Origins

Although the film “Cocktail” starring Tom Cruise did not impress international critics, it transformed Germain Canto's life. The teenager from Lille saw himself behind a bar, performing acrobatics with his cocktail shaker. As soon as he could, he headed to Australia and became part of the Sydney mixology scene, where he met Magalie, who would become his wife and business partner. Back in France, he took over a well-known address in Cognac and transformed it into a trendy spot, dedicated to both market cuisine that gives pride of place to vegetables and an original cocktail menu. Origins was born. Two years and a lot of work later, the chalet atmosphere of the old restaurant has given way to a more raw but also brighter atmosphere. At lunchtime, the restaurant welcomes lovers of precise cuisine with Asian influences, offering dishes that change every day. In the kitchen, Maxence Moreau gives free rein to his creativity based on the daily supplies. To accompany the short menu, the cocktail list is longer, with non-alcoholic options for those who want to stay productive in the afternoon. In the evening, the atmosphere changes with an offering that is more akin to gourmet street food. An oxymoron that allows guests to share plates throughout the evening while sipping one of Germain Canto's creations inside or on the terrace facing the Cognac market halls as soon as the warm weather arrives. But it is on the first floor that Germain Canto lets his creativity run wild. His impressive collection of spirits, which naturally gives pride of place to cognac and pineau des Charentes, the two local alcohols, allows him to introduce some guests to mixology. Seated at the solid wood table d'hôte, you can watch him twirl behind his bar and combine alcohols, tea, verjuice, and homemade distillates in original cocktails.