French Gourmet Bakery Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Spectacular Commemorative Mural 

HOUSTON October 5, 2023 – French Gourmet Bakery,  located at 2250 Westheimer in River Oaks, is proud to announce the completion of a breathtaking commemorative mural celebrating its 50-year anniversary. The mural features a "larger than life" portrait of Chef Patrice Ramain, masterfully crafted by Houston’s renowned French artist, Sebastien "MrD 1987" Boileau. This stunning mural not only pays tribute to the bakery's half-century legacy but also showcases the remarkable connection between the creative and culinary arts.

Chef Patrice Ramain and his wife Mary opened the bakery in 1973 and his dedication to preserving the traditions of the art of French baking has made French Gourmet Bakery a cherished destination for Houston’s French community, top chefs and food connoisseurs. To celebrate this milestone anniversary, Chef Ramain’s daughter Lauren and wife Mary collaborated with the renowned French artist Sebastien Boileau to create the portrait inspired by a photo of the Chef Ramain, from the 1970s. 

The mural on the bakery’s storefront, is an awe-inspiring two-story masterpiece measuring approximately 20 feet in height and 20 feet in width, and impeccably encapsulates Chef Patrice Ramain's profound dedication to his craft. In this striking portrayal, Chef Ramain's passion radiates as he lovingly cradles several freshly baked baguettes in his arms.

Boileau's distinctive artistic signature shines brilliantly within the mural, a testament to his expertise in aerosol painting. In this stunning composition, Boileau seamlessly melds classical portraiture with contemporary elements, creating a harmonious synthesis that beautifully captures the essence of Chef Ramain's timeless French persona. This fusion of tradition and innovation within the artwork mirrors Chef Ramain's own culinary philosophy, celebrating both the enduring traditions of French cuisine and his innovative approach to culinary artistry.

“Sebastien "MrD 1987" Boileau, known for his captivating street art and public installations worldwide, was the ideal choice to bring this project to life, says Lauren Ramain. “His ability to infuse emotion and character into his works shows a more playful facet of Dad, a side that might not always shine through when he's fully immersed in the bakery's demanding work."

“When I first heard about this project, it felt like destiny, especially considering I'm also marking my 50th birthday this year," shared Boileau. "The photograph that served as our inspiration perfectly encapsulated Chef Ramain's profound passion for his craft. It's been an immense honor to create this mural, immortalizing him in such a meaningful way."

French Gourmet Bakery's 50th-anniversary commemorative mural is a testament to the enduring influence of culinary artistry and its ability to inspire creativity across different mediums. This collaboration between the Ramain family and Sebastien “MrD 1987” Boileau reminds us that the culinary and creative worlds are intrinsically connected and continue to evolve together.

About Sebastien "MrD 1987" Boileau:

Sebastien Boileau, also known as MrD 1987, is a world-renowned French artist based in Houston, Texas, known for his captivating street art and public installations. His unique artistic style blends classical and contemporary elements, creating emotionally charged and visually stunning works that resonate with audiences worldwide. For more information, visit www.eyefulart.com and follow MrD 1987 on Instagram at @mrd1987.