Baguette Magic James Island is a delightful bakery located on James Island in South Carolina. Known for its mouthwatering baguettes and enchanting atmosphere, this bakery brings a touch of magic to the community. As soon as you walk through the doors, you are greeted by the alluring aroma of freshly baked bread. The bakery's specialty, the baguette, is perfectly golden with a deliciously crispy crust. Each bite is a heavenly experience, taking you to Paris with its authentic taste and texture. But Baguette Magic is more than just a bakery.
Baguette Magic bakes French bread on James Island
Mathieu Richard, a Frenchman with an authentic French accent, has been looking for a good baguette in Charleston for a long time.
“I’ve lived here ten years, and I couldn’t find any good bread, so I taught myself.”
Last year, Richard and his wife started selling his baguettes and croissants in the Charleston Farmers Market and found an eager customer base. “We needed to bake more, so we had to find a location,” says Richard.
Baguette Magic opened about three weeks ago at 792 Folly Road, formerly the space of Jam’s Buffalo Café.
“We have breakfast and lunch, and coffee and sweet and savory croissants,” he says. The quiche croissants have some alluring combinations. There’s an egg, ham, and cheddar and also an egg, smoked salmon, and parmesan. The menu has cheese tartines and baguette sandwiches.
The secret to a good baguette is pretty simple, according to Richard.
“You’ve really got to want to make a good baguette to make a good baguette.”
Simply put, you have to take the time to make a bread that’s crusty and flavorful. If the dough is proofed multiple times, allowed to leaven naturally, and cooked on a hot stone in the oven, you’re going to end up with a good baguette. Richard also prefers old-fashioned manual labor. Other baguettes around here are baked via a mechanized process in convection ovens after being proofed only once. The result? A decent baguette, but not a magical baguette.
Richard has a variety of breads on hand at his bakery and café, including whole wheat, whole grain, sourdough, dark rye, spelt, and brioche.
Baguette Magic is open Tues.-Fri. from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sat. from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for brunch.
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Ooh La La France in Charleston – Delight with Baguette Magic
If you frequent Folly Beach, you have passed this small unimposing bakery just to the left on Folly Road. It is hidden near a salon, boxing center, barber shop and La Hacienda. You will notice the blinking open light, but many are unaware of the bakery creations that lie inside. Baguette Magic offers a unique French Style Bakery experience right in your own backyard.
Their menu is small enough to fit in your wallet and their pricing is very similar to the Euro system where all tax is built in. They even offer wallet size menus upon arrival so you can plan ahead for the next time. Let us lay out the menu to help show the simplicity of this establishment. Baguette Magic will not win you over with complex or fancy, but pure delicious delicacies. The fresh baked fluffiness is in sight and smell from the first step inside.
They offer five culinary categories: Bread, Croissant, Sandwiches, beverages (juice, milk, water) and Saturday & Sunday Brunch. Of course, no meal would be complete without a fine coffee selection. If you are looking for a traditional cup of drip coffee, keep making your way to Starbucks, for Baguette Magic only serves French Press pour. It is rich and robust and wakes you like a zesty bar of soap.
Their breads and croissants are authentic French style and this authenticity, makes it a breath of fresh air in James Island.
The interior is small and quaint with a bar top area, a few booths and tables and a staff right in front of you baking away before the sun even rises.
If you are looking to start your morning right, start with a berry or almond croissant. The soft flaky outside combined with divine fresh ingredients inside will leave your mouth wanting more. Savor each bite and eat slowly for the taste lingers on.
If you find your way there for lunchtime, you may lean toward a Salmon & Dill Croissant, Prosciutto & Mozzarella with Basil Croissant or their unique offering of Pate de Campagne.
Baguette Magic can cater to one, an adoring couple starting their day before a bridge walk or cater to larger groups.
At $3.00 for a berry or almond croissant, $2.00 for a cup of coffee and $8.00 for a sandwich, the prices are incredibly well within any price range.
If you arrive to a line, don’t fret. Be patient and enjoy the aromas throughout this small intimate bakery. The wait will be worth it.
Starting in the fall, Baguette Magic will start to offer homemade desserts to its menu.
The staff truly compliments the food with a kind demeanor and welcoming smile with each visit.
Baguette Magic Website – 792 Folly Road, James Island, SC (843) 471-5941
Hours:
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Fresh New Twist on Familiar French Bakery – Baguette Magic under new ownership
JAMES ISLAND, SC, December 2019 — Baguette Magic, the well-known French Bakery on Folly Road, has recently changed owners.
Opened eight years ago, the familiar establishment had been listed for sale for quite some time, with the likelihood of completely closing by year-end becoming a very real possibility. Just a month ago, local sisters Paula and Sam Kramer, made the leap to keep the ‘magic’ alive.
“I recognized the love so many had for the baked goods, realized the potential for the space, and respected the unique business they had built, which got me really excited about the concept’s potential to be a staple in the community and offer so much more than just baked goods,” says Paula, who has most recently worked in digital marketing for Charleston area restaurants.
Her sister and head chef, Sam, is the founder of the Matzo & Masa pop-up and has worked in Charleston restaurants for the last 4 years. While all of the previous baked goods are still available, in addition to new rotating seasonal items, the menu has been updated to include a more seasonal range of items. Patrons can still find staples like the Brioche French Toast, Recovery, and Brie-covery Baguette sandwiches. “We have so much love and respect for the baked goods and want to create a menu that showcases that along with a growing variety of fresh, local ingredients like Storey Farms eggs,” says Sam.
Additionally, the sisters are excited to introduce even more opportunities for their guests. Recently partnering with Second State, the bakery will soon boast a full coffee program. Customers are also now able to order their favorite specialty breads through online ordering. In the new year, they plan to offer, private dining experiences, catering, cooking and baking classes headed up by Julian Abarca formerly of One Broad and Coda Del Pesce.
Until then, holiday offerings include Christmas Dinner to-go from Abarca, now available through their online store. Breakfast with Santa from 10 am-12 pm December 14th and Kids Cookie Decorating classes.
“We recognize that change is difficult and much will be missed about the former Baguette Magic. We hope our patrons will recognize our strong desire to keep the bakery business alive and will continue to show their support.”
But Baguette Magic is more than just a bakery. It is a place where dreams come true and wishes are granted. The owners, who are true believers in the power of magic, have infused their bakery with a sense of wonder and enchantment.
The walls are adorned with whimsical paintings of fairies, unicorns, and wizards, creating an atmosphere of pure magic. The staff at Baguette Magic is friendly and attentive, making sure that each customer's experience is nothing short of magical. They take pride in their craft and are always willing to share their knowledge and expertise with customers. Whether you're a seasoned baguette connoisseur or a curious first-timer, the staff is more than happy to guide you through their menu and help you find the perfect treat. In addition to their delectable baguettes, Baguette Magic also offers a wide variety of pastries and baked goods. From croissants to pain au chocolat, every bite is like a taste of heaven. These delicacies are made with the finest ingredients and utmost care, ensuring that each bite is a memorable experience. Baguette Magic James Island is not just a bakery; it's a place where magic happens. From the moment you step foot inside, you'll be transported to a world of wonder and delight. Whether you're in need of a quick breakfast or a special treat, this bakery is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds and your heart..
Reviews for "The ultimate baguette tour of James Island"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with my experience at Baguette Magic James Island. The service was slow and the staff seemed uninterested in helping customers. The food was also not up to par. My baguette was dry and lacked flavor, and the fillings were skimpy. I won't be returning anytime soon.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I had heard great things about Baguette Magic James Island, but my visit was a complete letdown. The restaurant was small and cramped, making it uncomfortable to dine in. The prices were also quite high for the quality of food received. My sandwich was bland and didn't have enough filling. Overall, it was a disappointing experience and I would not recommend it.
3. David - 2 stars - Baguette Magic James Island just didn't live up to the hype for me. The bread of my sandwich was stale and the filling was mediocre at best. The service was also lacking; the staff seemed disorganized and unattentive. I had high hopes for this place, but unfortunately, it fell short. I won't be returning.
4. Melissa - 2 stars - My visit to Baguette Magic James Island left a lot to be desired. The sandwich I ordered was not fresh and the flavors didn't blend well together. The portions were quite small for the price. Additionally, the atmosphere was uninviting and the staff seemed uninterested in providing good customer service. I was really disappointed and won't be going back.
5. Michael - 1 star - Baguette Magic James Island was a huge disappointment. The baguette I ordered was hard and the fillings were tasteless. The service was slow and the staff seemed unbothered by my dissatisfaction. I would not recommend this place to anyone looking for a good sandwich.