Thomas Larribeau, 29, is opening a “French-style hot dog” store close to Place Carnot. Drive only … for now.
A few days before the opening, scheduled for Tuesday, January 5, the tables have not yet been delivered. But that’s not a big deal. Because, at first, Thomas Larribeau will not need this furniture, made to measure by a boilermaker friend near Bordeaux. Indeed, it is naturally in drive that Tom’s Dogs will open its doors. “In the midst of a pandemic, I admit it was risky. But on the one hand, my intention is to operate mainly on take-out. And then, this summer, after my mother passed away, I felt it I had to make up my mind to go “, tells of this almost thirty years old, native of Bordeaux, trained in the butcher’s shop, and arrived in Carcassonne four years ago, in the wake of his companion who runs the CGR cinemas of Pont-Rouge.
Eminem and Dr. Dre
Thomas defines himself as “passionate about America”. He loves the music of it – mostly classic rap by Eminem and Dr Dre – and the hip-hop culture of New York City where he hasn’t been yet. But the four hot dogs currently on the Toms Dogs menu show the attachment to this city. “I named them according to the characteristics of a district: the Bronx, an area of African Americans who appreciate rich cuisine, combines cheddar and fried onions; in East Harlem, we will find guacamole because this district is very Hispanic, etc. “
It was risky, but I had to get started
That said, the totally American environment of the fast food establishment should not obscure a “search for quality. My breads will be made by Papineau, the cheeses provided by the Bousquet cheese factory, the vegetables by Le Fruitier, and the pastries will come from Katia, in the street next door. As for my sausages, they are 100% pure beef and are made by a Parisian company, which will also make my vegan sausages “, details Thomas, whose sign is ideally placed, at the very beginning of rue Armagnac, very close to Place Carnot.
Another cola
The principle of the hot dog (sausage, bread, mustard or ketchup) will be, understandably, very French or even anglicized, since Thomas will accompany them with coleslaw (coleslaw and carrots) and British crisps. And to drink, the boss preferred to the most famous soda in the world one of its variations, little known in France but very popular in the States, Dr Pepper … It will also make, he hopes, the difference.
–
