The Central Café is an iconic establishment in Le Puy-en-Velay. Located in the heart of Place Michelet, it is frequented by customers wishing to take some time to enjoy a drink or savor gourmet cuisine in a calm and pleasant setting in the city center.
What is the story of This establishment in Puy-en-Velay?
Mario Ciraolo: The establishment was born at the same time as the Place Michelet neighborhood emerged, with its beautiful surrounding buildings. That was in the 1950s and 60s. The establishment has had several names. We kept the core of Central, because in the past, in the 1990s, it was the Central bar. Roughly 10 years later, it became the Central brasserie. We retained this identity by naming the establishment Le Central Café. It's a much more general term. We opened it on April 28, 2018, just before the May Day race.
What are its particularities?
Mario Ciraolo: The commercial space extends over 170 meters, or 200 meters including the kitchen. It's divided into several areas. There's a more intimate, raised seating area, popular with retirees; a back section that can accommodate large groups; a lounge area with club chairs where regulars gather; a more private mezzanine, ideal for group meals or meetings; and a west-facing terrace, a real asset in the summer for those who prefer shade. There's also a second, seasonal area on the sidewalk. It seats approximately 70 people.
We are open 6 days a week, from very early in the morning, around 7 am, and in the evening depending on the season, the weather, and business. The establishment is closed on Sundays, except for major events such as the National Pétanque Tournament or the King of the Birds Festival.
Who is your clientele?
Mario Ciraolo: There aren't many kids. It's mostly young adults and an older clientele. The brasserie atmosphere attracts a different crowd. These are people who come looking for a bit of peace and quiet, a sense of well-being, who come for lunch, dinner, or just a drink, a cocktail, or an ice cream.
What type of cuisine do you offer?
Mario Ciraolo: We offer daily specials so that people in the neighborhood can eat quickly, and we also feature a lot of local and regional products. We source most of our ingredients from local producers, whether it's meat or cheese, and our food is homemade. You can order a daily special, a starter and a main course, a main course and a dessert, or a complete meal. Today we're offering a baked egg with goat cheese, a roasted free-range chicken in its own juices with herbs and sautéed potatoes, and French toast with ice cream and homemade whipped cream. In addition, we offer other suggestions, such as a gourmet salad with duck breast from the Limagne estate, fresh salmon fillet with lemon sauce, homemade andouillette sausage, burgers, or truffade (a potato and cheese dish) with local charcuterie.
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