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From breakfast to wine bar in the evening, new restaurant Charmant coming to former MoPho

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/01 .. -restaurant-charmant-coming-to-former-mopho.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 18:40 GMT by NOLA.com
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Charmant: A New Brunch‑Wine Bar Set to Add a Fresh Twist to Mid‑City New Orleans

If you’ve been watching the culinary scene in the New Orleans Mid‑City District closely, the newest addition to the neighborhood’s roster of dining venues has already become a talking point: Charmant. According to a feature by NOLA.com, this new brunch‑wine bar is slated to open its doors later this year, offering a laid‑back yet sophisticated space where guests can indulge in breakfast classics, inventive small plates, and a carefully curated selection of wines from both local vineyards and around the world.

Where and When

Charmant will be located at 1230 Royal Street, Mid‑City, New Orleans, a location that places it just a block from the historic Audubon Park and within easy walking distance of several popular coffee shops, boutiques, and the newly revitalized Mid‑City Cultural District. The bar’s owners, chef‑sommelier duo Lucie Dupont and Thomas “Tom” LeBlanc, announced that the grand opening will take place on September 15. While the space will be open year‑round, the brunch hours are scheduled for 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with a “happy hour” wine tasting event every Thursday from 5 p.m.–7 p.m..

Concept and Atmosphere

Charmant’s design is a blend of French bistro chic and Southern comfort. Inside, the walls are painted a soft muted teal and lined with framed vintage photographs of New Orleans, giving the space a cozy, nostalgic feel. A small open kitchen allows guests to watch their eggs and crepes being prepared, while a “mimosa bar” set on a rustic oak counter invites patrons to mix their own brunch cocktails. According to the article, the interior has “large windows that fill the room with natural light and a subtle hum of conversation, creating an inviting ambience that is perfect for Sunday brunches, date nights, or casual business meetings.”

Menu Highlights

Charmant has positioned itself as a brunch destination that leans heavily on locally sourced ingredients, but also incorporates global influences.

Breakfast & Brunch

• Classic Eggs Benedict – Two poached eggs on English muffins with house‑made hollandaise.
• Avocado Toast with Poached Egg & Micro‑greens – Served on sourdough with a sprinkle of sea salt and a side of house‑made hot sauce.
• Crepe‑filled with Smoked Salmon – A French‑style sweet‑and‑savory blend, topped with lemon zest.
• Vegetarian Quiche Lorraine – A twist on the classic, using spinach, goat cheese, and caramelized onions.
• Seasonal Fruit & Yogurt Parfait – A refreshing option for those seeking a lighter fare.

Small Plates

• Shrimp & Grits Bites – Miniature servings of creamy grits topped with spicy shrimp and a drizzle of butter.
• Charcuterie & Cheese Board – A selection of French cured meats, local cheeses, and house‑made pickles.
• Roasted Beet Salad – With goat cheese, pistachios, and a balsamic glaze.

Brunch Cocktails & Mimosas

The article notes that the bar will offer a “full menu of brunch cocktails,” including: - The French 75 – Gin, champagne, lemon, and a splash of elderflower syrup. - Lavender & Honey – Vodka, honey liqueur, lavender syrup, and sparkling water. - Mojito Mimosa – A refreshing mix of mint‑infused rum, orange juice, and sparkling wine.

The “mimosa bar” allows guests to choose from an array of house‑made mimosas featuring fresh orange, blood‑orange, and pineapple juices, each paired with a choice of locally‑grown citrus.

Wine Selection

One of the key selling points for Charmant is its expansive wine list, described in the article as “over 150 bottles featuring a mix of French, Californian, and emerging New‑World labels.” Chef‑sommelier Lucie Dupont, who has a background as a wine‑tasting instructor, emphasizes a “balance between classic French wines and bold, contemporary selections.”

Some of the featured wines include:

• Château de la Vigne (France) – A robust Bordeaux blend.
• Rutherford Reserve (California) – A full‑bodied Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Grapes of the Mississippi (New Orleans) – A local estate that specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
• Château d’Aiguebelette (France) – A sparkling rosé, perfect for brunch.

Charmant will also host monthly “Wine & Dine” evenings where a sommelier will guide guests through a tasting pairing the wine with specially designed small plates.

Community Engagement

The article highlights the bar’s commitment to the local community. According to an interview with the owners, Charmant will:

• Partner with local farms to source produce and reduce its carbon footprint.
• Host cooking workshops featuring guest chefs from the New Orleans area.
• Support local charities by donating a portion of brunch profits to the Mid‑City Food Bank.

There is also mention of a partnership with the Mid‑City Cultural District, which will provide free admission to the nearby New Orleans Museum of Art for patrons who purchase a brunch ticket, fostering a connection between culture and culinary experience.

The Bigger Picture

The article situates Charmant within the broader trend of New Orleans brunch culture that has become increasingly diversified in recent years. While the city has long been known for its classic Po’boys and beignets, the new brunch‑wine bar concept is growing in popularity among younger generations who crave a “wine‑centric” brunch that blends high‑quality food with an experiential atmosphere. According to the NOLA.com piece, Charmant seeks to bridge the gap between the casual brunch crowd and wine enthusiasts, creating a space where both can coexist.

What’s Next?

Charmant’s opening is expected to draw both locals and tourists, especially those looking for a unique brunch experience that deviates from the traditional bakery or café model. The article ends with a note that, as of now, reservations will be accepted a week in advance, and the bar will maintain an updated menu on its website.

You can find more details, including the complete menu and wine list, on the bar’s official site (linked in the original article). For those planning a visit, it’s worth noting that the bar will be open on weekends for early‑morning brunch, but will also feature a happy‑hour wine tasting program on Thursdays—perfect for a casual catch‑up after a day in the city.

In short, Charmant appears poised to become the latest destination for brunch lovers in New Orleans, offering a blend of Southern charm, French sophistication, and a commitment to community. Whether you’re a seasoned brunch aficionado or a newcomer to the Mid‑City District, this new wine‑bar promises an experience that is both memorable and delicious.