Old Money Restaurants in Mexico city / Au Pied de Cochon, 24-Hour French Dining.
Au Pied de Cochon is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
By Anna Lagos / Photos courtesy of Pied de Cochon
Because of this, and without a doubt, this Polanco restaurant is ideal for late-night fine dining in Mexico City. Or for spending holidays, especially Christmas and ringing in the new year amidst feasts reminiscent of the belle époque.
With roots deeply embedded in France's rich culinary history since its inception in 1947, in the heart of Les Halles, the 'belly of Paris', Au Pied de Cochon has been synonymous with traditional French cuisine and service that welcomes everyone, from night workers to politicians and celebrities. There, as here, the signature dish is the breaded pig's trotter, accompanied by some good potatoes—French-style, of course.
The name of this restaurant translates to “pig's foot” in English. And legend has it that, in 1791, King Louis XVI was found eating a pig's foot at an inn in Varenne, fleeing from the insurgent justice and ended up guillotined for gluttony, says Alexandre Dumas, author of The Three Musketeers, in his Dictionary of Cuisine. The recipe is an institution in France, originating from Sainte-Menehould, and has been cooked the same way for 600 years. Usually, the pig's hind leg is used, as it has more meat, it is marinated for days; cooked for about 12 hours with aromatic herbs and vegetables. It is coated with lard, and then breaded for browning. Decadent.
The Parisian bistro opened a branch in the Polanco area of Mexico City in the late '90s. The venue is almost an exact replica of the one in Paris, as it respects the details of pig's feet on the chairs and the pig-shaped centerpieces. The decor is distinguished by its wine-toned upholstery, complemented with gold altarpieces and chandeliers. The framed mirrors pair with floral motif wallpaper and long tablecloths.
From the Au Pied de Cochon menu, you can't miss the classic onion soup gratinée, which also has its history. Dumas, who besides being a writer was a great cook and a notable gourmet, narrates that the father of the beheaded Louis XVI, that is, Louis XV, during a night of insomnia went down to the kitchen and only found onion, butter, cheese, and champagne. At that moment, the onion soup was born, which impressed his chef.
There's also the foie gras, patés, and aged cheeses, accompanied by French wine. Don't forget the escargots with butter and parsley, beef tartare, or confit suckling pig. It's worth finishing with the classic crème brûlée and a digestive; or an apple tart accompanied by almond cream. The atmosphere is enriched with French melodies from the 20s and 30s, evoking the bohemian spirit of Paris of that era.
Food Police Insider Advice
Although the restaurant operates 24 hours a day, the sale of alcoholic beverages stops after a certain hour in the morning. If you arrive in the mood to continue the party, ask your waiter before you get too excited.
- Address: Campos Elíseos 218, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11550 Mexico City.
- Phone: 5 5327 7756
- Hours: Open 24 hours.
- Ideal for: Romantic dinners, business meetings, family gatherings, special celebrations.
- Type of food: French cuisine with Mexican touches.
- Payment: Credit cards, debit cards, cash
- Accessibility: Access for people with reduced mobility.
- Parking: Valet parking available.
- Reservations: Recommended, especially for dinners and weekends.
- Nearby public transport: Metro or Metrobús Auditorio.
