the essential
The restaurant “Chez Carmen”, opened in 1956 and installed since 2022 near the Palais de Justice in Toulouse, reopens its doors this Tuesday, December 3. A fire destroyed the kitchen last summer.
Four months to the day after the fire which partially destroyed its kitchens, the institution “Chez Carmen” reopens its doors, Tuesday December 3, avenue Maurice Hauriou, near the Palais de Justice in Toulouse.
“A great emotion” for the boss Olivier Carmen, third generation of the family in charge, while the restaurant “had never experienced an accident of this type” since its creation “on June 26, 1956”.
The fire and its aftermath, “an ordeal”
On August 3 in the early evening, an accidental fire started from a hood in the kitchen, and partially destroyed it. “It was an ordeal, we had to deal with the administration, the insurance, but ultimately we got through it.” The room has not changed, with its typical bistro decor, but on the other hand the kitchen is brand new. “The team has remained united, despite the period of forced inactivity. It is inevitably a moving moment to reunite with customers.”
“Chez Carmen, the Abattoirs restaurant” is an institution, with its zinc bar from the Allée Charles-de-Fitte establishment, as well as the red velvet banquettes. Created in 1956 by Joachim Carmen, the restaurant was taken over by Tony in the 70s, then by Olivier At the helm of the move and the reopening, the boss wants to make the brand bounce back, while retaining the quality and basics of “Chez Carmen”.
A revised map
“We have revised prices downwards, in a context of inflation.” And the quality is always there. The menu is always generous and authentic dishes: Abattoirs pot-au-feu, Caen-style tripe, veal head with ravigote sauce, beef ribs, beef steak with shallots. We remain faithful to the spirit of the family bistro! “We have made some improvements, with the confit lamb shoulder for example, adds Olivier Carmen. But the basics are there! duck from Samaran, Betty's cheese, Cazaux charcuterie, lamb from the Devant family, in the Pyrenees.
A daily special at 13.90 euros has appeared, but also a children's menu that will delight the whole family. “Despite the 70% increase in transport costs, we managed to make better purchases, so as not to affect quality,” underlines Olivier Carmen.
The room is open from Tuesday to Saturday, morning and evening, with 80 seats. New again, a chalet is set up in front of the restaurant, with sale of oysters from Marennes Oléron (Maison Ancelin) or tasting in the restaurant (20 euros per dozen Fines de Claire). Enjoy your food !
