Mélanie Serre's good addresses
Based in the sublime Arcachon basin, Mélanie Serre takes us on a tour of the best places to buy local oysters, smoked fish and wines.
Great of Demain 2023 for her position as chef at Elsa in Monaco, Mélanie Serre realized one of her dreams this summer 2023 by opening her own restaurant, L'Auberge du Bassin, on the Arcachon basin. For this ephemeral address, the young woman scoured the region for the best suppliers and shares with us five favorites to be discovered as a matter of urgency.
Oysters from Parcs de l'Impératrice, Lège-Cap-Ferret
Les Parcs de l'Impératrice is an oyster farm that Mélanie Serre particularly recommends. You can buy them directly on site, but you can also sample them in many of the region's prestigious restaurants, including L'Auberge du Bassin. "We also have an oyster dispenser available 24 hours a day in front of the restaurant", emphasizes the chef.
- Where to eat? Les Parcs de l'Impératrice, 33950 Lège-Cap-Ferret
- www.parcsdelimperatrice.fr
Marchand de Soif wines, Saint-Émilion
"This is awine cellar dedicated to wine lovers in Saint-Émilion, where I have alsoChâteau Les Carmes Haut Brion, recently added to the restaurant's menu", explains Mélanie Serre. The cellar offers white as well as red wine, rosé, champagne and even some world wines.
- Where to buy? Marchand de Soif, 8 rue de la grande fontaine, 33330 Saint-Émilion
- www.marchanddesoif.com
Fumette smoked fish, Lège-Cap-Ferret
Fumette specializes in smoking fish from the Arcachon Basin, such as mullet, sea bass and meagre. "You won't find salmon at Fumette", Mélanie Serre insists. While it is of course possible to buy on the spot, the company also offers delivery anywhere in France.
- Where to buy? Fumette, 13 avenue du Grand Crohot, 33950 Lège-Cap-Ferret
- www.fumette-capferret.com
Fresh fish from Eole, Lège-Cap-Ferret
If your heart's set on fresh fish, Mélanie Serre recommends a visit to Eole, which is both the name of a boat and a fisherman's hut that offers direct sales to individuals and professionals. "The fishing is artisanal and carried out only in the Arcachon basin," says the chef.
▶ Where? Eole, quartier des pêcheurs, boulevard de la plage, 33950 Lège-Cap-Ferret
Vintage posters from Popette, Lège-Cap-Ferret
To take home a nice souvenir of the Arcachon basin and decorate your home, Mélanie Serre recommends vintage posters by artist Popette, who draws the most beautiful landscapes like the Dune du Pilat or the beaches of Cap Ferret. "Some of her magnificent paintings are on display in the restaurant," enthuses the chef.
▶ Discover Popette's Instagram page .
