Right in the heart of the Liberation, the Chez Tintin kiosk was stormed at dawn. The pans-bagnats go like hot cakes. Cafes perk up numb palates. In front of the olive green canvas blinds, you line up to get your share of pissaladière, your pan-bagnat, normal or mini size, your portion of Swiss chard pie, your salad… To take away or eat in, on the terrace, in front of a balloon of rosé and strolling in the shade with friends. Many know each other. Call out to each other. Swap the piece of fat. Ficanassent on the life of the bustling market.
Double ration of candles
After more than 30 years of existence, the adventures of Tintin are not about to crumble. This summer, we combine two birthdays. That of Ornella Pellegrino, who took over the business created in 1990 by her family. This therefore adds up to 33 well-packed springs between two slices of crumb wet with tomato and olive oil, but, as this anniversary took place in the middle of Covid, we waited to blow out the candles later. With those of Ornella. Along with customers. From the neighborhood or elsewhere in Nice, and those passing through. Pieces of reviews tasted in the queue…
Marianne has lived in the area for eleven years. A faithful of the brand. She comes here regularly “for the village atmosphere synonymous with conviviality, good value for money fresh produce, kindness”. Marie-Jeanne listens, abounds: “Besides, what they offer here is done by the minute.”
Good shot of smile
Indeed, one of the six employees is busy in front of a plate covered with circular breads opened in two. He fills them with all the essential ingredients for the famous salty Niçois macaron, adds the seasoning, assembles and starts again tirelessly. It is that it sells up to 300 per day, in season! From producer to consumer, the Comté macaron. Served by the rest of the team, including Manon all smiles or the tireless Valérie, sparkling with humor.
A real hive, this micro temple of local specialties, located at 3, place De-Gaulle, open every day, except Monday, from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. But everyone keeps smiling. Starting with the young boss. It’s time for his break. It evokes the odyssey of the kiosk. At the start, there is a certain Célestin. “The one from whom my father, Daniel, and a relative, Tony Pittochi, bought the kiosk, which was then a simple hut on the other side of the square, below the forecourt of the Gare du Sud.” We owe Célestin, alias Tintin, the name of the sign.
Tramway and neighborhood redesigned
For years, the duo has produced plates of pissaladière with candied onions, pyramids of soft pans-bagnats. Until the work of the tramway and the redevelopment of the district. “The concession then fell and my father was able to buy this 17m room, which was a former shoe store.”
The “Tintinophiles” therefore crossed the street and the rails. Next Daniel and his wife Martine, and now Ornella. Consolidating this tiny establishment in its success. A success that the young woman attributes to “regularity. That which means that the customer always has the same product.”