40 leggettfrance.com
I
N THE COBBLED STREETS OF Angoulême, a New
York-style deli has become a big hit with French
locals. This business is the brainchild of Amy
Fitzpatrick, who is originally from London.
Amy, her husband and three teenage
children are well established in the Charente, and
it was a natural move for her to open her own
business.
She always had a passion for American food,
although not the kind offered by large food chains.
Having spotted a gap in the market, Amy decided
to open the doors to her deli-style café, which
sells typical New York lunchtime fare. Bagels with
pastrami, cream cheese and smoked salmon are all
on the menu.
But her desserts have proven the most popular:
"I make them all using the amazing range of ingredients available
here in France," says Amy. "In fact,
I've discovered many US food producers in America
have to import them from here."
Those desserts range from cupcakes to New
York-style baked cheesecakes. The latter are so
popular that some clients come in two to three
times a week. She has also been asked to supply
restaurants.
Her advice is simple: "Have the confidence to
open a business in France if it's something you're
passionate about. And whatever you do, do it well."
Her recipe clearly works because she's looking
for larger premises.
Amy's New-York Kitchen can be found at Rue des
Trois Notre Dames, 16000 Angoulême.
Amy's story
Deli-cious !
Au coeur de la vieille ville d'angoulême, Amy Fitzpatrick a trouvé une clientèle toute aussi passionnée qu'elle de
la cuisine traditionnelle newyorkaise. Elle a ouvert un café de type « New York Deli » avec une offre culinaire bien
différente de celle des établissements de restauration rapide américains les mieux connus. Chaque midi, elle
sert des plats typiques comme, par exemple, des bagels au pastrami ou au fromage frais et saumon fumé.
Mais ce sont surtout ses desserts qui font fureur, les cupcakes et cheesecakes sont tellement populaires que
certains clients ne peuvent s'empêcher de revenir plusieurs fois par semaine. Elle fournit même désormais des
restaurants ! Et si c'était à refaire, elle n'hésiterait pas : le succès de son activité l'oblige à rechercher un local plus
spacieux.
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