Despite the pouring rain, on October 6, 2024, the tables set up under the protected forecourt of the Saint-Martin halls were full to bursting for the new edition of “Brest à manger”. A few weeks earlier, the “Brest Franquette” on Place Wilson had not been empty either and was a real popular success to kick off the summer. At the helm of these events, the collective of Brest restaurateurs and producers Taste Ouest which participates, on its scale, in the dynamism of the city and has no shortage of ideas to continue to delight the inhabitants of the area.
An adventure born in 2016
The story begins quite simply. “It’s a group of friends who wanted to get Brest moving by creating popular events,” recalls Romain Pouzadoux, at the head, with his partner Charlotte, of Peck & Co. Opportunity makes thieves and when, in 2016, the opportunity arises to participate in an event at the Capucins workshops, a team is set up to respond to the call for projects. Since then, it has formed an association and expanded considerably. If the office is made up of six people, the association today brings together around twenty volunteers – “enthusiasts but who have nothing to do with the world of gastronomy” – and around fifteen local chefs who work in short circuit with seasonal and homemade products, are called upon all year round to participate in the various events.
“I believe that there is something for everyone: young people, older people… And it remains accessible to as many people as possible”
These latter also attract more and more people. This is evidenced by the popular success of this year’s dining markets or the 2,000 guests at the Capucins for the fifth edition of “Soubenn West”. “Food is unifying,” smiles Romain Pouzadoux, who nevertheless assures that “it wasn’t won at the beginning, because we didn’t know how it would be perceived.”
“I believe that there is something for everyone: young people, older people… And it remains accessible to as many people as possible,” analyzes Yann Kermarrec, of the Au Coq en Pâte establishment, in Lesneven, member of the office with Morgane Piron. , in charge of communications, Olivier Hélibert (Charcuterie Hélibert), Stenn Marc (Fromagerie du Bout du monde) and Ludovic Beaumont (La Fournée).
Six events in 2025… and maybe more!
Largely inspired by “Eat, Lille!” » or the “Marché à manger” in Rennes, the people of Brest do not hide it, the “Brest à manger”, the first edition of which was held in April 2022, has thus established itself as a meeting -you essential. “I felt that there was plenty to do here too,” continues a well-advised Romain Pouzadoux.
Since then, the projects have been duplicated. The Taste Ouest collective launched its unusual dinners in 2024. The first took place at the Cactuseraie de Guipavas and the second in the departure lounge of Brest Bretagne airport.
The year 2025 promises to be just as rich for a collective which will take full advantage of the showcase of these events. On February 9, the “Soubenn West” eating bowls will make their return to the Capucins before the spring (April 27) and fall (October 5) “Brest à Manger” and two other unusual dinners. The “Brest Franquette” must still be validated with the municipality but the enthusiasm of the first encourages optimism while a new project, not yet revealed, should also see the light of day. Enough to tickle the taste buds of Brest residents!
