Traveling through the kitchen is what couple Catarina Ribeiro and Ludo Fernandez offer in their new restaurant serving Portuguese cuisine. Both are from this Iberian country, namely from the island of Madeira to Catarina. But they met in the Paris region, in Chenevier-sur-Marne. Ludo was already managing the churrascaria, a restaurant specializing in grilled meats, while Catarina was a waitress. The concept that will develop is not far from the first in Maurepas, in Yvelines.
They then established a cleaning and all trades business on the premises, which they operated for nine years. “It was a good business opportunity.” Ludo remembers. But the entry of their son Kilian into sixth grade at a difficult institution encouraged them to move to a quieter area. “Clermont-l’Hérault, known during holidays, meets all the criteria: quiet, sunny, not far from the sea”“, explains the couple.
In terms of work, there was a real desire to return to their first passion, which was serving food, and in particular their specialties. “There is no establishment serving Portuguese cuisine within 60 kilometers. After six months of searching, the opportunity arose to resume the liquidation on Hippolyte Rocket Street. Then another six months of work and finally the possibility of serving our typical dishes.”Ludo sums up. The kitchen uses wood-fired grills for meat and fish. Of course bacalhau, cod in all sauces or even pork with shellfish, a real change in the culinary scene. In addition, pigs or pigs are sold to about ten people to take them or ask for them.
For now, the couple is happy. “A pleasure to work with, really good feedback and a warm welcome from neighboring tradesmen.” As part of its economic efficiency, the Clermont Municipal Community granted the couple rental assistance proportional to the rent over two years for a total of €1,680, supplemented by €720 from the municipality.
Midilibre correspondent: 06 03 85 48 00
