For a long time, the Phoenician city was content with a few traditional addresses, extremely rare stars and pizza trucks scattered throughout the city. But for several years, the people of Marseillais have been witnessing a real culinary event. A renewal to which Harry Cummins participated with La Mercerie. Since 2018, his bistronomic establishment has creatively revisited Mediterranean cuisine, focusing on local and seasonal ingredients and natural wines. The address, located in the heart of the central and popular district of Noailles, quickly stands out. From 2019, Fooding wins the “Best Sophistroquet” restaurant, and the World Restaurant Awards names it in the category Best Newcomer. “With La Mercerie, we sought to offer a gastronomic experience that reflects the vibrant soul of Marseille. By using local products and collaborating with local artisans and producers, we have helped to reinvigorate the local culinary scene. Marseille is evolving rapidly, attracting young chefs and entrepreneurs who bring fresh and innovative ideas, creating a diverse and exciting culinary scene.”souligne Harry Cummings.
A multi-faceted restoration
If Harry Cummins has made La Mercerie his home base, he remains a nomad at heart, always in search of new flavors, new experiences and new places. The chef, who cut his teeth in London alongside Anthony Demetre (Wild HoneyArbutus) and within the gourmet Italian restaurant Zafferano, arrived in France in 2011 to assist Gregory Marchand au Frenchie. At the same time, he founded the nomadic ephemeral restaurant The Paris Popup, with the Quebec sommelier Laura Vidalthen with a third teammate, Julia Mitton. Pop-ups and residencies follow one another, in France and elsewhere. In 2016, the trio created Le Chardon, a residential restaurant in Arles, which is also hosting this summer Preston Miller. After La Mercerie, the trio did it again in Marseille with Pétrin couchette, a bakery coffee shop, and Livingston. “This restaurant in residence which currently welcomes bits & bobs, led by the chef Valentin Raffalistands out for its casual barbecued dishes and a great natural wine list, in the heart of Cours Julien”, he specifies.
Consulting for culinary residencies (La Villa Médicis, Providenza, etc.), event offerings for brands like Chanel or weddings… Harry Cummins, who will take up residence from June 11 to 30 at La Table, the restaurant of La Grande Épicerie de Paris is everywhere at once.
