La Belle Helene / Jamie Lynch

Katelyn Rutt • July 9, 2021
A restaurant with tables and chairs and a green couch.

French tradition is back in the Queen City—to stay. After closing its doors the summer of 2020, La Belle Helene, a Charlotte staple renowned for its exquisite cuisine and brasserie-style aesthetic, has reopened under the new ownership of the 5th Street Group and chef partner/Top Chef alum Jamie Lynch. With possession of the only French restaurant in uptown, the team holds many hopes for the future of the establishment, with its fresh menu, management and outlook.

Lynch, now at the helm of the revitalized LBH kitchen, is no stranger to the thrill of the industry. At the age of 16, he worked his first job as a dishwasher in a Massachusetts fishing town and discovered his love for the “intense, high-octane kitchen life.” From there, Lynch launched into his culinary career, studying at the New England Culinary Institute and allowing the U.S. to be his springboard for learning everything from the techniques of flavor to knife skills—landing prestigious positions under, and being mentored by the likes of Michael Mina, Andrew Carmellini, Charlie Palmer and Daniel Boulud. 

The events of 9/11 brought Lynch from New York to North Carolina, where he quickly found himself enamored by sustainable farming and Charlotte’s vibrant food scene. Since then, the chef has opened 5Church Charlotte, been a Cheftestant on two seasons of Bravo's Top Chef and received five Best Chef awards from Charlotte Magazine. With the revitalization of La Belle Helene, Lynch is thrilled to bring new flavors to the restaurant Charlotteans—and it’s faithful returners—know and love. 

Perhaps most exciting on the menu? Chef Lynch’s iconic French onion soup, made daily in traditional fashion. The recipe requires eight hours of careful preparation, and has quickly secured itself as a menu mainstay. Looking forward, the team anticipates releasing brunch and lunch options, and are thrilled to see Charlotte returning to its bustling uptown. 




Out with the old:

-Removed the main bread station

-Took away the wine racks behind the bar


Maintaining its character:

-Kept the open kitchen 

-The team felt the visible rotisserie added to the guest experience


In with the new: 

-Fresh floral arrangements will be installed weekly

-Added live hanging plants

-The private dining room shelves are now filled with antique French decor 

-Updated the restaurant’s logo


April 18, 2025
Nantucket, with its misty harbors, salt-kissed breezes, and centuries-old charm, has always been a place where history whispers through every weathered shingle and cobblestone street. This spring, one of the island’s most beloved landmarks, the Veranda House, will once again welcome guests, rising from the ashes of a devastating 2022 fire that necessitated a complete rebuild. Set to reopen in spring 2025, the new Veranda House is a masterpiece of restoration and reinvention. Owned by Procaccianti Companies and managed by TPG Hotels & Resorts as part of the Nantucket Resort Collection, the rebuild was meticulously overseen in collaboration with the town and historic district commission to ensure that the property retained its original federal-style elegance while incorporating modern luxuries and state-of-the-art amenities. First built in 1684, the Veranda House has stood as a symbol of Nantucket’s rich maritime legacy, its wraparound porches offering a front-row seat to the island’s ever-changing seascape. The new design remains true to its original size, scale, and architectural character, seamlessly blending historic integrity with contemporary comforts. Guests will find spa-like ensuite baths in every room, featuring Carrara marble, custom fixtures, and sleek walk-in showers—a nod to modern indulgence without sacrificing classic charm. The 19 redesigned rooms, including the Grand Harborview King with its private balcony and fireplace, exude an intimate, serene luxury. Expanded outdoor gathering spaces now offer even more opportunities for guests to soak in the island’s ambiance, whether sipping coffee at sunrise or toasting the golden hour over Nantucket Harbor. “This reopening marks a significant mile- stone, not just for Veranda House, but for the entire Nantucket community. We are deeply thankful for the community’s unwavering support in bringing this iconic property back to life,” says Paul Hitselberger, EVP of Operations for TPG Hotels & Resorts. The Veranda House is not just a recon- struction—it’s a resurrection, a tribute to Nantucket’s ability to endure, evolve, and enchant. Its doors reopen as a beacon of timeless hospitality, welcoming travelers to a place where history is honored, and every detail—from the breezy verandas to the handcrafted interiors—tells a story. For those who love Nantucket, the Veranda House is a homecoming. Images courtesy of The Veranda House.
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