Since its creation in 2012, The Popote has continually evolved, combining culinary expertise, local craftsmanship, and culinary innovation. Founded by Philippe Bellan, an experienced and passionate chef, this establishment, located in Tarare, between Lyon and Roanne, has established itself as a landmark of local gastronomy.

On December 20, The Popote will cease its restaurant activities to focus entirely on a new mission: becoming a space dedicated to cooking classes and fine foods. This transition marks a significant milestone in the history of the establishment, offering new experiences and opportunities to its customers.

“Cooking is much more than preparing a meal; it is the joy of creating something for those who share our table. These moments allow for the modest transmission of knowledge and celebrate the products that nature provides us,” says Philippe, chef and owner of the company.

A Story of Innovation and Passion

Since its inception, The Popote has consistently reinvented itself to meet the expectations of its customers. Initially created as a space for cooking classes, it quickly transformed into a fine dining restaurant and delicatessen, driven by a clientele eager to discover this unique establishment. In 2016, Philippe’s son Mathieu joined him, continuing the adventure as a family. Together, they built a brand recognized not only in Tarare but internationally, exporting their artisan creations to the United States.

Condiments, teas, herbal infusions, and a variety of fragrant spices are carefully crafted in their facilities. These products, packaged in an eco-responsible manner, reflect the commitment of its owner to sustainable, innovative, and original gastronomy. The rigorous and eco-conscious choice of packaging materials and environmentally friendly labeling highlight their ongoing effort to stand out from the competition.

Focus on Culinary Workshops

Since September, The Popote has entered a new phase of its journey, emphasizing culinary workshops. Every Friday, gastronomy enthusiasts gather at the premises on Anna-Bibert Street to joyfully learn original recipes, often featuring local ingredients.

These culinary workshops, which quickly became a success, often sell out depending on the proposed theme. Encouraged by this enthusiasm, The Popote has decided to expand its offerings by adding classes on Saturdays starting next year. A detailed schedule through March is already available on the online store, a well-curated space managed in the background by another team member, Anastasiia. Creativity, a constant hallmark of the company, will lead to the development of new formats.

The Fine Food Store: A Strengthened Commitment

In parallel with this transformation, the fine food store continues to grow and improve. The Popote team remains loyal to its core values: consistent quality, customer respect, and eco-responsible ethics. This is evident in their careful attention to ingredients as well as the recyclable or compostable design of their packaging and labels.

New offerings continue to enrich their selection, delighting and surprising gourmets while respecting nature and local traditions. The team works tirelessly to ensure that every product embodies the elegance, innovation, and culinary excellence that have always defined The Popote.

The Fine Food Store: New Surprises for Food Lovers

Among next year’s innovations, the team is launching a new concept: a “surprise” box of condiments and spices, paired with an exclusive recipe. Philippe explains:

“Each box will be a surprise. Customers won’t know its contents in advance, but it will always feature a variety of our in-house condiments and spices, along with the recipe to create the proposed dish and even more! It’s a fun and delicious way to discover our flavors while enjoying the cooking process.”

The idea, while not entirely new, stands out through the presentation and originality of the recipes. The box aims to offer a unique culinary experience, inviting customers to explore a diversity of tastes and aromas while simplifying meal preparation for gastronomy enthusiasts.

A Promising Future

With this new direction, The Popote is reinventing itself to better meet the expectations of customers seeking authentic, educational, entertaining, and friendly gastronomic experiences. By strengthening its offerings with culinary workshops, cooking classes, and a diversified fine food store, the establishment reaffirms its role as an essential gastronomic destination in Tarare.

Philippe and his team want to show, once again, that it is possible to reinvent oneself to pursue international ambitions without neglecting loyal customers. The restaurant may no longer operate,

The Popote remains a haven for food enthusiasts. We continue to rely on your loyalty and curiosity to make these changes an exciting and unique experience for you.