Baguette Magic Downtown Imagine a charming little bakery tucked away in the heart of a bustling city. As you step into the shop, the aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air, instantly transporting you to a world of culinary delights. This is Baguette Magic Downtown, a hidden gem loved by both locals and tourists alike. The first thing that catches your eye is the vibrant display of baguettes. Perfectly golden and crusty on the outside, yet soft and fluffy on the inside, these breads are a work of art. Each loaf is lovingly crafted using traditional French techniques, resulting in the most exquisite and authentic taste.
That's the inspiration for the new Harriet's Delicatessen pop-up, located at Paula and Sam Kramer's 73 Spring St. downtown Charleston Baguette Magic location. It's an ode to their late grandmother, Harriet Keyserling, best known for her influential work as a politician.
White menus with Harriet s Delicatessen written in burgundy and forest green script are spread across a granite countertop that is normally filled with laptops, notebooks and cups of coffee. White menus with Harriet s Delicatessen written in burgundy and forest green script are spread across a granite countertop that is normally filled with laptops, notebooks and cups of coffee.
Each loaf is lovingly crafted using traditional French techniques, resulting in the most exquisite and authentic taste. The menu at Baguette Magic Downtown offers more than just baguettes. From croissants to pastries, quiches to tarts, there is something for every palate.
Jewish deli-inspired pop-up takes over downtown Charleston café
Harriet’s Delicatessen has temporarily taken over Baguette Magic’s 73 Spring St. downtown Charleston location. The pop-up is an ode to Baguette Magic owners Paula and Sam Kramer’s grandmother, Harriet Keyserling. Parker Milner/Staff
Pop-Up Picks is a recurring series in The Post and Courier’s Food Section that previews an upcoming pop-up breakfast, lunch or dinner and the chefs behind it.
White menus with "Harriet’s Delicatessen" written in burgundy and forest green script are spread across a granite countertop that is normally filled with laptops, notebooks and cups of coffee.
The coffee is still present, but bites coming from the kitchen have shifted from casual café fare to dishes one would expect to find at a Jewish deli.
Strawberry cheesecake Danish. Parker Milner/Staff
That's the inspiration for the new Harriet's Delicatessen pop-up, located at Paula and Sam Kramer's 73 Spring St. downtown Charleston Baguette Magic location. It's an ode to their late grandmother, Harriet Keyserling, best known for her influential work as a politician.
The Kramer sisters remember her as a doting grandmother and fantastic host.
Pop-up meals are sweeping Charleston. What does a service entail for the chefs involved?
- By Parker Milner [email protected]
Born in New York City as Harriet Hirschfeld, Keyserling moved to Beaufort in 1946 with her husband Herbert, a physician in the Navy during World War II. She later helped organize a Beaufort branch of the League of Women Voters, helping her earn election to the Beaufort County Council in 1974. Thirty years after she moved to Beaufort, Keyserling became the first Beaufort County woman in the South Carolina House of Representatives, where she served for 16 years, focusing on women's issues, energy, nuclear waste, education and the arts.
Keyserling is memorialized inside the Harriet’s Delicatessen pop-up, with printed photos of the Kramers’ grandmother scattered across the white walls. The food menu honors her Jewish heritage, starting with the pastries.
Women-owned downtown Charleston bakery opening soon in former WildFlour Pastry space
- By Parker Milner [email protected]
Rugelach, hamantash, chocolate babka and strawberry cheesecake Danishes cover the sweets category, while knish — a baked pastry filled with a smooth stuffing of potatoes, onions and a little sour cream — is available for those who prefer savory.
Matzo ball chicken soup is served at Harriet's Delicatessen. Paula Kramer/Provided
The attachment to knish and other Harriet’s Delicatessen menu items like pastrami on rye, trout salad, challah bread, cabbage rolls, corned beef hash and matzo ball chicken soup appears to be about more than just the taste; multiple patrons express their nostalgic sentiments as they place their orders, with some purchasing in bulk.
Even Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg stopped by Harriet’s last month.
The pop-up hits especially close to home for Sam Kramer, who for years operated a Jewish and Mexican-inspired pop-up called Matzo Y Masa.
“It’s just the food I’ve always been interested in doing,” Sam Kramer said. “This is a concept that I've been developing in my head for two to three years.”
The sisters realized Harriet’s Delicatessen needed more than just a handful of events, so it will stick around through April. During the pop-up, Baguette Magic favorites like the honey lavender latte and buttery croissants will still be available during opening hours, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday through Monday.
For more information, visit harrietsdeli.com.
Photos of Harriet Keyserling hang on the walls at Baguette Magic's Harriet's Delicatessen pop-up in downtown Charleston. Parker Milner/Staff
Strawberry cheesecake Danish. Parker Milner/Staff
The bakers here take great pride in using only the finest ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible. This commitment to quality shines through in every bite, leaving customers craving for more. But what truly sets Baguette Magic Downtown apart is the magic they weave with their bread. Every day, the bakers create unique and imaginative sandwich combinations that defy expectations. From classic ham and cheese to unexpected pairings like fig and goat cheese, these sandwiches are a revelation for the taste buds. The experience of dining in Baguette Magic Downtown is equally enchanting. The cozy ambiance, with its rustic wooden furniture and warm lighting, invites guests to sit back and savor the moment. The friendly staff adds a personal touch to the service, making you feel like an old friend rather than just another customer. As you take that first bite of your sandwich, you can't help but be amazed by the explosion of flavors and textures. The baguette's crisp crust harmonizes perfectly with the filling, creating a symphony in your mouth. It's as if each bite tells a story of passion and dedication, an ode to the art of baking. Baguette Magic Downtown is not just a bakery; it is an experience. It is a place where the love for bread is transformed into pure culinary magic. Whether you stop by for a quick bite or sit down for a leisurely meal, you are guaranteed to leave with a smile on your face and a newfound appreciation for the humble baguette. So next time you find yourself in the downtown area, make sure to seek out this hidden gem and let the baguette magic sweep you away..
Reviews for "Rediscover the Art of Baguette Making in the Heart of Downtown"
- Alice - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with my experience at Baguette Magic Downtown. The service was incredibly slow and the staff seemed really disorganized. The food was mediocre at best, with my baguette being dry and lacking any real flavor. I also found the prices to be quite high for what we got. Overall, I would not recommend this place.
- John - 1 star - I had high hopes for Baguette Magic Downtown but it completely fell short. The baguettes were stale and the fillings were tasteless. The atmosphere was also really cramped and uncomfortable, making it hard to enjoy our meal. On top of that, the service was terrible. The staff seemed more interested in chatting amongst themselves than attending to the customers. I definitely will not be returning.
- Sarah - 2 stars - Baguette Magic Downtown was a letdown. The baguettes were quite underwhelming, lacking in both taste and freshness. The prices were also steep for what we received. The wait time was lengthy and the staff seemed quite disinterested in providing good customer service. I was really hoping for a delicious and satisfying meal but unfortunately, that was not the case.