What is it about France that makes me feel like it’s Okay to drink an full bottle of wine at lunchtime in your hotel in Paris? I suppose it’s the fact that here are so many places that make it simple-nearly not possible not-to do just that.
My hands-down preferred location in Paris for a boozy Sunday lunch is Le Verre Volé, the model Parisian wine bar and living proof that simplicity is the top secret to happiness-and delightfulness. There’s nothing better than a leisurely lunch of shared small plates and an interesting bottle of wine, followed by a drunken stroll all along the Canal St. Martin (I have yet to fall in!), nearly all possible followed by a nap. Afternoons like this make me question, “Does life get any better than this?” and I at all times turn up to the same conclusion: no.
Therefore reserve your appartment in Paris right now!
Le Verre Volé is no underground, but its sheltered location (just off the canal in the 10th) ensures that it’s a long way enough from the sightseer trail to prevent being overrun. In addition, the chalkboard menu is in French-although the servers are friendly and happy to interpret for English-language clients. The Verre Volé is part of a recent culinary thing in Paris: the wine shop - restaurant hybrid. The walls of the little room (it seats only around 18 group at a moment) are adorned with diverse bottles from the far-flung corners of France. You can buy one to take back home, or you can buy one to go with lunch or dinner (in which case, you pay a 7€ corkage fee). You can as well get wines by the glass.
The wines are gently chosen from France’s most important regions and from little producers in villages you’ve perhaps never heard of. The diversity and originality that has gone into the selection is revitalizing, but even more refreshing are the prices. Bottles begin at around 6€ and increase from there. Servers are happy to guide you towards great worth. A friend and I once splurged on a 25€ bottle of St. Joseph and spent the rest of the day in a state of syrah-induced rapture.
And in the end, Le Verre Volé is terminally modish with no being over-hip. It’s casual and pleasant, but when you’re here, you know you’re in the correctly place at the correct moment. This is one spot that manages to strike a complete balance between innovative food, exceptional wines, hip but relaxed atmosphere, and more-than-reasonable prices. I can’t wait to go back… is it noon yet?