A Piece of Bread Will Bring You Home

Callan Shore, staff writer

To settle into a chair at MarieBette Bakery and Café is to find oneself transported to grandma’s breakfast table…with a European twist. The open room overflows with warm sunlight, and the wood furniture is straight out of a modern farmhouse.

This spot doubles as a quality bakery as well as a beautiful lunch spot, and the coffee and buttery pastries are highly sought after. Out of the heavier fare, the baked eggs with herbs and cream, which are $7.50, or the lemon ricotta pancakes, which are $9.25, though a bit pricey, will not be disappointing.

The staff takes time to think through every small detail, from the presentation of a croissant to whether or not the coffee is ethically produced. The simplicity and incredible taste of the food is attributed to the owners, who were trained in a French culinary institute and spent time as cooks in prestigious restaurants, such as l’Atelier de Jöel Robuchon.

Unlike many other local cafés and breakfast joints, MarieBette has a unique story which is thoroughly woven into its overall theme.

The founders Jason Becton and Patrick Evans know what it means to be a member of the Charlottesville community, and they bring this into their bakery. Through locally sourced products and loaves of bread stamped with pride flags or scenes from the Blue Ridge, they show their Charlottesville pride.

The founders are married with two little girls, Marian and Betty, who inspired the Bakery’s name. This bakery and cafe provides a perfect place for anyone to take a break and slow down during a hectic day. The only downside is how popular it is; the line often goes out the door and the nearest parking spot may be a small walk away.

Located a couple of minutes from the Downtown Mall, MarieBette can be found in a small green building on Rose Hill Drive.