Vladimir Putin has just authorized an amendment to the liquor law which reserves the exclusive use of the term “champagne” to Russian producers. French Champagne producers will be able to keep the word Champagne in Latin but therefore have to change the labels to Cyrillic for the appellation “bubbly wines” when importing to Russia. The Russian president is following in the footsteps of Stalin, because it was indeed, under “the Father of Nations”, as Stalin was nicknamed, that the Soviet champagne Sovetskoye champanskoye was launched. The sparkling wine technique produced in the former USSR was developed in 1928, created from aligoté…
Author: paris-bistro
One thing is certain, the Covid will have demonstrated something that seemed so natural that we did not talk about it: the attachment of Parisians to the terraces of theirs cafes and bistros.Because since May 19, first phase of a progressive reopening, Parisians have flocked to the terraces. At the moment, the cafes are limite to no more than 50% of their customers in their terraces. To compensate for the loss of revenue, thethe municipality has authorized cafes and restaurants to expand and install ephemeral terraces, on parking spaces instead of cars. So the streets are filled with terraces that…
The attempt by the Government to provide universal equality with retirement age and pension entitlements has led to wide spread havoc brought about by transport disruption. The strike of train and metro drivers has deadlocked Paris and its region since December 5th. The government’s plan to set up a universal retirement system for all French people is a declaration of downright war from the metro and train drivers. Presently they reach retirement at the age of 52 whereas others at 63. 1995 marked the last major strike in Paris which was launched for the very same reason. But, it had…
In front of the Gare de l’Est where the TGV whisks you off to Strasbourg or Munich, there is a restaurant called Batifol. It is a manifesto of what we all consider to be the essence of a Parisian bistro. Its name is taken from the French word “batifoler” meaning ‘to frolic’. A further source of the name is that of the famous bistro dating back to the avantgarde period of the mid 20’s frequented by the Dadaists, where nonsense and incongruity reigned. The Batifol 2019 is built around this nostalgia for a golden age of Parisian bistros, both in…
The geography of Burgundy looks like a vertical rectangular. At the North, the famous wines of Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune together with their prestigious appellations. At the South, a more popular image, with easier drinking wines. Gilles Breuil, a southerner, proud of his region has named both his restaurant enterprises, “Bourgogne Sud”. His goal is to deliver a more simple, affordable and convivial message and style of eating although from this highly rich gourmet region of France. He has the know-how. A long experience in the brasseries of Paris as well as the knowledge of where…
Place du Châtelet, the heart of Paris, stands an historic café bearing the name of the greatest tragedienne of the French theater. Sarah Bernhardt was an actress adored during the time of great cultural exuberance known as the Belle Epoque bridging the 19 & 20th centuries. A theatre decorated in the style of the fin de siècle was dedicated to her and it is within its confines that the beautiful café also bearing her name is located. A place most elegant and chic, but equally popular. The Sarah Bernhardt cafe is a feast for the eyes as it evokes the…
From the south of the Loire to the Pyrenees, the south west of France is geographic aera with imprecises borders. From Clermont-Ferrand to Birarritz via Carcassonne and Bordeaux, is the rugby country. Yet, it is also a state of mind, marked by a culture of conviviality and sharing. This attribute is found most visibly in its gastronomy, so in Paris the Chez Papa restaurants allow you to savour the cuisine and experience this state of mind. Unusually for Paris bistros, meals are served throughout the day and the waitstaff are exceptionally friendly and helpful. Because Papa, ‘Dad’, is a famous…
Located in the heart of Beaujolais, often called “the most sensual vineyard” because of its pretty mountains that evoke the curves of female body, the domain of Manoir du Carra extends over more than 37 hectares of parcels. From Saint Etienne la Varenne to Bois d’Oingt … Domaine Manoir du Carra is a family estate which is run today by Frédéric and Damien, members of the fifth generation of the Sambardier family. From 4 hectares in 1962, the surface of the estate has now grown to over 37 hectares from the best limestone clay plots from south Beaujolais to the…
L’Atlantique is a large “Brasserie” located almost in front of the Montparnasse Tower. It is a warm and modern café where everything recalls the Ocean. On walls, lies paintings of regattas and tall ships. But there are also models of beautiful yachts. This is a good place to have a drink, a cokctails or a famous whisky. But it is also especially for the cooking that we must go to the Atlantic Café. Michael, the Chef has been working here for 20 years, he is native from the Atlantic side. With its staff of ten people he prepares dozens of…
Just steps away from Place de l’Etoile and the most beautiful avenue in the world, Chez André, in the heart of what’s known as the “Golden Triangle”, is where business, luxury, fashion and the press all meet. It was opened in 1936 and has kept the same feel it had back then. The zinc bar and the bistro tables bring to mind the 1930s. As far as the menu goes, the dishes we know so well have been updated to yield a high-class yet traditional and refined cuisine. Some exemples : Traditional-style calf’s kidney cassolette, Chef’s Bouillabaisse, Coq au vin with fresh…