André Cattan, a former legal eagle from the Paris region, has swapped his suits for aprons and has unveiled a Lebanese food-truck near Breteuil in the Eure region. Drawn to the culinary customs of his grandparents, André is on a mission to transport the flavours and scents of Lebanese cuisine to the people of Sainte-Marie-d’Attez through his exciting new enterprise.
Jedo, the Lebanese word for grandfather, holds a special place in André’s heart. In honour of his grandparents, he opted to name his food-truck after this cherished family title. His fondest childhood memories revolve around the aromatic coffee scents from his grandfather’s home, followed by his grandmother’s remarkable culinary creations. It’s these treasured experiences and dishes that André aims to recreate for his patrons.
After spending a considerable amount of time in Sainte-Marie-d’Attez, André decided to make it his permanent residence in 2021, seeking a change of scenery from the hustle and bustle of Paris and pursuing his true passion for cooking. Following two years of intensive culinary training, mentored in Verneuil-d’Avre-et-d’Iton, he finally took the leap and opened his food-truck in November and December 2022. The momentous service took place on April 28th.
The locals’ response has been incredibly positive, with a resident of Eure-et-Loir describing André’s dishes as “absolutely delicious”. Embracing the ethos of using local produce, André sources his meat and vegetables solely from nearby farmers, adding a touch of the terroir to his Lebanese specialties. He proudly claims to be the only Lebanese food option in the area, offering an authentic taste of Lebanon without the need to travel to Dreux, Chartres, or Évreux.
On the debut night of his food-truck, André was pleasantly surprised by the turnout, serving a full house for three hours straight and meeting an estimated sixty eager customers. Despite the initial hustle and bustle, he’s thrilled to have finally realized his dream and is delighted to connect with patrons who appreciate his cuisine.
With three services per week currently on offer and plans to expand to more locations pending local approvals, André’s food-truck is set to become a beloved fixture in the southern Eure region, bringing the delectable flavours of Lebanon to eager food enthusiasts.
Undoubtedly, André’s transition from the courtroom to the kitchen has been a fulfilling and heartwarming one. His dedication to preserving the culinary heritage of his Lebanese roots and sharing it with the people of Sainte-Marie-d’Attez is a tale of passion, tradition, and the simple joy of good food and company.
