What had been your first impressions once you arrived?
Jewel Box. We may overuse this time period, however it applies to Merci like no different. The design feels intentional as a result of it’s. The Helen Rice–designed inside in a Nineteenth-century dwelling has tables shut collectively and a bar the place the plating occurs. It all feels as when you’re within the dressing room of a storied dwelling: intimate, luxurious, and with somebody to drag the blinds to at simply the precise second of golden hour.
What’s the gang like?
Everyone appears quietly happy that they scored a reservation, and so they actually ought to. This is without doubt one of the most coveted tables within the metropolis, so these regulars have earned their light smugness at figuring out the server’s title. It’s date evening, good friend evening, or eating alone, however the overarching tone is “diner in the know.”
What ought to we be ingesting?
It’s all concerning the wine right here, and boy, if Old World is the inspiration for the meals, then the juxtaposition—one thing at which Merci excels—is that the varietals aren’t all the time recognizable right here. For that, lean in your server, who’s infinitely educated. And in order for you a cocktail or a beer, no concern, these can be distinctive, too. The drinks simply lead with the wine however aren’t unique to it.
Main occasion: the meals. Give us the lowdown—particularly what to not miss.
Michael and Courtney Zentner made a splash in Charleston—a metropolis that is identified learn how to throw get together for lots of of years—by orchestrating epic occasions by means of their firm The Drifter. It stays one of many hottest occasion manufacturing corporations within the metropolis as a result of every thing is on level, fantastically good, and delightful and decadent. The identical rings true for Merci: There are, merely put, few notes on learn how to make this seasonally-driven, European-inspired menu higher. The pasta has toothsome perfection, the slow-cooked hen tastes like nonna began it on the again burner of the range two days in the past, and using Lowcountry, in-season greens is ethereally properly performed. Do we sound giddy? Well, we should always, as a result of we’re.
And how did the front-of-house of us deal with you?
The employees acts as tour information by means of the deliciousness, and so they appear to have a deep figuring out of simply how particular this place is past. They don’t make you are feeling like a hayseed to your shiny smile and repeated “wow!,” however as an alternative enjoy your enjoyment. And they’re used to particular events, so every meal feels particular right here.
What’s the real-real on why we’re coming right here?
This is a spot for the discerning diner who will get all of the items and components: Setting, service, and meals, coming collectively for a magical second. It is just not for the one that peruses a menu beforehand and decides, “Yes, I could eat that.” This is the place for the true restaurant lover.