Looking for the Oldest Bar in Paris?~Missing Paris Day

You've found it!

One of my favorite little eateries in Paris,

La Reserve de Quasimodo,

is also considered one of the oldest-

the space having served clients since the early 1200's.

Located on the Ile de la Cite, just a half block off the Seine

and the tourist route to Notre Dame,

this cozy little Resto-Cave A Vins,

on a small cobblestone street,

serves simple yet traditional Bistro-style food

but without the punch of Parisian prices.

A separate room filled with wine and spirits

announces guests with a tinkling bell from its own entrance.

Current owners Nathalie and Christian,

when not prepping and cooking in the front,

are more than willing

to offer wine suggestions from the shop

(and for a small corkage fee--open it on the spot).

Christian has even once recommended a tres inexpensive wine from the shop

simply because he felt it would best accompany our food.





The menu hangs from hand-written chalkboards in the front window...




...which offers individual menu items

or the typically French 'price fixed menu',

an entree et plat or plat et dessert

at a very low cost.

From the mural walls, tippling monks


accompany you on your visit...






...Even in the restroom.

Downstairs hosts another small dining room for groups...

And the ancient stone stairwell leads to the wine cave,

linked to the Roman maze of

once all-connected cellars in Paris' underground.

My favorites of the simple fare

are the ever traditional Salade de Chevre Chaud...

(warm goat's milk cheese)

...and the Tartine de Foie Gras,

gently toasted making the apple and foie gras slices

the perfect complement to one another.

While I've never been much of a sardine fan,

(before visiting Sicily, that is)

this Rillette de Sardine entree

is worth stopping in for alone.

Frequently, the restaurant also hosts

an evening of singing or storytelling,

the price including a plate of meats or cheeses and a drink.

(I have yet to see one of these shows

though I'm afraid I might have trouble following.)

Stop on in

for a little taste of history.

The monks have a spare table just for you!

La Reserve de Quasimodo
4, Rue de la Colombe, Paris 97004
33.1.46.34.67.67

Metro: Hotel de Ville
Open: Mon-Sat 10-21.

(All photos copyright: Kirsten Steen)

(Do not reprint)