NYC News

Brooklyn’s Je T’aime Patisserie in Bed-Stuy Bakes with Heart
April 14, 2025, 12:30.54 am ET

Print


Photo: Cititour.com

Je T’aime Patisserie in Bed-Stuy is the kind of place that invites you to slow down. With its soft pink and beige tones, natural light, and cozy café seating, it’s easy to forget you're on Marcus Garvey Boulevard and not tucked inside a quiet corner of Paris. But this is no ordinary patisserie—it’s the dream-turned-reality of a baker whose love for pastry began outside her Queens apartment building.

This Black-owned, women-led business is the vision of Chef Jatee Kearsley, a self-taught pastry chef who started baking as a teenager, holding bake sales for her neighbors. A Christmas gift from her mother—a KitchenAid stand mixer—sealed the deal, setting her on a path that eventually led to the opening of her first brick-and-mortar. At Je T’aime, Kearsley is creating something personal: a space where French pastry meets community care. Her croissants—ranging from classic almond to inventive takes like banana pudding matcha and blueberry basil—aren’t just visually stunning; they’re layered with intention. A pistachio kataifi croissant topped with chocolate crémeux is as rich in flavor as it is in story.

Beyond the sweets, Je T’aime offers a thoughtful menu of savory items like a croque monsieur with cured ham and caramelized onions, turkey sausage on a housemade jalapeño biscuit. There’s a full gluten-free menu, too—items like a strawberry gelée–filled white chocolate mousse cake with pistachio sponge prove that dietary restrictions don’t mean compromise.

What makes this place feel different isn’t just the flavors—it’s the philosophy. Je T’aime accepts EBT, runs cooking classes, and offers catering to local businesses. The goal, Kearsley says, is to make delicious French pastries more accessible. And she's doing it, one croissant at a time.



^Top