Business Notebook: Cafe to say ‘merci' to customers for their loyalty

Warwick - With French chansons playing in the background and a print of Renoir’s classic painting, Le Dejeunner Des Canotiers, overlooking the tables, it’s not hard to imagine that you’re in a Paris cafe instead of Warwick’s Jean-Claude’s Patisserie & Dessert Café. That, however, is part of the charm of Jean-Claude’s, an artisan bakery, long known for the excellence of baked goods and specialties like chocolate genache, mocha cakes, fresh fruit tarts and petits fours. This year, Annette and Jean-Claude Sanchez are celebrating the eighth anniversary of their popular bakery, which first opened at 25 Elm St., Warwick, on Nov. 8, 1997. Prior to then, Jean-Claude had been the pastry chef at well known New York City eateries including Manhattan’s Rainbow Room, Le Bernardin and The River Club. Following the dictates of classic French baking, Jean-Claude pledged to use only the finest natural ingredients and to bake everything on the premises. As a result, Jean-Claude’s Patisserie & Dessert Café continues to be listed in the Zagat Survey Restaurant Guide for Southern Hudson Valley and Westchester. Subscribers to the guide are aware that listings are only based on a popular vote by customers. The Culinary Institute of America Restaurant Critics Panel has also selected Jean-Claude’s as a “Destination Restaurant” for 2005. Throughout the years, Jean-Claude’s proved to be a good neighbor by supporting community events such as Applefest and A Taste of Warwick. Annette and Jean-Claude are members of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce and they also joined the recently formed Warwick Independent Business Alliance (IBA). “We encourage everyone to support all our local businesses,” said Annette. To celebrate it’s eighth anniversary, Jean-Claude’s Patisserie & Dessert Café will host a “Customer Appreciation Day,” this Saturday, Dec. 3. “We’ll be serving hot cider and delectable treats all day,” said Annette. “And we would like to thank all our good friends and wonderful customers for their patronage. We promise that we will continue to do our best to serve you.” More home for the holidays Once again, Frazzleberries gift shop, 24 Main St., is featuring Byers’ Choice Carolers. According to owner Mary Beth Schlichting, the holiday collectibles make a wonderful Christmas gift. And like many other downtown businesses, Frazzleberries is offering a Holiday Wish-List Registry. “Our registry,” said Schlichting, “allows you to browse at our shop and make note of those items that you would like to add to your wish-list this year.” She explained that Frazzleberries would then mail your wish list off to the recipients of your choosing at no cost. “After all,” she said. “Even Santa himself needs a list.” Downtown Warwick will also continue to feature weekly events to attract visitors during the holiday season. This Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2 - 3, St. Anthony Community Hospital will host the “Winding Through Warwick” tour of decorated homes. And on Sunday, Dec. 4, the Historical Society of the Town of Warwick will host its annual Wassail Party at Baird’s Tavern from 4-6 p.m. Residents are encouraged to support local businesses for their Christmas shopping and to take advantage of the convenience, expert advice, friendly service and free gift-wrapping. No sale At the recent WVT Communications (Warwick Valley Telephone) annual meeting on Nov. 17, shareholders voted down a shareholder’s proposal urging the board of directors to arrange for the prompt sale of the company. WVT President and CEO Herbert Gareiss Jr. stated, “Our plans are in place, our organization is engaged organization is engaged and our direction is clear. WVT’s strength lies in its dedicated and knowledgeable staff, its loyal customers and shareholders, and its ability to move quickly to capture and exit markets.” Don’t forget the Angel Tree As you may know, Warwick Merchants sponsor an “Angel Tree,” which is mounted on the fence between Newhard’s Home Store and Akin’s Pharmacy. Each of the angels on the tree represents a needy senior citizen or a local child. Visitors are encouraged to remove the angels and purchase appropriate gifts, which are then delivered to Warwick Ecumenical Food Pantry.