Q. Tell us about the experience at Le Bar 228?

A. The bar has a very long history and it starts in 1905 with a Billiard Bar located in the basement which, at the time, women were unfortunately not allowed.  In 1937, the bar moved upstairs to the lobby and its name changed to Bar Fontainebleau, after three of Lavalley’s beautiful frescoes, representing a festive night scene at the Château de Fontainebleau. The frescoes are still hung on the walls of Le Bar 228. I have been told the first guest who came to the bar was Alfonso XIII King of Spain.

 

Le Bar 228 has existed since 2007 and offers guests an ideal respite in a lavish décor. Named after Hotel Le Meurice’s address on Rue de Rivoli and reinterpreted by Philippe Starck, its warm and felted decoration remains faithful to its origins with a subtle combination of dark woods and smooth leather.

I lead a young and dynamic team of 12 barmen who do their very best to make guests feel comfortable and we share a common goal: That the customer wishes to return. On the menu are many creations including classical cocktails made daily, and among them the famous Bellini which is the best in town.

Q. What is your unique twist on the Bellini and how did it come about?

A.  The Bellini cocktail was created in 1948 by Giuseppe Cipriani at the Harry’s Bar in Venice. It owes its name to the Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini, also known as Giambellino from the Renaissance, considered to be the precursor of the Venetian School. The original composition of this cocktail was 4 cl. of peach nectar with 8 cl of Prosecco (Italian sparkling white wine).

I have created my own variant which pays tribute to my native Italy and my adoptive town by making it the most Parisian of Italian cocktails. I use Peach Coulis, which gives the cocktail a suave body, and I add a few drops of Peach Liquor to reinforce the aroma and finish off with chilled Champagne. It’s served in a champagne flute. The result is astonishing.

Q. If we are not ordering the Bellini, what other cocktails do you suggest ordering?

A. There are, of course, so many cocktails to try and all are delicious, but I invite you to try my latest creation ‘Le Meurice In Love.’  I created this cocktail especially for my Parisian lady clients to promote the French products.

See the recipe below.

Q. Some of the most famous people on the planet have come in for a cocktail, including Salvador Dali. Are there any stories you would be willing to share from your years of working at Le Bar 228? 

A. It is true and we can easily imagine that a lot of important and famous people have been in my bar for cocktails, but I practice discretion and never go into details:  I’m a confidante and a confessor all at once.

Barman’s Paris Drinking Guide

Find | Liquor Shops

La Maison du Whisky

I know many liquor shops in Paris, but this is the one I like in particular. They have been specializing in whiskey since 1956.

20 Rue d'Anjou, 75008 Paris, France

T:+33.(0)1.42.65.03.16 | www.whisky.fr

Find | Vintage

Au Verger de la Madeleine

I love many shops in Paris for buying vintage things, but Au Verger de la Madeleine is the most interesting.

4 Boulevard Malesherbes, 75008 Paris, France

T: +33.(0)1.42.65.51.99 | www.verger-madeleine.com

Drink | Hotel Bars

Le Bar du Park Hyatt Vendôme & Murano Bar

I really enjoy having a drink at Le Bar du Park Hyatt Vendôme and at the Murano Bar where they specialize in vodka.

Park Hyatt Vendôme | 5 Rue de la Paix, Paris | T: +33.(0)1.58.71.12.34

Murano Hotel | 13 Boulevard du Temple, Paris | T: +33.(0)1.42.71.20.00

Le Bar du Plaza Athénée

It’s is a must go. It’s one of the city’s trendiest bars with an exquisite crowd. Look for my friend Thierry Hernandez, the Bar Director. I very much respect his professionalism and creativity.

25 Avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris, France

T: +33.(0)1.53.67.66.00 | www.plaza-athenee-paris.com/the-bar

More Paris Recs

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William Oliveri’s Cocktail Recipes

Le Meurice In Love

This cocktail was created to promote French products. It’s garnished with a Hibiscus flower which is edible. It tastes rather like rhubarb and also has anti-oxidant properties. In Tahiti, these flowers symbolize joy and good humor which give a touch of sensuality to the cocktail.

Yield

Serves 1

Glass: Tumbler

Ice: Ice Cubes

Garnish: Fresh Hibiscus Flower from French Polynesia & A Raspberry

Ingredients

- 3 cl. Cognac Fine Champagne

- 2 cl. Liqueur de Chambord

- 1 cl. Ginger Syrup

- 4 cl. Sparkling Lemonade

- 4 cl. Perrier (French sparkling water)

Directions

1) Combine ingredients in a tumbler with ice cubes.

2) Top with sparkling lemonade and Perrier.

3) Garnish with Hibiscus flower and raspberry.

PRINTER FRIENDLY

Le Cocktail 228

It is always a pleasure to share one of my signature cocktail recipes. Santé!

Yield

Serves 1

Glass: Champagne Flute

Ice: None

Garnish: Raspberries

Ingredients

- 2 cl. Pear Coulis

- 1 cl. Soho (Litchi liquor)

- 1 cl. William’s Pear Liquor

- Champagne

- 1 drop of Raspberry Coulis

Directions

1) In a Champagne flute, add Pear Coulis, Soho (Litchi liquor) and William’s Pear Liquor.

2) Top the flute with cold Champagne.

3) As decoration, add a drop of Raspberry Coulis and a raspberry fruits floating.

PRINTER FRIENDLY