by MK
Every Saturday we’re spotlighting remarkable local females who could change the way we look at the world. This Saturday is Carlotta Mennuni’s turn, a pastry chef in love with France who at only 25 opened her fist Charlotte, Il Dolce Artigianale and was able to turn her love for Paris into a thriving bakery business.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Trieste. I am in love with this city, its beauty, calm sea and multicultural character.
When did your love for baking start?
I always loved baking. My friends would always ask me to make a birthday cake for them. After graduating from high school in 2015 I studied to become a pastry chef.
Wonderful
It was a game changing year for me as during the studies I met my boyfriend Stefano. And after various experiences in the sector we decided to open our very own pasty shop here in Largo Barriera called Charlotte, Il Dolce Artigianale.
Why did you choose this spot in the city?
You know, my mom knew about this dream of mine and when she saw an announcement in the paper she instantly told me to get it. And the rest is history.
Fantastic
We wanted to open something different in Trieste. I’ve always been in love with France, especially Paris, and its pastry scene. So we thought we’d start with some eclairs and croissants and go from there. It was instantly a success. Many French expats who live in Trieste come here and that makes us feel great.
Why a French pastry shop?
We started as a “modern pasty shop”, but eventually we found our niche.
How are you different from other bakeries around town?
We use butter from Normandy and chocolate from northern France. We only use dried fruit from Italy. We are a French bakery in many ways.
Why France?
The pastry game there is way stronger than it is here in Italy, I think. I studied French at school and I’ve been to France many, many times. I am in love with the country and I wanted to bring this passion to my hometown.
Was it easy to open a shop here in Trieste?
It took us a year or so to let people know about us. During the pandemics we started offering home delivery and that’s when people really started to get to know us and now we have many clients. We did so well that from a team of two we became four last summer.
Via Maiolica, 3 is a bit hidden away.
The neighborhood is nice but it’s not where most people go for walk, you know. It’s not Cavana o città vecchia. In Triestine mentality this is not one of the main streets, so you should really want to come all the way here.
Do you think Trieste is open to innovation like a French pastry shop?
Triestini are a little scared of novelty. Many times clients would ask us to make traditional local desserts like presniz but we don’t do that. We don’t want to be compared to other pastry shops, we are unique in our own style. Eventually we did start making panettoni and colombe for Christmas and Easter, but with a twist.
What are your favorite pastries here?
Pain au chocolat, almond croissant, and I love a piece of crostata with raspberries.
Which pastries are most appreciated by your clients?
Tarte au citron, which I am not crazy about because of its strong citrus taste, but it’s one of the best sellers here.
Future plans?
We would love to open another bakery in Friuli, somewhere with a big garden.
Charlotte, Il Dolce Artigianale can be found on via Maiolica, 3. For more info, please visit: https://charlottetrieste.com
