Hericot V.
Yelp
I've been a Francophile for forever and always "go local" when dining, when carousing, when movie-going. That's the appeal for me. But every once in a while I crave something very American: guacamole or a real enchilada, a bacon-and-eggs breakfast, a hamburger without an egg on top, or a simple Martini, very dry, up, with a twist.
My experiences with Martinis in Paris haven't been good. Sometimes the French embellish too much. So at several of the Costas brothers' spots, at some Michelin starred restaurants, even at the famous Hemingway Bar at the Ritz, I've been disappointed. Sometimes its just an unwillingness to go dry, and you get beacoup vermouth; other times it's going dirty when you want fresh and clear. Sometimes it's unexpected garnishes.
So it was with great interest that I entered the Tiger Bar, on a whim, while on the way to another splendid little restaurant nearby. First of all, the establishment is given over to the celebration of gin, though there are all the other libations available, clear and brown. But gin is there forte, and you will find all the respected labels from around the world as well as a trove of specialty boutique productions.
You will also find a variety of specialty gin drinks on their menu, some fruity and tropical and others subtle and austere. But each drink is prepared with knowledge and flair, and even my simple dry, up, with a twist was meticulously prepared and elegantly served. This is definitely a spot both for folks with a bit of Mad Men nostalgia as well as those who don't want to do it the way their parents did.