Montmartre, Bar Hopping in the 1st

Last Tuesday, Chris and I set off walking all the way to Sacre Coeur.  It was a great walk and we really worked up an appetite, so we treated ourselves to an afternoon apertif and some delicious escargot at Chez Plumeau, in Montmartre.  Next we headed to Espace Dali, one of my favorite museums in Paris.  I expected to love Dali's Don Quixote works, but I liked his Alice in Wonderland series even more.  The descriptions of Dali's life and thoughts behind his masterpieces were very informative (and in English!) and the gallery even had a few pieces for sale.  

After Dali, we took a stroll back down through the 1st, looking in all the windows of the fancy boutiques.  We eventually found Willi's Wine Bar, a famous haunt for Americans.  We were unimpressed with the decor, the uncomfortable bar stools and the awkward quiet of the place.  We WERE impressed by the expansive, and not too expensive, wine list.  

Next we stumbled upon a bar called Le Nomad, a very cozy and welcoming place with a kind of safari theme.  The Hemingway vibe made us crave the Ritz's Hemingway Bar, so we went off on a mad search.

Once we got to the Hemingway Bar, we found two seats at the end of the bar.  Luckily, we got the attention of the famous head bartender Colin Field.  He was extremely helpful all night.  He is known for being able to read people and know what kind of cocktail they might get.  He got us both dead on for several rounds, anticipating perfect cocktails and dreaming up fanciful concoctions.  All the while, he kept us entertained with his vast Hemingway knowledge.  This was by far, the greatest bar I have ever visited.  

Cheers!

Above is a picture of us in Montmartre and another of the view of the rest of the city.

Refuge Des Fondue

After a great Friday at school, Katherine and Austin and I decided to go to Refuges des Fondue for dinner and wine.  Located in Montmartre, this place is very popular with study abroaders.  The waiters are loveably rude and there are only 2 long tables.  When you get there, you think there won't be any room but the waiters have people smush together and make half of your party climb over the tables into the booth.  Then he brings everyone Kir cocktails and a plate of antipasto.  You can choose either red wine or white wine, both served in glass baby bottles.  Not only is it totally fun to drink out of a baby bottle, but it prevents the inevitable spilling that occurs when people climb over the tables. Then comes the tasty fondue; either meat and potatoes in oil or crusty baguette in cheese.  Writing on the walls in strongly encouraged.  

I love making fondue at home, Whole Foods has a great selection of cheese that are perfect for fondue, and there is usually a helpful cheese expert.  

(Not Very) Experimental Cocktail

All through the past week, a group from school had been planning a night at a hip bar called The Experimental Cocktail.  Jameson's World's Best Bars website lists it as a great place to go have fun, funky cocktails.  We made reservations for Saturday night and were giddy with anticipation.

Last night, we showed up for our reservations and were greeted by a bouncer in front of  a posh-looking red curtain.  He asked for our names and reservation and we were whisked in to a beautiful bar.  Unlike other bars in Paris, this hip, 2nd arrondismont scene wasn't crowded at all.  High ceilings and exposed brick walls added to the cool atmosphere.  Bartenders were friendly without being overbearing or overly familiar.  Once we got situated at our table, we were eager to see the list of exciting drinks.  We got the menus and pored over them in excruciating detail.  They were all very fun, but none as exciting or "experimental" as we expected.  I had the "Tobacco Sour" followed by the "French Pearl", both of which were delicious, just not as off-the-wall as I had hoped.  

After the bar, my friend and I wandered looking for a taxi and like magnets were drawn to the legendary Au Pied de Cochon.  This temple for classic French fare is open 24 hours a day and a haven for intoxicated foodies.  Perfect!  As the name suggests, it is most famous for its pigs feet dish, something I've never tried.  The restaurant a little touristy and the food isn't the best you can get in Paris, but after a few drinks, the boisterous atmosphere and the French onion soup or anything with bearnaise sauce is just what the doctor ordered!

Cheers!

Photo - Katherine and I at the Experimental Cocktail