Au Rocher de Cancale
| Company type | Restaurant |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality, Food service |
| Founded | 1804 |
| Founder | Alexis Balaine |
| Headquarters | Paris , France |
| Products | French cuisine, oysters, late-night suppers |
Au Rocher de Cancale is a dining establishment situated in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris, France. It became well-known during the 19th century for offering late-night suppers following theatre and opera performances.
History
Established in 1804 by Alexis Balaine, this restaurant gained a reputation for its oyster specialties and attracted a clientele that included dandies, Lorettes, aristocrats, and members of the Jockey Club. Initially located at 59 Rue Montorgueil, its menu was diverse, featuring dishes such as mutton, veal, beef, poultry appetizers, entremets, and desserts.
In 1809, the renowned gastronome La Reynière formed his tasting jury at this venue. Distinguished visitors counted among its patrons Honoré de Balzac, Alexandre Dumas, Théophile Gautier, and Eugène Sue.
The "Norman sole" recipe was created here by chef Langlais in 1837. After Balaine's tenure, Pierre Frédéric Borrel assumed management but eventually declared bankruptcy, causing the restaurant to close in 1846. It later reopened under the same name at Rue de Richelieu.
Later on, Mr. Pécune moved the establishment back to Rue Montorgueil (No. 78). The building still displays the Rocher de Cancale signage alongside frescoes by Paul Gavarni. On March 3, 1977, it received designation as a Monument historique.
A namesake venue operated in Brussels as early as 1874.
In popular culture
In Honoré de Balzac's La Comédie humaine, characters like Henri de Marsay and Lucien de Rubempré frequented this restaurant. It is mentioned in various literary works including Le Cabinet des Antiques, La Muse du département, Illusions perdues, and Splendeurs et misères des courtisanes.
Bibliography
- Théophile Lavallée, Histoire de Paris depuis le temps des Gaulois jusqu'à nos jours, Michel Lévy frères, 1857
- Terres d'écrivains, Balades littéraires dans Paris du XVIIe au XIXe siècle, Nouveau Monde éditions, 2004
- Luc Bihl-Willette, Des tavernes aux bistrots. Une histoire des cafés, L'Âge d'Homme, 1997