We just went to Le Repaire de Cartouche , wich is a place to eat , but with an incredible wine list . That's why it has a place in "My Wine Journal" . It is
located 8 Bd des Filles du Calvaire in the 11 th
Arrondissement ( Metro: St Sebastien Froissard) , or access also at 99 rue Amelot .Ph 01 47 00 25 86 . Need to reserve with a phone call . Pictures above and left show the two accesses .
Cartouche is a legendary figure , the nickname of a famous thief and highwayman that roamed the region in the 17 th century . This cooper's son going by the real name of Louis Dominique Bourguignon was born in october 1693. After a tumultuous youth and some time in the army , he heads a band of thiefs and robbers , more than 200 of them , men and women , operating in Paris and the region . According to his romantic legend that was strong even in his life time , he had a rich love life and many women . Enjoying the sympathy of ordinary people , he evaded capture and , when caught at last , escaped first , was caught again and executed nov 27, 1721 at the age of 28 (on the wheel).
The relation with the restaurant is he spent time in this house .
The restaurant's chef is Rodolphe Paquin . His refined cuisine uses best quality ingredients . As he says , even the wine used to make the delicate dark sauce of one of our dishes is an excellent wine .
Bd Filles du Calvaire sideAs aperitif , B. chose a glass of white wine : a Jasnieres " La coulee" 2002 by JP Robinot (see picture) . She likes whites and Chenin grape variety like in this Jasnieres . It is a little known Loire Valley appellation , on a small surface .
I chose a glass of red : Domaine Gramenon "Poignee de raisins" 2003 , a cotes du rhone . Good wine , even before a meal . The waiter brought us tasty rillettes and (excellent) bread to eat with the drinks . The quality of the wine , bread and rillettes was a good start .
Then we chose our respective entree and main course , and devised wich wine to come with the food . It certainly took some time as the waiter came several times thinking our choice was made .
The wine list is another wonder of the place . It is enormous , the waiter told us alltogether 450 wines are listed in it . Except for 3 of them , all are from France , with a big share for the Cotes du Rhone region . Some are very affordable , like several Cheverny wines of the Loire Valley at 20 Euro a bottle .
Our choice was a bottle of red Coteaux du Languedoc "Pic Saint Loup" Clos Marie "Simon" 2001 . Words are poor to tell . Fantastic wine . Goes perfectly with the persille and the Saute d'agneau . 14,5° .
Among the first arrived , the place was filled up when we left .
Rue Amelot side
Comments