I recently had the opportunity to visit Paris again, and found time to visit this gem.
The place has an interesting interior. It is a classical old bar, but some of the decorations are eclectic. Part of the wall is covered by random currency. Another part is covered by patches from police and fire departments around the world; the predominate number being from the United States. The pendants are from various colleges and cover a significant portion of the walls. I will have to send a few over from the Philadelphia area!
An additional factoid about this bar. This is where the Bloody Mary was created back in 1920 by Fernand Petiot, while working at the New York Bar in Paris, which was later renamed to Harry’s New York Bar. Fernand said the drink was inspired by the Russian drink “Vodka and Zakuski”. In 1934, Petiot moved to the King Cole Bar at the St. Regis Hotel in New York City, and brought the recipe with him. I am not much of a fan of Bloody Mary’s at all… I can’t remember the last time I ordered one, but they were ordered a plenty so I am guessing they are loved.
They also had some crazy old bottles of Whiskey. Upon the entrance there is glass cabinets hiding some vintage as well and hard to find whiskeys. Some sealed and some opened dating back to WWII. I asked why they survived and not imbibed upon by the German invaders. I was told that they were thought to be poisoned, so no one tried to taste them! That is such a piece of history! Their whiskey selection was pretty large and not crazy expensive. They also had a large selection of liqueurs for the various cocktails they create, which are pretty dam good!
Food is not their strong point, but it is one item prepared, beautifully. For €7 you can get a hotdog. I can only describe the box as rectangular shaped with plated and napkins stored below. Up top the hot dogs are cooked and right next to the hot dog are buns which are steamed. Preparation: Grab an oval plate, two square napkins spread cross the width, open the top, with tongs grab a bun, grab a hotdog, apply mustard with a artistic design and finally server and enjoy
Of course people always make the bar and we talked away with a few ex-pats as well as the staff! Definitely a return visit for sure!
