It's a fact, for the French the aperitif is sacred. And we are 47% to indulge in this ritual at least once a week (according to a study published by Ifop in June 2013). It is in Toulouse, a stone's throw from the famous Carmes market, that a cellar-counter-delicatessen in Toulouse, aptly named On porte l'Apéro, offers us all the ingredients for a successful aperitif with friends.
On the fresh side, to get off to a good start, it is difficult to choose from the seasonal collection of homemade spreads, sold by weight:the Frayssinade, a creamy radish with chives, mackerel rillettes with curry, carrot caviar with ginger, or the last born from the collection, the Totorizo, an amazing land-sea, tuna and chorizo accord.
A few antipasti later (marinated vegetables, stuffed peppers, involtini to die for…) to ride the aperitivo wave, we tackle the heavy:charcuterie, with a haute couture selection. Patrick Duler's 36-month-aged black pork ham (crowned "best ham in the world" in Barcelona) can be eaten in thin slices, like its Spanish cousin pata negra, but it would be a shame to miss out on fresh cooked rillettes in the cauldron of this Lotois artisan, or his loin nut with Espelette pepper. For Basque charcuterie, the Maskarada house is a delight:100% natural chorizo and lomo, papada (Basque bacon) and cabezada (pig throat) for the curious.
On the grocery side, tasteful breadsticks and crisps are on the menu, the more adventurous will try the grilled insect experience of Haute-Garonne.
First, wines from small winegrowers, organic or sustainable agriculture. Wines from the south, of course, since here we favor regional production. But also some good surprises from elsewhere, like this Spanish white Raret. Connoisseurs will appreciate the sharp selection of Japanese whiskeys, Cuban and Caribbean rums, English gins, brut nature champagnes, and for a girly aperitivo, you can even leave with a home-made Spritz kit.
And as local beers have become essential, it is also an opportunity to discover the artisanal Ratz range, brewed in the Lot.
Of course, you can leave with a complete cocktail dinner in your basket, but you can also choose to have an aperitif at the counter or on the guest table. And it's rare enough to be underlined, On porte l'Apéro does not practice the famous "corkage fee". So even if "alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health", you can share this good bottle of white Raret with your friends for 16 €, while enjoying the good humor of the owner, and some tasteful pork.
We wear the Aperitif – 29 grande rue Nazareth – 31000 Toulouse
