Once a neighborhood bodega in downtown Charleston, the corner of Pitt and Montagu Streets has been transformed into a European-style bistro named Merci. The Harleston Village newcomer comes from the team behind culinary company the Drifter, which puts on numerous Instagrammable events around town for big-name brands and influencers.
The Drifter founders, Michael and Courtney Zentner, wanted to bring the flavors and impressions from their European travels to the Lowcountry with the opening of Merci. The offerings will lean French but with hints of the American South to create a playful, less formal menu. Michael is the culinary director for Merci and the Drifter, with Alex Cotler (formerly of Costa) as his sous chef. When asked what dish is most representative of Merci, Courtney describes the focaccia, stracciatella, ham, and pistachio dish.
Roast chicken for two at Merci.
Lindsey Shorter Photography
The focaccia and stracciatella dish is the star of the starters at Merci.
Lindsey Shorter Photography
“We had a version of this dish in Paris,” she says, “Focaccia was the first bread that really took off for us, through the Drifter. It’s always been a consistent item, sort of like our North Star. This dish is a smaller version, which is quartered, and stuffed with stracciatella. The bread is still hot, and the kitchen shaves Benton’s ham on top and places pickled peppers, hot honey, and pistachios on it. This dish has refinement but also a playfulness.”
Courtney says that neighbors have asked her if Merci will put out classic French bistro fare like steak frites or French onion soup. “In some ways, yes, and in lots of ways, no,” she says, “It’s not necessarily something we’re going to take and replicate exactly. We might do a special of French onion soup in the fall when it makes sense, but we will do it in a way that ties into our style. Mike likes to say the menu is like an argument between your French and Italian grandmothers. It has a bit of European flavor, but also things that tie into who he is as a chef.”
Lindsey Shorter Photography
Lindsey Shorter Photography
For the look of the dining room at Merci, the Zentners teamed up with the property owner and local designer Helen Rice to transform the 1820s Federal-style building into a bustling bistro. Rice helped them design the look of the neighboring market, Petit Merci, so they wanted to continue that aesthetic in the restaurant. The team worked with woodworker Brad Hubbard of the Knotty Log to create custom cabinets and tables. “The tables bring in an American heritage style to the room that makes the experience feel a little bit less formal,” says Courtney, “It feels a little bit more approachable while still being like fine dining.”
Other touches for the room include vintage art from local dealer Super Saturday, antique furniture, and silver tableware collected by the Zentners from various shops around the world. The space seats 20, with six seats at the bar. Reservations are now available online, before the opening date of Saturday, March 22. Once open, Merci will serve dinner on Wednesdays through Saturdays, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Lindsey Shorter Photography
Lindsey Shorter Photography
Lindsey Shorter Photography
Lindsey Shorter Photography
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