ON THE MENU: Charleston bakery offers chance to win lifetime of desserts

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French bakery La Pâtisserie at downtown Charleston’s Hotel Bennett is offering visitors a chance to win a lifetime of desserts.

Putting a contemporary twist on a timeless classic with the new “Rémy and the Chocolate Factory” giveaway, Executive Pastry Chef Rémy Fünfrock has created two new chocolate bars — Chocolate and Candied Orange Peel and Strawberry Chocolate and Crunch Pearls — and hidden among the bars is one golden ticket, rewarding its finder with a lifetime supply of desserts.

The winner can choose a daily item from a selection of Fünfrock’s signature creations at La Pâtisserie, including his award-winning croissants, muffins, tarts, turnovers, cakes, macarons and more.

The chocolate bars go on sale for $12 each while supplies last.

Azur launces lunch service

Azur, a European eatery in Charleston’s Harleston Village, is expanding service hours. Lunch service began on Thursday, Aug. 17, and will be available on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with brunch available on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Azur is known for classic French offerings like Escargot Cassolette and Boeuf en Croute, along with a cocktail program by Bar Manager Mathis Chantepie. Standout lunch dishes are Dry Wagyu Beef Carpaccio with tomato fresca, parmesan, and sliced baguette and Focaccia Toast Provençal with roasted onion tapenade, tomatoes and Swiss cheese. The introduction of lunch service hours will also mark the launch of the Azur Burger — beef burgundy, tomato, and Emmental cheese on a croissant bun. In addition to the popular cocktail list Chantepie has created an extensive mocktail program.

“We are so thankful for the outpouring of love and support we’ve received since our opening in April, and now we are thrilled to bring lunch to the neighborhood,” co-owner Florence Chantepie said in a news release, “Since we sold Café Framboise in 2020, our customers have expressed that they greatly missed our lunch offerings. We have been working to create a lunch menu that is perfect for professionals, locals, and tourists alike to pop in, order a proper lunch, and be able to get back to their day in a reasonable amount of time. We can’t wait to share it with you all.”

Brunch and tea at The Charleston Place

The Charleston Place is introducing two new ongoing culinary offerings: Sunday Brunch at The Palmetto Cafe and Afternoon Tea at Thoroughbred Club. Both experiences are available to guests and locals and can be booked via Resy.

Brunch began on Aug. 13 and ranges from Lowcountry classics to French-inspired dishes. The Palmetto Café is the only four-star breakfast and lunch restaurant in the state, according to a news release. Brunch takes place every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pricing is $65 per adult, $35 for children ages 3-12, and free for children under age 3. An option for all-you-can-drink mimosas for 60 minutes can be added for an additional fee. Reservations are required.

The Charleston Place relaunched afternoon tea on Aug. 16 at Thoroughbred Club. Every Wednesday through Saturday at 1 p.m., guests and locals are invited to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with a Southern twist in the hotel’s English-inspired lounge. This two-hour tea experience includes sweet and savory treats paired with a choice of premier teas or champagne. This experience is $69 per person, with the option to add a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne for $25 and caviar service for $100 per ounce. Children’s tea is $39 per child, ages 12 and under. Reservations are required.

“We’re thrilled to bring back our beloved tea service at Thoroughbred Club and Sunday Brunch at The Palmetto Cafe,” Michelle Weaver, culinary ambassador for The Charleston Place, said in the news release. “Our hope is to create meaningful, memorable dining experiences for guests and locals alike. Both the brunch and afternoon tea offerings feature an elevated menu of Lowcountry favorites with an elegant twist. From group gatherings to families with children, we look forward to welcoming everyone to Charleston’s Living Room for an extraordinary experience.”

More information about Sunday Brunch at The Palmetto Cafe and Afternoon Tea at Thoroughbred Club, is available online.