Maxine’s Bakeshop

Nestled in the charming town of Westwood, New Jersey, Maxine’s Bakeshop is a true local gem that has quickly captured the hearts of residents. This isn’t your typical bakery; it’s a bright, airy, and inviting space that feels like a slice of Paris with a distinctly American twist. For many, stepping into Maxine's is a delightful experience, a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The aroma of freshly baked pastries, the sight of beautifully crafted cakes, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere all combine to create a special place where people can indulge in life's simple pleasures. This article will provide an in-depth look at what makes Maxine’s Bakeshop a standout destination in Bergen County, from its exceptional pastries and high-quality coffee to its celebrated custom cakes and commitment to excellent customer service.

Maxine's Bakeshop is the passion project of a husband-and-wife team, Clement and Abby Fourmont, who are highly accomplished pastry chefs with extensive experience in the culinary world. Clement, originally from France, brings over 15 years of expertise to the table, infusing the bakeshop with authentic French techniques and flavors. The bakery’s name, inspired by their daughter, adds a personal and heartwarming touch to the business. The combination of French precision and American creativity results in a unique and delicious menu that appeals to a wide range of tastes. Their philosophy is simple: use high-quality ingredients and a meticulous process to create pastries and cakes that are as beautiful as they are delicious. This commitment to craftsmanship and quality is evident in every bite, from the rich buttery layers of a kouign-amann to the delicate flavor of a strawberry shortcake. The bakery's welcoming ambiance, complete with bright skylights, makes it a perfect spot for a morning coffee, a midday treat, or a place to simply relax and enjoy a moment of tranquility.

Maxine’s Bakeshop is conveniently located at 277 Westwood Ave., Westwood, NJ 07675, USA. This prime location places it right in the heart of Westwood’s bustling downtown area, making it easily accessible for locals and visitors from surrounding Bergen County towns. Westwood Avenue is a vibrant street filled with local businesses and shops, and Maxine’s Bakeshop fits perfectly into this dynamic landscape. The bakery's accessibility is a key factor in its growing popularity. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick pastry on your way to work or planning a visit to pick up a custom cake, the location is straightforward to find. There is street parking available, and the shop is well-integrated into the local traffic flow, making a visit a seamless experience. Its presence on a main thoroughfare ensures that it is a well-known and convenient destination for anyone in the area.

The bakery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm and on Sundays from 8 am to 3 pm, with a closure on Mondays. This schedule caters to the weekend rush, allowing locals to enjoy their delicious treats during their days off, and also serves the community during the week. The bright and airy interior, a point of praise from a customer, adds to the inviting nature of the location, creating a space where people want to linger. This combination of a great location, convenient hours, and a charming atmosphere makes Maxine’s Bakeshop a natural and enjoyable part of the daily life for many in Westwood and beyond.

Maxine’s Bakeshop offers a curated selection of French and American pastries, cakes, and specialty beverages, all crafted with expertise and care. Their services are designed to cater to both individual cravings and larger-scale events.

• Artisanal Pastries and Viennoiseries: The bakery is known for its exquisite pastries, including classic French viennoiseries like croissants and brioche. Specialty items such as the kouign-amann, described by a customer as having a "rich, buttery crunch," are a must-try. Their selection is a delightful blend of traditional techniques and creative flair.

• Custom Cakes: A major highlight of Maxine’s is their custom cake service. They go "above and beyond" to accommodate customer requests, crafting beautiful and delicious cakes for special occasions like birthdays and First Communions. The strawberry shortcake, in particular, has been called the "best...ever eaten" by a satisfied customer, highlighting their mastery of classic flavors.

• Specialty Coffee: The bakery takes its coffee seriously, serving Counter Culture coffee. This brand is known for its high-quality, specialty beans, providing a "smooth and nutty" coffee experience that pairs perfectly with their baked goods. This commitment to quality extends to every aspect of their offerings.

• Cookies, Tarts, and Macarons: In addition to their larger cakes and pastries, Maxine's offers a variety of other treats, including macarons, cookies, and tarts. The lemon tart has been praised as "solid," enticing customers to explore the rest of their diverse menu.

The focus on both daily treats and special occasion desserts ensures that Maxine’s Bakeshop is a versatile and essential resource for the community, a place where you can find the perfect dessert for any moment.

Several key features and highlights contribute to the growing popularity of Maxine's Bakeshop, making it a standout in the local scene.

• Exquisite Pastry Quality: The quality of their pastries is a major draw. A customer review highlighted the "rich, buttery crunch" of the kouign-amann and the "dense, almost syrupy texture inside," demonstrating a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that sets them apart from the competition. Their ability to deliver on these complex textures and flavors is a testament to the chefs' expertise.

• Best-in-Class Custom Cakes: The feedback on their custom cakes is exceptionally positive. The strawberry shortcake was called the "best I have ever eaten," a powerful endorsement that speaks to the quality of their ingredients and the skill of their bakers. Their willingness to go "above and beyond to accommodate" customers for special occasions is a key aspect of their excellent customer service.

• Superior Coffee Offering: Serving Counter Culture coffee, a brand revered by coffee connoisseurs, is a significant highlight. This choice demonstrates a commitment to quality beyond just their baked goods and provides a premium beverage experience that many locals appreciate.

• Charming and Inviting Atmosphere: The interior of the bakeshop is noted for its "bright, airy, and inviting" feel, thanks in part to the skylights. This creates a pleasant and comfortable environment that encourages customers to stay and enjoy their treats, transforming a simple visit into a relaxing and memorable experience.

• Excellent Customer Service: Multiple reviews praise the staff and service. The phrase "excellent customer service" is used specifically in one review, underscoring the friendly and accommodating nature of the team, which is a crucial component of building a loyal customer base.

These highlights collectively paint a picture of a bakery that is not only skilled in its craft but also deeply invested in creating a positive and memorable experience for every customer.

For those who want to visit this delightful bakery, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 277 Westwood Ave., Westwood, NJ 07675, USA

Phone: (201) 254-4445

Maxine’s Bakeshop is a perfect fit for New Jersey locals, offering a unique and high-quality alternative to both chain bakeries and generic dessert shops. The bakery’s commitment to using quality ingredients and traditional techniques, combined with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, makes it a true neighborhood gem. For special events, their ability to create stunning and delicious custom cakes, paired with their excellent customer service, makes them an invaluable resource. For daily treats, their exceptional pastries and premium coffee provide a superior experience that is well worth a visit. By supporting Maxine’s Bakeshop, locals are not only treating themselves to delicious food but also investing in a small, passionate business that contributes to the unique character of Westwood. It’s a place that locals can proudly call their own, a destination for celebration, and a comforting spot for a simple moment of joy.

Maxine’s Bakeshop

277 Westwood Ave., Westwood, NJ 07675, USA