Tucked between blooming baskets of flowers, That French Place in downtown Charlevoix is a Northern Michigan food haven. The carry-out creperie and ice cream shop makes everything from scratch using local, organic ingredients whenever possible.
The list of their producers and suppliers fills an entire chalkboard, which hangs inside beside the menu. Higher Grounds, Bear Earth Herbals, Dhaseleer Farm, Shetler’s Dairy and Lake Charlevoix Brewing are just a few of the Northern Michigan businesses written upon it.
That French Place opened in May and is owned by Brian Freund and Emily Anderson.
Trips to the farm market inspire Brian, and his delectable ice cream menu changes based on what ingredients are in season and available. Some of his latest flavors include beet, chocolate habanero and morel mushroom ice cream.
“I started at the farmers market and made very close friends, and I love keeping our money local and helping the people who helped me get to this point,” Brian says. “I’m 95 percent Michigan made, and that’s very important to me.”
Inspiration crops up in other places, too.
“I had dinner about two months ago at the Cooks’ House in Traverse City, and they had a pork belly dish with a vanilla rhubarb bourbon sauce on it that just blew my mind,” Brian says. “It was so fantastic. I was talking with chef Eric at the house, and I told him, ‘I’m going home and turning this into ice cream.'”
In addition to his funky flavors, Brian also offers tasty classics such as chocolate, vanilla, salted caramel and peanut butter along with ice cream sandwiches.
The crepe menu at That French Place is equally as mouth watering with almost 30 options ranging from sweet to savory. If you need something quick, That French Place offers French pastries, paninis, sandwiches, salads and coffee. There is also jam, granola, tea and trail mix from local farmers and producers.
Offering plenty of options and the freshest ingredients, this Northern Michigan food destination is sure to delight.
Our favorites:
- Buckwheat crepe with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, garlic and herbs
- Chocolate and coconut crepe
- Strawberry basil ice cream
- Key lime pie ice cream
- Coffee ice cream
