Toulouse. Quinquina and bistro cuisine: opened in 1889, Au Père Louis is given a new lease of life
By Lucie Fraisse
Published on
To Father Louisit is one of the oldest establishments in Toulouse. First opened in 1889, the address of the rue des Tourneurs has just been taken over by four associates who undertook renovation work there for three months. The premises will reopen this Wednesday, October 12, 2022.
The former owner hangs up the apron
Patrick Mistou the former owner indeed hung up his apron last June. “This place has always made me dream, smiles the former owner. I used to come there with my grandfather. When I took over in 1996, it was very atypical! »
At the age of retirement, after nearly thirty years of service, Patrick Mistou chose to hand over to four partners, already in business in Toulouse: Bastien Vayssière, Melchior de Buchet and Frédéric Marty, who already preside over the destinies of Maître Renard and Bouillon Languedoclikely to join Laurent Granier.
“It’s a journey through time”
“At Père Louis, it’s a journey through time,” says Melchior de Buchet. This is also what we liked: we wanted to revive this place that we have known and loved. »
Three months of work were needed before reopening. Regulars of the place will not be disoriented when crossing the door. The facade and the first room are indeed listed as historical monuments. With the BibenPlace du Capitole, Au Père Louis is the only establishment to benefit from such a ranking.
Mythical paintings of Toulouse bridges
An inscription which aims to preserve the places and therefore limited the possibilities of change. A major cleaning has nevertheless been carried out and, on the walls, the paintings of the various bridges of Toulouse are still there. On the must to Paul Almeric, a Toulouse Fine Arts student. The legend says that he had made these frescoes to clean up his slate at Father Louis’ bar.
The back room and the upstairs room have been redecorated and allow you to sit down for lunch or dinner. With antique furniture, such as a Knoll marble table located in the back room. A table that can accommodate 8 to 10 people, for groups. The main room operates in restaurant configuration at lunchtime and snacks in the evening.
Quinquina: still there!
the cinchona, the emblematic alcohol of Father Louis is of course always part of the party. This amber-colored aperitif wine has made the reputation of the establishment.
“Even before we reopen there are people who came to see if they could buy a bottle of Quinquina! laughs Laurent Granier.
100% French bistro cuisine
On the plates, we find bistro cuisine, with 100% French products. Poached egg, pie or lamb sweetbreads as a starter. Tab of beef, Caesar salad or omelet with porcini mushrooms as a dish. A card dedicated to evaluating over the seasons. But who offers porcini mushrooms all year round: the managers have indeed found a supplier in Perpignan (Pyrénées-Atlantiques) who provides beautiful preserves.
As for the wines, the managers have made an original choice. They decided to work with an independent winegrower per region, each time offering their entire range. “We will change producers every year,” explains Frédéric Marty. The idea is to offer something different than what you see in other bars. »
Beautiful list of French alcohols
A menu of “nuggets” will also be offered, with wines more unusual on the market, “with prices lower than those which can be offered in other restaurants”. A fine range of spirits, also produced in France, is also on sale.
Happy hours will be organized every evening and concerts twice a month. The first will take place this Thursday, October 13, 2022, from 7:30 p.m.
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