Off the beaten path in Fordland, Missouri, is La Galette Berrichonne. Here, Roland Parny bakes croissants with endless, buttery layers and cooks savory traditional French meals. A native of Issoudun, France, Roland brings an authentic taste of Europe to southwest Missouri.
Before settling his roots in Fordland, Roland gleaned experience in restaurants all over the world. Paris, South Africa, the Bahamas, Baltimore, Seattle, Texas, Mississippi and New Orleans – Roland’s resume is certainly diverse. Diners can thank his wife, Elaine Parny, for bringing him here to be near her side of the family.
“You know, my whole life I’ve worked in this business, but here it’s different,” Roland says with a large smile after he greets a regular. “I love our customers. Talking to them is my favorite.”
According to Elaine, people come to La Galette Berrichonne for more than just a meal. They come to make new friends and converse. She says they want their business to feel similar to a French village café.
People are also reading…
“In every French village you will find one or two cafés that are the heart of the village,” she says. “They are meeting places… Life happens in a little village café. Some people arrive here expecting a fancy five-star dining experience, but we’re more like mother’s Sunday cooking,”
At La Galette Berrichonne, you’ll find what Elaine says customers describe as “French comfort food.” While you’re visiting, try Roland’s favorite dish, beef burgundy, and don’t leave empty-handed. Take a pastry to go because baking these treats is Roland’s passion – evident from the first bite.
He’s even written a cookbook filled with 137 pages of recipes and offers cooking classes that cover the book’s contents. “Teaching is my heart,” he says. “I love to give people something to really learn and enjoy.”
La Galette Berrichonne is open Thursdays from 9am to 2pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 9am to 3pm. For seven-course dinner and class dates, visit the café’s Facebook page.
La Galette Berrichonne, 143 E Main St., Fordland, Missouri, 417.738.2112, rolandparny.com
Dining and Cooking