Charleston’s Culinary Treasure: La Patisserie
In the heart of Charleston, at the elegant Hotel Bennett, a delightful French pastry shop called La Patisserie is stirring up excitement, especially as the holiday season approaches. The mastermind behind these mouthwatering creations is none other than the talented Executive Chef Fünfrock, whose passion for pastries lights up Charleston’s culinary scene.
A Sweet Home In Charleston
Chef Fünfrock, who hails from the culinary-rich city of Lyon, has been whipping up delightful desserts at La Patisserie since its grand opening in 2019. As he described, during the holidays, the atmosphere is charged with a beautiful chaos. “It just goes, goes, goes,” he said, emphasizing how their showcase is always bustling with eager customers looking to treat themselves to a sweet delight.
The chef is a James Beard Award–nominated professional, and he brings a wealth of experience to the table. Prior to his time at La Patisserie, he showcased his skills at The Sanctuary at Kiawah, but his roots in the pastry world run deep, tracing back to his early baking days in France. “Baking was far more fun than cooking,” he recalled, which is why he chose to walk the path of desserts.
From France to the United States
After graduating from culinary school in France, Fünfrock decided to specialize in pastries, hoping to one day open a restaurant that paired exquisite meals with equally impressive desserts. He worked diligently in a pastry shop that emphasized handmade creations, which laid the groundwork for his future achievements. “I needed to have good desserts if I had good food,” he chuckled. As fate would have it, he soon found himself as the pastry chef at a prestigious 3-star Michelin restaurant near Cannes, where he met culinary greats like Daniel Bouloud.
In 1997, Fünfrock made the leap to the United States, taking on the role of executive pastry chef at the renowned restaurant Daniel in Manhattan. Eventually, the charm of Charleston pulled him south, and he’s been baking up a storm ever since.
Introducing French Pastry to Charleston
Fünfrock’s mission at La Patisserie is not just to satisfy cravings, but also to educate the community on the wonders of French desserts. He explains that it’s a journey, and in the beginning, many patrons were unsure of what to expect. “When we first opened, everybody was like, ‘What is this? What is that?’” Fünfrock reflected, noting that patrons were hesitant to try something different from what they were used to. Fast forward to today, and the chef beams with pride as repeat customers continuously return to discover new pastries.
He places a strong emphasis on the distinction between a bakery and a pastry shop, wanting everyone to recognize that La Patisserie is all about the art of pastry. “Here, you won’t find donuts or cupcakes,” he stated firmly. Instead, Fünfrock aims to transform the understanding and appreciation of French desserts, enticing customers with treats they may not have known they loved.
Festive Gingerbread and French Traditions
As the holidays draw closer, the hotel adopts an enchanting tradition – the creation of a life-size gingerbread house in its lobby! Standing tall thanks to 150 pounds of icing and 320 pounds of gingerbread, putting this delightful centerpiece together takes a whole three months. However, it’s worth noting that this gingerbread extravaganza isn’t part of French holiday customs. “We don’t do that in France at all,” he casually mentioned, yet he embraces the joy it brings to visitors.
When it comes to traditional French holiday celebrations, Fünfrock fondly remembers delectable treats like marzipan, chocolate-dipped fruits, and pink sugar-coated almonds from his childhood in Lyon. Each region in France boasts its unique specialties, and while the American style of celebration differs greatly, he finds a charming resemblance in Charleston, particularly in areas of King Street that remind him of cozy pastry shops in Provence.
A Daily Dose of Warmth
Chef Fünfrock’s days begin early in the morning, amidst the bustle of the patisserie. He takes moments to pause and reflect, often stepping outside for a breath of fresh air. “The sunrise is here and sometimes I just get out on the street and take two to three minutes to feel the sea,” he shared, recalling memories that fuel his passion for baking.
So, if you find yourself in Charleston craving a taste of something special this holiday season, make sure to stop by La Patisserie, where each pastry tells a story, and each bite is a delightful journey into the world of French dessert. With a chef like Fünfrock leading the way, the holiday spirit is sure to be sweetened just right!
