Toulouse: “Chez Carmen” in town again
The restaurant “Chez Carmen” is back in the city center. Always with the know-how of this establishment created in 1956 and managed by the same family.
Closed since May 2016, “Chez Carmen-Les Abattoirs” reopened a few weeks ago, near the courthouse. After fifteen days of work during which an old fireplace was updated in the main room, customers were not long in coming.
Created in 1956 by Joachim Carmen on the Allées Charles de Fitte, this brewery remains one of the oldest in Toulouse that has remained in the same family. Taken over in 1974 by Tony Carmen, son of the founder, it is now Olivier, son who holds the dreams of this establishment in which the spirit and atmosphere of the Abattoirs, so dear to Toulouse residents, are revived. In 2016, Tony Carmen had promised: “Chez Carmen” will be reborn with the same furniture, mirrors, lamps, photos. I don’t know yet where or how but the place will return to Toulouse. Closing the story of such an adventure forever is impossible, a sequel is needed”.
“We had to revive “Chez Carmen”. I owed it to my parents”
For Tony, it was just impossible to make disappear such an emblematic place of the city, baptized at the time “Chez Carmen” by the chevillards, the workers of the slaughterhouses. Choose the promise, choose the fact. Today, when discovering this restaurant, we are happy to see the zinc bar of the old establishment, as well as the red velvet banquettes or the bistro tables in a Belle Epoque version. “Without forgetting of course the cult detail, the red and white checkered towels,” says Tony Carmen. A place where the presence of famous customers has sometimes disappeared like Jean-Pierre Coffe, is felt. As for the menu, fans of authenticity can be reassured that tradition is still there: with in particular the andouillette de Troyes grilled with shallots and lamb from Carmen. Here, taste is appreciated far from trends and fashions.
“Since the opening, former customers have moved back, assures Tony. Lawyers, rugby players, customers of the Grand-Rond, even some politicians, have given the cover. Parking is much easier than before”. This new place also perpetuates the memory of Tony’s parents, “they would have been happy to see that everything continued after them. This place pays homage to them.”
14 avenue Maurice Hauriou in Toulouse