Ariège. A small mountain village of 197 inhabitants finds its restaurant and gains a grocery store

After more than a year of closure, the restaurant in a small mountain village of 197 inhabitants will be able to straighten its tables from November 11. It will also offer a bread store, and a small grocery store selling regional products to the delight of locals.

Bedeilhac and Aynat's restaurant, formerly known as “Le Calamès” and now renamed “L'Auberge de la Grotte”, is finally preparing to reopen its doors. This reopening is welcomed with enthusiasm by the residents, who will once again be able to enjoy this place, as well as by the municipality, which had invested in the establishment's professional equipment. “We are very happy with this new, long-awaited reopening, and all the more confident that the restaurant will be run by an experienced chef,” underlines Michel Anquet, the village mayor.

Former cook at the Beille restaurant

Indeed, Pierre Emeriau, nicknamed “Peio” in Basque, has already proven himself in the kitchen by working for several seasons at the Beille restaurant. “He managed 250 seats,” underlines the elected official. He has built a solid reputation and everyone knows him here. We can say that the restaurant has finally found a suitable buyer. »

Originally from the Basque Country, Peio wishes to convey his passion for traditional cuisine in his new restaurant. “That of all the grandmothers in the world,” he says. The cook aspires to rediscover the authenticity of the dishes of yesteryear: simmered sauces, stews, beef bourguignon, beef tongues, all prepared exclusively with local products. Guests at the Auberge de la Grotte will benefit from a special feature: a daily soup offered by the house. “Each day, the menu will offer a selection of two or three starters, varied dishes, and a dessert, with a soup offered at each meal,” explains Peio.

A bread store, and the sale of local products

And as good news never comes alone, Peio is delighted to announce that the Auberge will also offer a bread store and a sale of regional products. “The inn will be open every lunchtime, 7 days a week, with evenings on Fridays and Saturdays, where we will also offer takeaways, including roast chickens. We will also have a bread store and a corner selling local cold meats and cheese. » The inauguration and official opening of the establishment are planned for November 11.