A few days ago, we returned to one of our favorite restaurants, Au Pied de Cochon. Created in 1947 by Clément Blanc a stone’s throw from Les Halles, Au Pied de Cochon quickly became a Parisian institution. It is an ambassador of French cuisine
At the time, this confidential address of the Ventre de Paris was still hidden away on the 1st floor of a building on rue Coquillière… Regulars climbed a hidden staircase to sit down. Au Pied de Cochon soon became a heterogeneous Parisian rendezvous, where the Forts des Halles fresh from the market rubbed shoulders with party-goers from the
uptown district, hungry after a wild night out. Rising early and staying up late, this merry world bangs the bell in a feverish, furiously cheerful atmosphere that went on to make Au Pied de Cochon’s extraordinary reputation and extra soul.
A Parisian soul.
Sitting on the red banquettes of this historic and worldly monument, and leaning against the old-fashioned counter in this devilishly retro setting, is to immerse yourself in the essence of the Titi-Parisian universe. An inspiring place for intellectuals, artists and the political intelligentsia, not to mention Michelin-starred chefs in search of chic gouaille, such as Pierre Troisgros, Alain Ducasse and Paul Bocuse.
As the saying goes, “All roads lead to Au Pied de Cochon”. Belmondo often ended his nights there in good company, La Callas met Gainsbourg, Robert Doisneau or Joséphine Baker, while Jean Paul Gaultier celebrated the success of his famous 1995 collection. Proof of its good-natured spirit, the Splendid troupe
has sat down for some memorable gueuletons. Hollywood stars such as Ursula Andress, Grace Kelly and Jayne Mansfield (Marilyn’s blonde rival) even partied there… Jean Paul Belmondo, Charles Aznavour and Lisa Minelli Maria Callas an institution for Parisian night owls
Once shunned, Les Halles has since been rehabilitated as the hipster, buzzing HQ, the new stronghold of creative, trendy Parisian youth. By returning to its original values, authenticity and generous cuisine based on good produce (“Less is more”…), Au Pied de Cochon is more than ever
headquarters and a must for new night owls and influencers looking for Instagrammable
dishes.
No matter what time of day it is, Parisians flock here to satisfy their late-night hunger and wild cravings in this stronghold, which has been open non-stop since it opened! Lovers flirt over a seafood platter as they leave the cinema, and local children enjoy their first crème brûlée.
In short, the big comeback of the trendy brasserie has arrived!
A canaille menu
Canaille is in vogue, and the signature comforting dishes of “Pied de Cochon”, on the
menu since 1947, are more fashionable and contemporary than ever. Leek vinaigrette and onion soup au gratin are a sensation, and Parisians are returning to the tradition of grilled pig’s trotter served with béarnaise and home fries, calf’s liver and butter purée, and andouillette with mustard sauce. Snails and snout make a comeback!
Pork chop and black pudding come straight from Eric Ospital, the king of Basque charcuterie who supplies all the top Michelin-starred restaurants, not to mention Gillardeau’s high-value oysters. For the cheese platter, Marie Quatrehomme, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, orchestrates an exquisite selection of the finest camemberts, Comtés and goats’ cheeses, to be enjoyed with the fresh Moisan bread delivered each morning. As for the divine purée, the béarnaise sauce,
the French fries, the floating islands, the mille-feuille and the tarte tatin, all made with love and the utmost care by the enthusiastic brigades at Pied de Cochon.
Rumor has it that this is the place to enjoy the freshest tides… and so it should be! Shellfish and crustaceans are delivered at dawn direct from Rungis via hand-picked producers… It has to be said that Pied de Cochon has kept alive the
tradition of the fishmonger and his stall, open 24 hours a day, as a true vintage precursor of street-food! While enthusiasts come to share extraordinary platters in the heart of the brasserie at midday or midnight, Parisian twiglets don’t hesitate to drop in for a chic, light dinner to enjoy in front of their favorite TV series.
As they leave the windy clubs in the neighborhood, revelers return to their old titi habits and wolf down a dozen oysters to help them get over a sleepless night.
On the dessert menu, sweets worthy of “Madeleines de Proust” take us right back to childhood, from the marvelous
profiteroles au chocolat to a caramelized floating island or crêpes flambéed with Grand Marnier (special mention). And that’s not counting all the great classics of the pastry repertoire: a more-than-perfect millefeuille and an exceptional
baba… which leaves you in the same state!
A real treat, with perfect service! Ideal for a good evening out at any time of night.
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