November 04, 2007

Il Vino
In vino veritas!

"Il Vino" is the latest creation of Enrico Bernardo, the 2004 best "sommelier" (wine waiter) of the world. The restaurant is the pinnacle of a quest pursued by a man whom devoted his entire life to the perfect wine-meal harmony. True link between men and their cultures, this restaurant offers, in the middle of the 7th Borrough of Paris, 700+ wine references all from outstanding wineyards. The best vintage wines, selected by... Enrico Bernardo.

This short pitch for "Il Vino" doesn't really give it justice... the restaurant offers a really innovative concept well worth a visit.

The concept: The wine waiter gives you the card, surprise... there's only wine on it!! about 15 references from France to Italy, from Spain to Austria. The wine waiter delivers his pitch... " You pick the glass of wine you like, we (Il Vino) will bring you the meal that goes along best" surprising indeed but really exciting too ! Prices ranges between a Cos d'Estournel (80 € with the meal and 50 € for the following glass) and a Crozes Hermitage d'Alain Graillot (20 € with the meal and 10 € for the following glass),

If you are not in a gambling mood, the waiter will detail the meal associated to your choice of wine. And if there is anything you do not like, no worries, the chef will always comes up with an alternative.
3 "set" menus are available for lunch : "En vitesse" (High speed) at 50 € (starter, main course, desert with a glass of wine for every step), "A l'aveugle" (Blind test) at 75 € (starter, main course, desert with a glass of wine for every meal blind-served in black glasses) and "Grands terroirs de France" (Major French tang of the soil) at 1 000 € (tasting of 5 vintage, Yquem, Pétrus...). For diner the 50 €, 100 € and 1 000 € set menus are also available. As the menu changes nearly every week, you can share the experience over and over again ;-)

The restaurant setting is very cosy with its manly design, black carpet, burgundy seatting, grey table sets... but no one will complain. The team led by Enrico is only made of wine waiters trained by the maestro himself...

In your plate, you'll find a delicious "mediterranean" inspired cuisine... simple but well made and technically irreprochable! the man behind it all is David Barilone. A name to remember!
60 € pour the high speed set menu including half a bottle of still water and a coffe isn't really cheap but not bad for the neighbourhood... and for 2 "à la carte" courses and 2 glass of wine you'll get away with a 40€ tag each which is rather a bargain!

Il Vino
Enrico Bernardo
13, boulevard de la Tour Maubourg 75016 Paris
Reservation : 01 44 11 72 00

Budget : 30-60€
Services : Valet parking outstanding wine card
Nd of seats : 40
Hours: everyday from Noon to Midnight
Chef : Davide Barilone

Digg!