LA MÈRE GERMAINE

LA MÈRE GERMAINE

LA MÈRE GERMAINE


LA MERE GERMAINE
Rémy BLOUIN, the present owner of
the place, has kept the former name
because « La Mère Germaine » has a
story linked to History.
Here it is.
In 1925, northern France born Germaine
Halap settles in Villefranche and
marries Louis BRAU in 1938. They both
decide to open a restaurant facing the
sea. They call it after the cook’s name:
“La Mère Germaine”.
During WWII, Villefranche harbours
US Navy warships in large number. La
mère Germaine welcomes the crews in
her restaurant and, soon, friendly relationships
are established between her
and them, whatever the ranks.
She becomes a mother to them, protecting
them, waiting on them hand and
foot and telling them moving or funny
stories. Her reputation is growing fast
and the restaurant becomes an outstanding
place owing to the unparalleled
qualities of its chef.
“Mom Germaine”, as they used to call
her, is a celebrity in the US Navy. Every
ship that calls at NICE surroundings
has got the word. Her fame is such that
the Navy calls on an American film-maker
to shoot the unrivalled caring and
charming lady’s story.
When the US SALEM cruiser was to leave,
“Mom Germaine” was entertained
with all the honours due to a person of
her rank by the battalion in presence.
If the US marines were La Mère Germaine‘
s first fans more were to come!
In 1959, Jean COCTEAU starts redecorating
the Saint Pierre Chapel, a few
meters away from the restaurant. Jean
COCTEAU and Germaine become
close friends. From then on, famous
people drop in, one after the other,
to such an extent that Germaine herself
is turned into a celebrity quite like
her clients!!! The Golden book is still
consulted today. It reveals most prestigious
names of guests that tell an anecdote
or express their admiration.
Germaine had two daughters. The elder
married a US Marine and left with
him. They have a large family of five
children and still live in the States. The
younger stayed in New York for some
time, but was soon back home where
she married Rémy BLOUIN. They have
two children.
Germaine’s husband, Louis BRAU was
absolutely intent on perpetuating his wife’s
work and memory. He managed
to inspire his daughter and son-in-law
with the desire to do so, since they both
have the special taste and generosity
necessary for the job. The family frame
and tradition have been kept intact to
this day.
Rémy BLOUIN has succeeded in respecting
the family tradition as well as
in making the restaurant a renowned
place. This tour de force is brilliantly
orchestrated. One can savour all the
local specialities, fish soup, grilled
fish, bouillabaisse and so on. But,
the owner never forgets that clients are
hard to please. So the most delicate
savours are on the menu as well as the
most sophisticated meals created with
innovative culinary technics.
Thierry BLOUIN, Germaine’s grandson
had an extension of the terrace built on
the actual quay, a few centimetres from
the water. Having lunch or dinner there
means enjoying a unique situation and
feeling permeated by Villefranche’s unequalled
essence.
One never goes to “La Mère Germaine”
by chance, it is filled with regulars.
If a tourist comes unexpectedly, he will
always retain the memory of a place
where gastronomy has letters patent of
nobility.
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