The Ritz Bar in Paris is one of several within the Hotel, but none are more innovative and exciting. If you plan to visit arrive early enough before opening at 5:30 to witness the great lantern rise to reveal the bar. It sparks an electro sound and sight show projecting constellations of the zodiac on the ceiling like a celestial observatory. As the lantern reaches the ceiling it reveals the sun illuminating the bar.
If you miss the big bang opening, you will find a quiet and tranquil solar system with comfortable, plush seating.
Sit to discover bar-master Romain de Courcy’s curated list of delights for your perusal. He creates cocktails that stimulate all your senses, visual, olfactory and taste with every ingredient at his disposal. The menu receives inspiration from the signs of the zodiac, sun, moon and stars with a price tag corresponding to a supernova at €35. The pinch is eased by the complimentary glass of Maison Sainte Marguerite Symphonie Rosé to sip while making your selection.
“The Sun”, Beefeater gin with clarified oyster leaves and essence of eucalyptus oil, accompanied by complimentary olives and macadamia nuts. If you aren’t familiar with oyster leaves, they are found mostly in Scotland and the thick, tender leaves taste like salty oysters. Yes, I could faintly discern a little salt in the martini and wonder if this qualifies as “dirty”?
I must close by admitting our visit was accidental, discovering the Ritz Bar while searching for the Hemingway. We watched with interest as dozens of people queued in-line for hours, still waiting as we finished our evening. I’ll leave it to others to debate Hemingway’s tale of liberating Paris.