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| Mr Five Star and World Travel and Dinning Reviews & Resources |
| Fountainebleau-Hotel Meurice-ParisFeatured |
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As the Hôtel Meurice used to be the final destination of a stagecoach line that ran from Calais to Paris in the mid-19th century, its bar is undoubtedly the oldest watering spot for the English community in Paris. Named after an impressive 1905 mural depictin g the Château de Fontainebleau during a summer fête nocturne, the decor evokes a classic English gentleman’s club, with horseshoe-shaped leather armchairs, discreet lighting, ornate oak and inlaid-gold paneling, luxurious rugs and a superb mosaic floor.
The clientele is a sophisticated mixture of local and foreign celebrities, and the occasional head of state. A celebrity in his own right is master barman William Oliveri, who has been at the helm for 25 years. Among his specialties are mint juleps and mai tais, (both 18E) and the delectable Bellini cocktail (20E), made from champagne, peach purée, and a special ingredient — revealed by Monsieur Oliveri only under duress, and following an oath of secrecy. A piano-bass duo plays jazz and standards every evening from 5pm to midnight. Bar Fontainebleau offers the crème de la crème to its customers.
Over 50 whiskies and malts are available, served in crystal glasses. The bar also offers a fine selection of Cognac and Armagnac, some of the labels are from the last century, including the Bas Armagnac Darrose 1900, a very delicious speciality. To complete the range, Bar Fontainbleau also serves the liqueur of the Chartreux monks, 'Tarragone Millésimée'.
Several speciality drinks are served, one is the Meurice Millénium, a champagne cocktail created at the bar to commemorate the reopening of the hotel in 2000. The cocktail, currently a bestseller selling more than 1000 units per month, is a delicious blend of Cointreau, liqueur de rose and pink champagne. Another speciality drink, King Alfonso, was created in honour of King Alfonso XIII of Spain, who was the very first client of the Bar Fontainbleau. A true Italian, bartender William Oliveri makes it a point to serve the best Bellini in town.
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