Adieu Maurice Clos-Versailles

Contributed
Published: January 8, 2009

To the editor,
When we lived in Greenwich, CT we often frequented Versailles, a fabulous French restaurant and pastry shop in the heart of the shopping district. They made the most delicious croissants, éclairs, and tarts imaginable, and their wedding cakes were renowned throughout the New York metropolitan area. The shop was owned by a charming, energetic chef by the name of Maurice Clos-Versailles.
Upon our move to Gordonsville, we soon realized how much we were missing Maurice and his goodies, so we began trying to lure him to the area by subtly letting him know the many parallels between the beauty of Orange County and his beloved Luc-Armau in the French countryside. After “just” seven years, he finally succumbed. It was love at first sight for Maurice. He bought and restored a historic farm just outside Gordonsville, and began raising organic animals and vegetables. In parallel, we worked together to prepare Pomme Restaurant. Maurice furnished the kitchen with all the best equipment, and we did the rest. He then attracted Gerard Gasparini, his long-time friend and one of the top French chefs in the world, to manage Pomme.
Maurice never slowed down. Once Pomme was successful, he decided to open a pastry and coffee shop just down the street. Once again, he took care of “everything kitchen” while we renovated the space, and-voilà!-the magnificent Cannelle came to life. The last time we saw Maurice, he had cooked delicious hamburgers for us. How proud he was when we told him (with all sincerity) that they were the best burgers we had ever eaten. We will truly miss you Maurice….everything from your genuine laughter to your famous temper tantrums. And despite your diminutive stature, you were a great man. 
Jacqueline and Bruce Gupton