The former chefs, who took turns in the kitchens of the La Mère Vittet restaurant, came together around Jean Poitou, the emblematic chef of the establishment.
This meeting took place at the Brasserie Georges, at the initiative of François Charbonnier.
The story of Mother Vittet
Jean Poitou remembers his time at the restaurant La Mère Vittet.
“I was a chef at La Mère Vittet from 1973 to 2006. And I trained nearly a hundred cooks. » Besides, he knows the story of Mother Vittet well, having worked with her. He tells us:
“Her maiden name was Alice Rigot. She was born in Montalieu-sur-Isère and had worked for the cheesemaker Reynier in Les Halles de Lyon. It was there that she met her future husband Henri Vittet, who was an errand boy. (1). After their marriage, they opened the Café du Marché where she started cooking. In 1957, having become a widow, she set up Café Sage – 26 cours de Verdun, which became the Brasserie Lyonnaise then the restaurant La Mère Vittet. The establishment, which was experiencing difficulties, was sold in 1993 by his son Jean. »
A speech full of emotion
Jean Poitou concludes his speech with this sweet memory, at this end of year period.
“Of Mother Vittet, I retain the image of a demanding and rigorous woman – the restaurant was open seven days a week and 24 hours a day – but very fair towards her employees. I have very good memories of these years. » The former chefs applaud him in a great atmosphere.
(1): It involves delivering packages or carrying out small tasks requiring travel.
