The name of the French brasserie coming to Uptown Charlotte this summer has finally been revealed: La Belle Helene. STARR Catering Group is opening the upscale restaurant in the building that holds the trendy Parliament Espresso and Coffee Bar at 300 S. Tryon St. Guests can anticipate an emphasis on good food and good living, according to a press release.
Construction on the brasserie was announced in May, as well as the involvement of famed French chef Alaine Ducasse’s restaurant consulting group in the concept.
La Belle Helene is named after a famous opera bouffe (or comic opera) by Jacques Offenbach set in ancient Greece. The plot line follows the abduction of Helen of Sparta by the Prince of Troy with the help of an oracle worker.
The opera bouffe was iconic of the French spirit of the late 19th century, and even inspired the naming of a famous French dessert in 1964 called La Poire Belle Helene.
As for the menu at Charlotte’s La Belle Helene, authentic French cuisine will be key.
The space is 6,922 square feet and will feature 166 seats, including four private dining rooms and 16 bar seats.
“We chose to open a French Brasserie here to bring something new to the city, and to create an inviting space with a classic and approachable menu,” said Brian Poplin,
president and CEO of STARR Catering Group’s parent company, Elior North America, in a press release.
Featured photo: French chef Alain Ducasse in the revamped Jules Verne restaurant in the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The restaurant group founded by Ducasse will be involved with the design and menu for the new restaurant planned for 300 S. Tryon St. Photo: Associated Press
VIA CHARLOTTE FIVE
