IN Murrysville Spring 2014 | Page 26

patisseries, Ladurée at its Rue de Royale location. Here he was able to fine-tune his training and sharpen his skills. Paris native Frederic Rongier turned to Piquard (a longtime friend) when he decided to open Paris 66 Bistro in Shadyside. Piquard was recruited as head pastry chef and soon had a following of his own. WHEN I SEE THE LOOK ON PEOPLE’S FACES THAT THEY ARE ENJOYING MY PASTRY, THAT’S WHAT I LIVE FOR...THAT’S EVERYTHING TO ME. –DAVID PIQUARD 24 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Murrysville In August, Rongier partnered with Piquard to open Gaby et Jules Patisserie, fulfilling a long-held dream. Incredibly, Rongier is also the grandson of an auto mechanic who had desired to become a pastry chef! Like Jules, he fell short of accomplishing his dream, but the two grandfathers’ aspirations are lovingly remembered in the name of the new establishment, Gaby et Jules, which adorns every box of pastry leaving the shop for both Pittsburgh and remote destinations. The new business owners have a map of the U.S. in their office that documents each sale shipped to an area outside of Pittsburgh with a push-pin. In just a few short months, there are pins in almost every state, plus requests for their wares internationally. Piquard is rapidly becoming the rock star of pastry. Luckily for Pittsburghers, the much-desired confections can be purchased in Squirrel Hill. Visitors to the shop are rewarded with a visual and aromatic experience. The fragrant flavors of almond, vanilla, lemon and lavender are all present, with a dozen other scents that are both sweet and light. The warm red walls create a welcoming backdrop for the real star of the show, the long display case which holds hundreds of sweet treats made fresh each day. The awesome spread of