At the heart of Châtellerault, on the Grand-rue de Châteauneuf, lies a gastronomic legend: the mythical pizzaiolo who has conquered the taste buds of an entire city. But here we are, time passes, and the moment has come for someone to take up the torch. Ready to dive into the incredible story of this kitchen maestro? Fasten your seatbelts, an adventure full of flavors and twists awaits you!
The departure of a culinary icon from Châtellerault
In Châtellerault, a wind of change blows over Grand-rue de Châteauneuf. After three decades delighting the taste buds of locals with his pizzas, Christian Cosnard, the legendary pizzaiolo, has decided to retire. Christian Cosnard, a true institution in the region, known for his culinary creations, has built a faithful and passionate clientele.
A remarkable career
Of Norman origin, this talented cook began his journey in the south of France before settling in Châtellerault. Christian first opened a restaurant called Les Roches blanches, before venturing into takeaway pizza, a visionary idea at a time when food trucks were not yet trendy.
Innovating within tradition
The idea of creating a static establishment, rather than a food truck as he had done in the south, proved to be a real success. From the opening of Au Fournil on the Grand-rue de Châteauneuf, the community immediately embraced his pizzas. With an annual production of 15,000 to 20,000 pizzas, Christian Cosnard has managed to build loyalty across several generations.
A challenge met despite obstacles
In 2013, an accidental fire nearly ended this culinary adventure. However, after several months of fierce battling with insurers and extensive renovations, Christian managed to reopen his business in 2016. This difficult period only strengthened the determination and affection of the clientele for his establishment.
Passing the torch
At 69 years old, Christian Cosnard is now passing the torch to Marc Courtot, a well-known pizza truck expert known as Au Bon Truck. While finalizing the necessary renovations, Au Fournil is expected to reopen in early July under new management.
The secret to a perfect pizza
But what makes Christian Cosnard’s pizzas so special? According to him, it is a subtle blend of generosity, passion for his craft, and a constant desire to please his customers. These values will surely continue to inspire his successor, ensuring the perpetuation of this unique culinary tradition in Châtellerault.
A culinary heritage to preserve
- Maintain the quality of the products used
- Listen and adapt to the needs of the clientele
- Preserve the family spirit of the establishment
- Continue to innovate without betraying traditional recipes
The departure of Christian Cosnard marks the end of an era, but with Marc Courtot taking the reins, the future of the pizzas on Grand-rue de Châteauneuf looks bright. The residents of Châtellerault can expect to see the culinary legacy of Christian endure and thrive under a new passionate direction.
Source: www.lanouvellerepublique.fr
