Menus at 25 or 30 euros available at 1 euro. At the start of 2022, a solidarity restaurant Le République led by chef Sébastien Richard and Sylvain Martin, one of the founding members of Solidarity collective, must raise the curtain on Place Sadi-Carnot, in Marseille in the 2nd arrondissement. The two worked together, cooking and distributing meals to the poorest during the first confinement. They decided not to stop there.
Concretely, this gives the association La Petite Lili and the Le République project. “It is about offering meals for one euro to people in need, sent by charities and social structures,” explains Sébastien Richard, who was Michelin-starred at La Table de Sébastien (Istres). They will sit at the table and benefit from the same services as customers taking the menu at 25 or 30 euros. It is about being able to restore dignity and promote social diversity in the same public space. Marseille is a city that allows it, as well as the place we have chosen. “
Two hundred seats
Because Le République does not settle anywhere: it will take place within the walls of the old Café Parisien, well known to Marseillais, especially for its bowling alley located in the basement. “There are 1,200 m2 to rehabilitate,” continues Sébastien Richard, “we will offer 200 seats there, seven days a week, and will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. “
To carry out this project, La Petite Lili has surrounded itself with renowned sponsors, including the architect Rudy Ricciotti who took charge – on a voluntary basis – of the plans for the future establishment. “This project, the total cost of which is 800,000 euros, has received support from the government’s recovery plan, ie a budget of 50,000 euros,” confides the chef. We had applied with the support of the Prefect for Equal Opportunities, Marie Aubert. »A challenge to discover aboard the Train de la Relance, which stops at Saint-Charles station this Friday and Saturday.
The Relance Train in Marseille
This Friday and Saturday, the Relance Train will stop at Saint-Charles station, track D. The objective of the operation is to explain France Relance, the plan launched a year ago by the government and endowed with 100 billion euros “to build a more France. ecological, more competitive and more united in 2030 ”. One of the three coaches of the Train de la Relance is a radio studio run by the NGO Reporters d’Espoirs in partnership with local media including 20 minutes in Paris, Rennes, Marseille and Strasbourg. Three hours of live will be produced there each day.