At the Place de l’Ancien-Théâtre, Textures bistro opens its doors at the beginning of June in Nîmes

Emmanuelle et François-Xavier Durieu (et Max) devant leur nouveau restaurant. ALISSANDRE ALLEMAND – Alissandre Allemand

Owners of Textures, an atypical restaurant with a thousand facets since opening in 2021, rue Racine, Emmanuelle and François-Xavier Durieu, the inimitable gastronomic duo, have chosen to launch a new challenge by opening in June, Textures Bistrot, instead and the Place de l’Ancien-Théâtre. Gluttony in sight.

Dirty, comforting and generous cuisine that nourishes both the body and the heart! This is, in a few words, the philosophy that Emmanuelle and François-Xavier Durieu, the loving owners of Textures, are keen to instill in their new baby. A new gourmet project that the couple imagined in the premises of the Ancien-Théâtre, rue Racine, just a few steps from their first establishment. "Both cooking fans, we realized, since our return after Covid, that there was a lack of a real bistro in Nîmes. We dreamed of a place where we would taste veal blanquettes, rock octopus, cassoulet, pied-paquet, herring apple in oil, blood sausage… hellip; With fresh fries and good sauces", lists the young woman with a bright eye.

Enhance quality products

Failing to find it, they decided to create it. "When we learned that the restaurant l’Ancien-Théâtre was for sale, we saw a sign. It was the perfect opportunity to offer something different from what we find at Textures, while remaining in line with the founding values ​​of this place which are essential for us. Since November, ideas have been flowing constantly. What decoration ? The wine list ? What type of formula of the day ? All while continuing to ensure the daily life at Textures and managing the marketing of Torü, their Nîmes teas. " On the supplier and product side, we didn't think long, as it seemed to us that it was natural to work with the same ones. Local producers, excellent quality, sourced products. For us, it’s non-negotiable."

Ultra-cut decoration

Once this motto was established, Emma and F.-X decided to offer lunch, in addition to the à la carte, a menu with several choices. For 30 euros, customers can enjoy a starter, a main course, a dessert and a glass of wine. "The idea is that it changes every day", explains François-Xavier. "In the evening we will offer à la carte dishes. Sauerkraut, vol-au-vent… Roast chicken, prime rib to share…  Profiteroles, Floating Islands for dessert… All the good little dishes of our grandmothers." All in a "warm and beautiful" signed by Manu, a talented decorator at heart. Thick olive green velvet hangings at the entrance, wooden benches made on site by a local cabinetmaker, covered in soft, enveloping fabrics, orange marble to adorn the elegant terra cota shell counter. egg arrived from Spain, cloth napkins and crockery made especially for the place. "Plates, deep, flat and dessert. They will be black, sober and beautiful".

For the wine list, wine lovers will choose from around a hundred references. Natural wines, but also very pretty, more classic bottles with wines capable of enhancing local bistronomic cuisine. "We are lucky to be friends with Suzanne Cochran, the former head sommelier of Le Rouge and let her make our menu for us!"

A clever mix that is already tempting many customers who are already asking to reserve their table for the opening. See you on June 4.

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