The Paris Hot List
We reveal the hottest new hotels, restaurants and nightlife spots which have recently opened in Paris:
NEW PARIS BARS
a. La Candelaria New Marais hotspot, La Candelaria, is a shoebox-sized Mexican taqueria with a speakeasy-style cocktail bar hidden behind an unmarked door at the back of the cantina. Headed up by a former mixologist from the Experimental Cocktail Club, expect a fun, buzzing vibe and expertly crafted cocktails. Full Review
b. Grazie Just around the corner from La Candelaria is a new pizzeria/cocktail bar hybrid, Grazie, from the owners of the concept store Merci. Authentic pizza is cooked in wood fired ovens and interesting variations on classic cocktails are served within a distressed, industrial-style setting by an enthusiastic Italian bar team. Full Review
c. Le Carmen Just south of the Pigalle district and set within composer Bizet’s grandiose former residence (and named after his most famous opera), ultra-hip night spot Le Carmen draws a rock-and-roll crowd to its low-lit, boudoir-style space. Le Carmen also offers superlative cocktails and an innovative schedule of events, ranging from book club evenings to cutting-edge cool music performances. Full Review
WATCHLIST Frenchie Wine Bar Chef Gregory Marchand at Frenchie restaurant will soon be opening his new Frenchie Wine Bar just across the lane from the restaurant, promising a judiciously selected wine list, a buzzing atmosphere and an in-the-know Parisian crowd.
NEW PARIS RESTAURANTS
a. Septime Named after the character played by Louis de Funès in the film Le Grand Restaurant, chef Bertrand Grébaut’s exciting new bistro, Septime, has just opened in Paris’ edgy 11th arrondissement. Having worked with several of the great French chefs such as L’Arpege’s Alain Passard and Joel Robuchon, don’t miss one of the best value lunchtime fixe prix menus in Paris for only 21€. 80, rue de Charonne, Paris 75011 +33 (0) 1 4367 3829
b. Le Restaurant de Jean-François Piège Chef Jean Francois Piege has recently opened his intimate new fine dining restaurant which offers a modern take on 21st century gastronomy cuisine. Nestled within the 1st floor of the stylish new Thoumieux hotel & dining sanctuary (opened in partnership with the Costes family), the restaurant offers sleek interiors by India Mahdavi and inventive cuisine. 79 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris +33 (0) 1 47 05 49 75
c. Le Pantruche Bistro This new intimate and affordable restaurant recently opened in Paris’ 9th arrondissement, and is run by three friends in their 30s - one of whom previously worked alongside chefs Christian Constant and Eric Frechon. Expect a daily-changing menu of flavours such as oyster tartare, pan-fried scallops, and mushroom risotto. 3, rue Victor Massé, 75009 Paris +33 (0) 48 78 55 60
d. Nanashi The owner of hip Paris nightclub Le Baron, Lionel, has opened two new Japanese-inspired canteens called Nanashi - one located in the up-and-coming 10th arrondissement and the other in the hip Northern Marais district. Expect healthy and organic lunchtime bentos and inventive Japanese-inspired tapas in the evenings. 31 Rue de Paradis, 75010 Paris +33 (0) 1 40 22 05 55
NEW PARIS HOTELS
a. La Maison des Champs Elysees The La Maison des Champs Elysees hotel has been conceived, designed and decorated by legendary designer, Maison Martin Margiela, featuring a clean, minimalist aesthetic that the Belgian fashion house is renowned for. Full Review
b. Le Citizen This eco-friendly 12-room independent boutique hotel overlooking the trendy canal St Martin features a cute Japanese canteen, Le Petit Usagi, budget chic rooms and spacious two bedroom apartments. Full Review
c. Thoumieux Hotel Chef Jean-Francois Piege has added a 17-room boutique hotel, Hotel Thoumieux, alongside his successful new restaurant, Thoumieux. Opened in partnership with the Costes family and designed by India Mahdavi, this hotel promises the best room service in the world. Full Review
NEW PARIS CULTURAL EVENTS - SPRING/ SUMMER 2011
a. Monumenta The Grand Palais is hosting British artist Anish Kapoor during its annual solo contemporary art showcase, the artist's first major show in Paris in 30 years. Website
b. Madame Gres at the Musee Galliera The iconic fashion museum, The Musee Galliera, is currently hosting a retrospective on couture legend Madame Gres at the Musee Bourdelle, exploring her collection of sculptural and artistic dresses. Website
c. La Fete de la Musique This vibrant annual street music festival takes place on the 21st June 2011, where you'll discover local garage bands and musicians hosting impromptu concerts on every street throughout the capital. Website
d. Cinema en Plein Air This annual outdoor film festival at Le Parc de la Vilette will be screening movies at nightfall throughout the summer months, the perfect place to enjoy a picnic on a summer evening. Website
Photography © Kim Laidlaw Adrey
