery four years ago, and will continue to operate Ovens of France in Woodbury.
But have no fear, because culinary chops run in the family. Philippe Niez spent 10 years as the Executive Pastry Chef at the prestigious Mayflower Inn in Washington Depot, where guests like Bill and Hillary Clinton have dined.
Philippe says that while his brother Denis is "more of a baker," focusing on breads and baked goods, he plans to put his pastry experience to good use.
The Middlebury Baking Company will offer more dessert cakes, especially wedding and event cakes, as well as breakfast pastries, cakes, tarts, cupcakes, and French macarons.
Soups and sandwiches, featuring bread from Ovens of France, will also be available daily, as will "the same great coffee" as before.
In the future, Philippe plans to offer chocolate and pastry classes, building on his experience as an instructor at the New England Culinary Institute. He also plans to start a line of gourmet chocolates to sell in the bakery.
Philippe says he is "very excited to start this new venture," and "can't wait" to get started. For customers who agree, the Middlebury Baking Company will be open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday.
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