Swanky Cocktail Adventures: Bistrologist

Posted on April 28, 2013 by forest

Bistrologist
16, avenue de Friedland
75008 Paris

With new and emerging cocktail scenes, it’s sometimes the bartender more than the bar itself that makes a place. At least a few Paris cocktail spots have shown a downhill slide after losing some star bar power (Mama Shelter, l’Hotel, to name a few…) So, it’s interesting to keep an eye on not just bars, but the staff movements too. I’ve seen Greg Hazac’s work as he’s gone through various positions at le Secret, Royal Monceau, le 29, and, most currently, the Bistrologist.

The Bistrologist is the new incarnation of le Secret after its temporary closure. The same sexy and seductive décor remain with its dark wooden walls, soft chairs, and crisp white cloths on tables topped with a single flower. The airy, comfortable terrace also remains for sophisticated sipping with a side of pretty people watching.

While the deco may have stayed the same, there have been some positive tweaks to the original that improve the overall experience. Greg has successfully incorporated aspects of his own recent venture, le 29, with those of le Secret from the sleek silver picks to bespoke cocktails offered on the new menu “comme au 29.”

The menu offers just short of twenty house creations at 15 Euros each, based on a range of spirits and focusing on fresh herbs, house syrups, teas and a few surprises such as crème de marron (chestnut puree) or peanut butter. There’s enough range to please palates seeking something easygoing (think gins, vodkas, elderflower, cucumbers, etc.) to those wanting a more forceful flavor profile (think browns and bitters.) The one option that makes me laugh is the tic tac martini (vodka, citrus and tic tac syrup), which seems pretty much like a slightly more mature version of a Jet 27 drink.

For more convivial cocktail options, they do them in a larger format for sharing (60 Euros.) For longer nights or larger crowds, you can also order them by the bottle at 190+ Euros, served in heavy cut-glass decanters with a side of ice for an indulgent DIY drinking experience.

On the night of my visit, there was no dry vermouth, so Greg made a variation of a smoky martini with No. 3, Laphroaig, Noilly Pratt Ambré, and syrup. I know some bar folks who refuse to make smoky martinis on the grounds that gin and whisky shouldn’t mix. But, I find it an interesting change from time to time as the gin makes for a cleaner delivery of the peat smoke up front (as opposed to it hiding in the back as it might with a straight glass of the Laphroaig in this case.) Next I tried the mescal-based Baiser d’Iki with tea syrup and bitters, which was a good follow up to a smoky martini.

Of course, I’m hoping for some dry behind bar soon to accompany the selection of gins on the menu: Bombay Sapphire, Broker’s, Tanqueray (TLD and 10), Beefeater, Hayman’s Old Tom, Hendrick’s, Sipsmith, No. 3, Plymouth Navy, Monkey 47 and Junipero.

They are looking to kick up the food quality a notch with more attentive sourcing and homemade dishes. I tried a burger which was oozing plenty of toppings and just messy enough to verify its made-on-site cred. For more bar snacking options, they’ve got caviar d’aubergine (8 Euros), caviar Osceittre (130 Euros) and plenty of choice in between (with most prices in the low teens). For those seeking something beyond cocktails, as with many of the current new places, they are focusing on natural as well as biodynamic wines.

Overall, it’s a seductive spot with the potential to charm with its personalized cocktails. Given the location, ambiance and prices, I imagine that it could easily pull in a crowd of young professionals and in-the-know tourists off the Champs.

And, as for Greg, he’s an interesting barman to follow. He’s content to march to the beat of his own drum and focusing on his bespoke creations rather than chasing too many cocktail trends. He appreciates an element of elegance and class and strives to bring that to the customer drinking experience without snobbish affectations. Basically, he’s just a really nice guy trying to make drinks that please his patrons, so I hope his re-installation in this space pull in an equally nice crowd who appreciate it.

Convivial Cocktail Adventures: l’Eclair

Posted on April 9, 2013 by forest

photo credit: l’Eclair FB page

l’Eclair
32 rue Cler
75007 Paris

Remember when I mentioned that 52 Martinis was going to be available soon in French over at Alambic? It took a bit of time to find someone who was up to translating “forest-speak” into French speak. And when they did, Sebastian and I got together at l’Eclair for (what else?) a cocktail and to meet my 52 Martinis French counterpart, Sophie.

Late last year, l’Eclair popped up on the cute cobblestone street, rue Cler, which is better known for its markets than mixology. On first glance, it appears to be just another typical Paris cafe, with a busy terrace, strategically distressed decor and a lively crowd of young frenchies chatting over cheap glasses of wine. But, there’s more to this spot than initially meets the eye.

Firstly, the gin selection hints at something a bit more ambitious than the usual with Beefeater, Beefeater 24, Plymouth, Plymouth Navy and Hendricks. While that might not be enough to endlessly entertain serious ginhounds, it’s surely a step beyond the typical terrace offerings.

The menu, as well, offers something a bit more than you might expect with a dozen cocktails for a tenner of enough variety to please a range of patrons from the easily accessible Basil Power (apple aromatized vodka, fresh basil, strawberry puree & syrup) to something that takes a bit more of an acquired taste like the house negroni. Additionally they feature four Havana rum based tiki drinks and three “Decadence Martinis” such as the Porn Star Martini and its accompanying shooter of champagne.

While I would have liked a choice of garnish and possibly a colder glass, my Beefeater martini with olives was well-made and a nice surprise in such unassuming circumstances – and further proof that a better kind of cocktail continues to infiltrate more mainstream bar culture. Sebastian’s 666 (Jim Beam Devil’s Cut, Saint Germain, honey citrus) and Sophie’s tiki drink were nicely presented and well enough made. The tiki felt light in alcohol, but these kinds of drinks can tend to be sneaky in this way.

They feature a fun selection of food like big burgers alongside crispy fries wrapped in newspaper print or croque monsieur’s made with bread from organic bakery, Moisan. We opted for a platter Viande de Grisons from Davoli as we moved onto our next round, which showcased where the interest really lies….

L’Eclair offers four different shareable cocktails in 1 litre batches, which of course we had to try. Our Kentucky Lemonade Pitcher (Maker’s Mark, fresh mint, syrup, lemon and ginger ale) arrived in a heavy metal Maker’s Mark branded pitcher with matching julep tins packed with plenty of crushed ice and fresh mint. The drink could have easily served a table of six, making it a good deal at 30 Euros. Other options include the Pernod Green Beast, served in a special Pernod cage or the more pedestrian Sangria.

Overall, the selection at l’Eclair is above average. While cocktillians might not find any surprises on the menu, customers will find that they are serving some atypically fun fair for a fairly typical café. If you’re looking to share some sips and nibbles with good company as we were, it’s a very handy address to have.

And since our visit a few months ago, Sophie has translated a ton of my posts and now moved on to continue her studies. So, a big thanks to her for all her hard work – she’ll be a tough translation act to follow!

20′s Boudoir Cocktail Adventures: Très Honoré Bar

Posted on February 6, 2013 by forest

Très Honoré Bar
35 Place du Marché Saint-Honoré
Paris 75001

Two of my favorite things: catching up with good friends and checking out new venues. So, when Dec and Cliodhna were back in town briefly after a few years’ stint in Abu Dhabi, I was more than happy to do both. Considering their time in a region not particularly known for bars, I was looking for a location with wow factor. I settled on the Très Honoré Bar after hearing about its 20′s boudoir glam and checking out some online pics. Yet, when we arrived, I wondered if we were in the right place. Outside is a pretty basic terrace and inside is a hyper-designed restaurant, which feels somewhat dated. We caught up over so so steaks and wine and I still wondered what the fuss was all about.

That was until after dinner when made our way to the downstairs bar, which was much more in line with my expectations. While this large lounge can easily hold a hundred, it still offers an air of intimacy with nooks and alcoves packed with comfortable arm chairs, candlelit coffee tables and heavy drapes. The ladies’ offers up two loos in the same room, so you can gossip with the girls literally nonstop. Dim lighting and an eclectic assortment of choice pieces like the grand piano, vintage prints and framed insects give it a bit of elegance with attitude. Sexy wait staff with just a pinch of the expected attitude themselves make the rounds with menus.

Twelve cocktails are divided between classics (like the bijou or pisco sour) and house creations at 12 to 15 Euros. Cliodhna and I went off menu with a nicely done martini and old fashioned. There was a bit too much sugar in the bottom of her glass for her taste, but I don’t mind a bit of sweet grit in my old fashioned. I couldn’t place the gin and later found out it was Seagram’s, which I haven’t had for years. Although it’s owned by French company Pernod-Ricard, it doesn’t seem to show up in most of the bars I frequent here, and I associate it much more with US gin drinking habits. (Seagram’s 7 and 7, anyone?) Otherwise, nothing too unusual with the other gins on offer of Bombay Sapphire, Hendrick’s and Tanqueray. I followed up with a Très Honoré (Jack Daniels, Chambord, white peach puree, fresh mint, and lime juice.) With its very particular taste, Jack can be a touchy spirit to mix with. However, peach seems a natural pairing for it and the Jack came through nicely without being masked by too much sweetness. We tried a few more, but I must admit that note taking fell by the wayside as Cliodhna and I caught up. But, in general it seems they are making a decent drinks effort.

The night of our visit was pleasantly quiet with just a few other patrons having hushed conversations in other corners. However, its past associations (previous location for the George V group’s Barlotti as well as for last year’s Cointreau Privé pop up), the large floor space and its fashionable address, make it prime real estate for larger and busier events and evenings. And, indeed they were (are?) hosting the Trenty’s soirees and a few weeks after my first visit I returned again for a magazine launch. The night of the launch was not as enjoyable: it was hot, crowded and a twenty minute wait at a bar that wasn’t serving cocktails. But, based on my prior pleasant enough experience, I’m going to hope that was a due to the event organizers rather than the bar itself.

In short, the space is glamorous and they’re making an effort with the cocktails. It’s the type of place that has the potential to pull in everyone from the fashionably understated to the fashion victims, so probably best to time your visit accordingly. But, on my visit with Dec and Cli, I had an enjoyable night. Was it the company or the cocktails? Probably a bit of both, so I wouldn’t hesitate head back and see how things shake out here.

Chalet Cocktail Advantures: Park Hyatt Christmas Terrace

Posted on December 14, 2012 by forest

Park Hyatt
5 Rue de la Paix
75002 Paris

I’m all about the holiday spirit this year. I’ve been going to Christmas markets, gazing at the lights and wrapping pressies with glee. So the Park Hyatt’s temporary terrace chalet seemed like the perfect spot for a seasonal sip.

From now until 5 January, this swank hotel has converted its lovely terrace into winter-wonderland complete with Christmas trees, a bit of faux snow and a mini-chalet. The Park Hyatt has been known for pricey nice cocktails and the current menu is no exception. In addition to ten or so house cocktails, they’re featuring 7 seasonal cocktails from 24 to 26 Euros.

While I enjoyed a Ms Ho (pisco, sloeberry gin, orange juice, sauvignon syrup and ginger ale), it lacks a bit of strength and nuance that I look for so it might be a better choice for a better choice for those seeking something sweet and/or fruity. However, I loved Jane’s Smash in Paris with Applejack and rhubarb bitters, served as a julep. When drinking outdoors on cool winter nights, it may seem counterintuitive to order a cocktail so packed with crushed ice that the tin cup holding it is developing a frost, but the strength of the drink make it a perfect belly warmer.

Although they have installed heaters to keep customers cozy on chilly nights, it can still get cold enough to necessitate bundling up a bit. On the evening of our visit they were installing more heaters, which may change that.

The small chalet serves as a shopping space that can hold just a few people at a time (and run by an external vendor.) It’s a cute idea, but I am not loving the products in the shop. It could use the booste of either very unique products or some kind of theme instead of a random collection not very original candles, stuffed animals, and sparkly make-up bags.

Overall, the Park Hyatt is definitely a spot where you pay to partake. But if, like me, you want an extra hit of holiday cheer this year, their terrace is a good place to get it.

Corner Cafe Cocktail Adventures: the Pigs

Posted on October 25, 2012 by forest

The Pigs
156 avenue Ledru Rollin
75011 Paris

I like the cocktail crowd. I find many bartenders, while enamored with and respectful of their craft, to be an approachable, friendly lot who enthusiastically engage with the less knowledgeable but curious. However, the learning curve for cocktails can be steep and people or establishments can go from friendly amateur to intimidating snob in short order – and some of Paris’ bar crawlers have been complaining of exactly that. Thus the new wave of bars espousing more all-encompassing door policies and easy-going attitudes. Enter, The Pigs, which has taken cocktail democratization to a whole new level.

On first glance, The Pigs, seems to be a standard café, with a varied customer base filling the box-standard terrace tables while smoking ciggies and sipping demi beers. But, step up to the bar and you’ll find something a little different from the traditional corner bar fare.

The menu includes the usual brews and wines plus a list of 8 or so house creations. There was no dry vermouth, so I ordered an MG Tequila sour from the friendly barman, David, which was nicely prepared with a cheeky sprinkling of Piment d’Espelette. As I was sipping my drink, I watched someone write up the new cocktail menu on a chalkboard, which comprised some rather unusual drinks for a typical Paris café at 7.50 to 9 Euros – including one cocktail with cuttlefish ink!

Turns out the person writing up the new menu was not only one of the owners but a barman I had met previously when he made his debut in Paris at the Silencio bar. After a stint at this ultra-trendy venue, Nadir decided to seriously democratize the Paris cocktail scene and branched out with a friend to open the Pigs. He created a menu, in a low-key, typically French locale, while still employing some sophisticated cocktail practices. All syrups and sprinkles are made on site, higher quality mixers like Fever Tree are available and cocktails are straw-tasted. Perhaps that last item is not the be all end all, but I got a kick out of seeing that happen in such a popular place. And, I also enjoyed the juxtaposition of these practices alongside the mixed crowd including twenty-something frenchies ordering half-pints of beer on tap.

In an effort to further bring cocktails to a more approachable level, he’s filled the speed rack with something beyond the bottom shelf without being excessive. The house rum is Havana Club, tequila is Ocho, whiskey is Jamies, etc. Apparently, his aim is to create cocktails using accessible rather than special ingredients. However, the back bar – available for customers who want to expand their cocktail knowledge after sampling the mid-range tipples – includes more surprising products like Nikka Whisky and Botanist gin.

Obviously in a place like this, I expected mojitos to the number one ordered drink. So, of course, I asked if they were. I was told that when costumers ordered a mojito they were directed back to the menu of house creations – so it’s not a place to order the classics. But according to Nadir, that’s not the aim here. And, I witnessed this first hand when one of the demi-sipping regulars asked for a Pimm’s Cup (which I also found amusingly out of place in this venue) and Nadir steered him to something else on menu.

Also of interest, the Pigs offers up a lunch menu. But in the evenings they discontinue that for more bar-friendly French fare like rillettes or croustillante de camembert (which was the perfect belly filler for me on a night when I was checking out more than one venue). On the weekends they also do a nicely priced brunch. But, what will probably draw the majority of the locals is their very generous happy hour that includes pastis at 1 Euro!

Overall, I really enjoyed chatting with the folks behind the Pigs. I like their MO, appreciate their efforts to spread the cocktail love and really dig seeing something more than a few dusty bottles of bottom shelf in a venue of this type. I won’t make this a regular because it’s a bit out of the way for me, but it’s a prime example of how the new scene is affecting Paris and it’s the first place that has really taken a certain level of cocktailing to the common bars. And for that I say: respect.

Cultural Cocktail Adventures: Minipalais at the Grand Palais

Posted on September 14, 2012 by forest

Minipalais
avenue Winston Churchill
75008 Paris

One of my besties (and Seattle LUPEC founder), Wendy, came to visit recently. Like me, she’s a bit crazy for both cocktails and cuisine, so we spent several days in a fuzzy food coma. One of our stops was a late afternoon lunch in the much-buzzed Minipalais.

Since being installed in a wing of the Grand Palais, this restaurant and bar has generated some press – notably for its grand terrace. We settled in amongst the enormous and impressive columns of said terrace for our indulgent ladies lunch beginning with what else? A cocktail.

Their menu includes 16 classics (daiquiri, cosmo, manhattan, mint julep, etc.), 6 champagne cocktails (including a negroni sbagliato), and 6 house creations (including a wine-based one) ranging from 13 to 16 Euros. Although there were some interesting choices in the mix and I was hoping for a good drink, I wasn’t expecting excellence due to the location and lunch hour. While I know some exceptions, I always suspect that restaurant/bar combos save their serious bar staff for evenings when cocktail orders are more likely.

Yet we soldier on. Wendy’s champagne cocktail came with a dash of cognac. We’re used to a classic champagne cocktail, but both really enjoyed the extra kick brought about by this variation. The original champagne cocktail has a long history but according to David Wondrich in his book, Imbibe, this “hot rails to hell” practice of adding the cognac was first recorded in 1898.

Enough history. I went for my standard and got a Tanqueray martini with a lemon twist. While I didn’t watch it being made, it was crystal clear and still cold so I’ll assume it was stirred and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality. While the gin selection offers no surprises, it’s a small offering of solids with Plymouth, Bombay Sapphire, Hendrick’s, Tanqueray and Tanqueray Ten.

Considering it was lunchtime, we moved onto the business of eating. Otherwise, our first round of cocktails would have likely prompted more exploration. If my martini is any indication, this might not be a bad stop for a mixed drink. And, while there is an indoor bar for when the weather turns sour, the terrace is a lovely place to indulge in the last of the lingering summer days. So, check it out for a bit of culture with your cocktails.

Last of the Summer Cocktail Adventures: le Quarante Trois

Posted on September 7, 2012 by forest

Quarante Trois, Holiday Inn Notre Dame
4 Rue Danton
75006 Paris

Holiday Inn may not be the first name to spring to mind when it comes to luxury travel. But they’ve upped their game with their 4 star Notre Dame eco-hotel and topped it off with one of the city’s best rooftop views at their summer terrace bar, le Quarante Trois.

Taking the elevator to the 9^th floor to partake in this panorama is not as easy as it might seem. Ample space is on hold for hotel guests and the remaining available spots are usually reserved in advance. Walk-ins will likely be told the bar is already full, even at 5:30pm midweek. However, what is lost in spontaneity is more than made up for by their reservations policy. Unlike some of the city’s other bars with breathtaking views, once reserved here, you’re guaranteed space without long waits, being denied entrance or excessive crowds.

I previously enjoyed the terrace pre-opening for a Cook Me Drink Me event as well as several times for a glass of bubbly, so I was already sold on the view. But, wanting to check out the regular cocktail menu, I reserved for an early evening to show off the city to some visiting friends. While they took a Demory beer (7 Euros) and a couple of glasses of Duval Leroy Rose champagne (15 Euros), I took a martini. Although a good and icy temperature, I was a little disappointed with the lack of garnish and a few small ice chunks floating in it. There are some nice gins on the menu with Haymans, G’Vine, Hendricks, Bols Genever and Monkey 47.

My martini was an off-menu order. What you will find on menu is a choice of 9 cocktails at 15 Euros, which include house creations and modern classics like the Tommy’s Margarita. The majority of the drinks are tequila based with a couple of rum drinks. The cocktails also feature various liqueurs and herbs de Provence. The “Tais Toi Lasse-Moi Faire” (Shut up and let me do it) option gives the pleasant head barman, Mathieu, carte blanche to create a drink for you.

I gave this a shot, with the instructions to the server that I didn’t want anything sweet or fruity. Admittedly, that leaves a pretty broad range of options. I got a large balloon filled with plenty of ice and a light pink cocktail. My first thought was: greyhound. But on second sip, I realized there was a touch of rose to it. When I checked in with Mathieu at the bar, he told me there was crème to grapefruit, crème to rose, G’Vine, citrus and tonic. While I might not make this drink for myself, it was an appropriate choice considering my limited instructions and the fact that I had previously ordered a gin martini.

My fellow drinkers felt like this was a better spot for champagne. Based on Mathieu’s reputation, I’ll go back to try more cocktails. I do appreciate the fact that the menu doesn’t fall back on just vodka-based cocktails and incorporates more than the usual suspects.

Having visited on several occasions since their opening, I’m finding it one of the more enjoyable spots in which to enjoy the sunny days of summer. So get there to drink in the last of the lovely weather, but do it soon because they close for the season on 29 September. Hopefully there are still spaces left, because it’s a view not to be missed!

Happy Hour Terrace Cocktail Adventures: Carré Rouge

Posted on August 31, 2012 by forest

Carré Rouge
9 Rue Tronchet
75008 Paris

Let’s get the disclosures out of the way right off the bat: I have not tried the cocktails at the Carré Rouge. In fact, I might never try the cocktails here. So, why am I blogging it? I know that more than a few of you like a good terrace almost as much as you like a good happy hour, and this newly opened venue has both. And, that’s news worth sharing.

Hidden within the SFR concept Store, the Carré Rouge is a tartar restaurant by day. So my first visit was for a long and leisurely ladies lunch that lasted all afternoon. Upon arrival, we thought a bloody mary was in order. Unfortunately, we were told they couldn’t make them, so we opted for a bottle of rosé instead. The food comes fast and the place was packed, so I’m sure it’s a go-to lunch spot for those working in the area.

However, what was more interesting to me is that from 17h00 to 20h00, the bright and modern restaurant indoors and its terrace turn into a happy hour bar. When I returned later to test the drinks, I just wasn’t moved by the four choices on offer: Kir, Mojito, Frozen Margarita or cocktail du jour, very reasonably ranging in prices from 4 to 7 Euros. So, I took the easy out and went for a glass of Champagne at 6 Euros. Where else in Paris will you get a coupe de champagne at that price in such a sweet spot?

So, maybe I’ll get around to trying the cocktails or maybe I’ll just stick with a standard glass of bubbles. Either way, it’s an address worth knowing about for its cute courtyard terrace and budget-friendly prices. And, if you happen to get there to test out the cocktails, let us know what you think. But, get there early evening – it closes at 20h00.

Rooftop View Cocktail Adventures: Lounge Bar

Posted on July 8, 2012 by forest

Lounge Bar at l’Hôtel Novotel Montparnasse
257 Rue de Vaugirard
75015 Paris

I want to have it all. You know the saying “You can have a great job, relationship and apartment. Just not all at the same time?” So it is with bars. You can find good locations, good drinks and good prices. But, not always in the same place.

Tucked away in a lesser-visited area in the 15^eme atop the Novotel Montparnasse, the Lounge Bar offers up an expansive panorama from its 7^th floor terrace. The clean green and white décor is modern and comfortable with a whiff of hotel bar. But, the real stunner is the view when the outdoor seating opens during summer months.

The cocktail menu, however, is less expansive with a rather limited spirits choice and a selection of ten drinks comprising Trends (cosmo, mojito, pina colada, and Long Island Ice Tea), LBV Concepts (peach caipiroska, etc.) and a couple of champagne cocktails.

Unfortunately during my visit there was no ice in the bar. That meant a martini or pretty much any other drink on the menu was out of the question. I went with a gin and tonic because – as the barman suggested – the tonic was cold. I knew even at the time, I should have skipped the cocktail. I don’t like Schweppes and my need for ice has already been documented.

So it probably goes without saying that I was non-plussed by my drink. I arrived at opening time (5pm) so I assume they would have had ice later. While any bar should be prepared for customers during all opening hours, a hotel bar should be even better equipped considering guest expectations and 24 hour access to hotel facilities (which presumably include a restaurant.)

Yet there was something of interest on the menu in addition to the Coca-Cola by JP Gaultier – a concept I don’t really get – and the interdiction of flash photos after 10pm. The Lounge Bar has a happy hour, which offers their 12 – 16 Euros cocktails at two for one until 8pm. And, that’s not something you often find in a terrace hotel bar with a view like this.

So, I’ll stop in again, skip the cocktails and sip a glass of something bubbly overlooking the city. Because while the view is lovely and the happy hour prices are nice, you apparently can’t have it all at the Lounge Bar.

Nostalgic Cocktail Adventures: La Closerie des Lilas

Posted on June 28, 2012 by forest

La Closerie des Lilas
171 Boulevard du Montparnasse
75006 Paris

A friend, who is a painter, once told me that he paints every single day whether or not he is inspired. This keeps his skills sharp so he can do something exceptional with the inspiration when it does come. I think that’s sound policy, so I’m subscribing to it. Although we haven’t been having much in the way of summer weather, I’m still checking out terraces so when we do we’re ready for a cocktail in the sun. So when I met Emily at the Closerie des Lilas, I bypassed the barstools and went for a table outside.

No newbie to the scene, this historical Montparnasse address has been around since 1847 and seen the likes of Hemingway, Picasso and Henry Miller pass through its doors on a regular basis. Today, nameplates indicate the usual tables of these brilliant minds from bygone days. And, its sweet tree-lined terrace provides a pleasant escape from the daily grind of the city.

The hefty cocktail menu offers dozens of various classics like martinis, americanos, and daiquiris. And, I think it may be the only menu in Paris with a Harvey Wallbanger. The house creations rely heavily on Havana Club 3 year with an additional section based on a range of spirits. My martini was acceptable but not exceptional and the same goes for Emily’s mint julep (which I would have liked to see in a julep cup rather than a Havana Club branded glass). While better than average for Paris, the drinks at 15+ Euros didn’t justify a second round and we followed up glass of wine instead.

Service is superior with suited waiters bringing savory bar snacks. Heat lamps and umbrellas mean the terrace can handle cocktail hour from sunny afternoons to cool evenings.

While the drinks aren’t extraordinary, they are better than average with ample selection and a large choice. But it’s really the historical setting, delightful decor and relaxing terrace that make this spot worth a summer flirtation. In the meantime, I’ll keep up my search for the best cocktails on a Paris terrace.

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