It was only our first day in Paris, but we were not wasting time. In the afternoon, my friend and I walked around to check out stores and wine bars.
We found a nice bookstore, which specializes in gourmet books in Etienne Marcel. It's called, Librarie Gourmande(96 Rue montmartre, 75002). This 2-story store was filled with all the books about food, cooking, wine & spirits! Although I can't read French, I was so excited to check out all these cool cookbooks, wine guides, etc.
Our first stop for wine was Legrand Filles et Fils (1, rue de la Banque 75002). They have both wine shop and wine bar. We took a seat at their wine bar and had a little break with Tarlant, Champagne Rose, Brut. I thought 12.50 euros was a bit pricy for this rather simple rose, but I was happy anyway.
We also stopped by at Les Fines Gueules (43, rue Croix des Petits Champs 75001) for another glass. We walked in when they just opened its door, so there were just us. I thought it was a cute little wine bar. Macon blanc was reasonable and refreshing.
We also wanted to stop by at Le Juvenile (47, rue de Richelieu 75001), but it didn't look too welcoming inside, so we skipped.
For dinner, my friend had a reservation at Willi's Wine Bar (13, rue des Petits Champs 75001). She said one of her wine friends, who frequents to Paris, highly recommended this place. This wine bar, started by a British man, has been open for more than 20 years, she said.
The bar counter filled up quickly before 8 pm, with locals who seemed to be casually stopping by after work.
We sat down at the table and started with white wine by the glass. I had 2007 Domaine Le Soula, Vin de Pays des Cotes Catalanes (Roussion). It was a light charming wine. I also had 2008 Domaine Philippe Gilbert, Menetou-Salon. It's a light Pinot Noir from Loire.
Dinner menu is a prix-fixe style and it's 35 euros for 3 courses.
Les Noix de St. Jacques juste saises, Poireau fondant & herbes fraiches. My first course was seared scallops.
Un Roti de pave de cabillaud, aubergine confit & caviar d'algues. My main course was roasted cod with oil-cooked egg plant and wakame seaweed.
Dessert was Un Sable Breton, un pomme au four au beurre sale, un caramel aux epices. Stewed apple on a biscuit. Also had a cheese plate...standard selection of Forme d'Ambert, Sainte-Maure de Touraine, Tomme de Savoie, and Morbier. I actually enjoyed the cheese course best among all the dishes we had tonight.
We had a fun time at this cute wine bar...in terms of food, it's a kind of very old school and the food didn't seem to be their focus. I thought would be better to come here just for wine and cheese next time!
Our full first day in Paris was over...we'll do more tomorrow.
