Foodstuff

I was attracted to Jean Claude Patisserie and Cafe (3320 NE 33rd St., Fort Lauderdale, 954-563-5406) by the lace curtains at the window. I stayed for the bargains -- entrees, which hover around twelve dollars, are bookended by salad and dessert. But I returned for the sweets. This unassuming French...

By Jen Karetnick

March 26, 1998

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I was attracted to Jean Claude Patisserie and Cafe (3320 NE 33rd St., Fort Lauderdale, 954-563-5406) by the lace curtains at the window. I stayed for the bargains -- entrees, which hover around twelve dollars, are bookended by salad and dessert. But I returned for the sweets. This unassuming French bakery, across the street from Bistro Double U, makes the best custard eclairs I've had in years. My husband swears by the chocolate mousse concoctions, which change in design daily. Other confections include a trio of sumptuous tarts: key lime, almond, and fresh strawberry. Homemade chocolates round out the selection. Pair a dessert with some homemade country pate (I'd eat the pate first) or take the sweets to go. Either way, Jean Claude Patisserie lives up to its French name.

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Jen Karetnick is an award-winning dining critic, food-travel writer, and author of the books Ice Cube Tray Recipes, Mango, and The 500 Hidden Secrets of Miami.

Contact: Jen Karetnick