Le Cochon d’Or has been bringing upscale French food to Waxhaw since January 2018. Owned by Patrick Garrivier and Bryan St. Clair, who also own Aix En Provence in Charlotte, Le Cochon d’Or focuses their seasonal menu on the French regions of Burgundy, Lyon, and Alsace. They source many of their menu items locally from farms such as Boy and Girl Farm, New Town Farm, and Barbee Farm as well as Chef’s Garden in Akron, OH. Other items on the menu are obtained from the best sources available including the hearts of palm featured in the Diver Scallop Plats Principal flown in fresh from Hawaii.
Le Cochon d’Or already has loyal customers who visit on a regular basis. Some were fans of Aix En Provence and now enjoy the shorter drive to Waxhaw. Many are new patrons who have fallen in love with the restaurant. When asked about his favorite dishes, Garrivier named almost the entire menu but eventually narrowed it down to: the Salade Lyonnaise with bacon lardon and a poached egg; the Butcher’s Board with assorted meats and sausage; the Diver Scallops with fresh hearts of palm; and Smoked Salmon in a crepe with crème fresh and dill. He mentioned that the wonderful thing about the northern French style of cooking at the Le Cochon d’Or is how similar it is to American Southern cuisine. Both are “country food” with a focus on heartier and meat driven dishes.
When Garrivier and St. Clair first decided to open another restaurant, they knew they wanted to focus south of Charlotte. When their broker called saying a space had come available in Waxhaw, they came down to check it out. Immediately recognizing it as the former home of Heritage Food & Drink, the pair decided it would be the perfect location for their new restaurant. The name, Le Cochon d’Or (French for “The Golden Pig”), came from a brain storming session. While driving down to set up the new location, they realized Waxhaw was surrounded by farms and when they walked through Provisions Waxhaw and saw all of the pig art on the walls, they knew they had chosen the right name.
Chef Nicholas Tarnate has been working with Garrivier and St. Clair since 2013 at their first restaurant, Lumiere. He changes the menu seasonally, if not more often, based upon the freshest ingredients he can get his hands on. One of his favorite creations is the Marjolaine Fernand Point, a dessert that Chef Tarnate describes as Twix on steroids with heaps of buttercreme and chocolat.
While they are currently open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, Le Cochon d’Or is considering expanding to brunch on the weekends. They will also be able to reopen their patio as soon as the weather cooperates. Eddy Glaudin provides ambiance with live piano music on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Reservations are recommended for weekend diners but during the week they are usually able to accommodate walk in guests. There is a full bar featuring classic cocktails as well as original creations and a well curated wine list designed to enhance the menu’s delicious options.
Le Cochon D’or – Open Tuesday to Thursday 5 – 9:30pm and Friday and Saturday 5 – 10 pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. 201 West South Main Street, Suite G, Waxhaw, NC 28173; (704) 256-5382; Lecochondorwxhw.com
