An institution in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, A La Renaissance, has just gotten a new lease of life. Natural wines will stay at the centre of the menu, while the bistrot’s interior was tastefully renovated.
Joshua Fontaine and Carina Soto Velásquez, the American-Colombian culinary duo behind Quixotic Projects, have been a fixed value in the Parisian food scene since 2011. Fourteen years ago, they opened Candelaria in the 3rd arrondissement, a taqueria with a now-famous speakeasy in the back. Just a couple of years later, in 2013 to be precise, Candelaria was followed by Le Mary Celeste. Here, in the centre of the Marais neighbourhood, seafood, natural wines, and creative cocktails all play central roles.
Now, the dynamic duo has put their shoulders under a new project. A la Renaissance, which has been in the hands of Régine Robert since 1995, is an 11th arrondissement classic dating back to some 100 years ago. Both inside and out, many of the building’s original features have been preserved, yet others were lost to time.
Carefully restored
Joshua Fontaine and Carina Soto Velásquez thus charged architect Johanna Etournel to give the restaurant a much-needed overhaul. Instead of scrapping everything old, she put together a wonderful mix of original details and new – or repurposed – additions. A la Renaissance’s floor, for example, was updated with a new set of refurbished bistro floor tiles, while the bar was embellished with a beautiful marble countertop. Artists Anna Hodgson and Harry Darby added a touch of playfulness with a fresco depicting Parisian figures, both past and present. Meanwhile, the red moleskin upholstery and tired neon lights were kept as a reminder of the building’s history.
As far as the menu is concerned, only a small adaptation will be made to the former offer. Guests will be able to enjoy their breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner at A la Renaissance. A self-service buffet of starters will enrich the lunch menu, while fries and roasted chicken will be centre-stage during Sunday’s lunch.
Other than that, diners will still be able to find French classics on the menu, as well as a wide selection of natural wines. In the evenings, a special cocktail menu will offer a little twist, and a handful of sharing platters will be the perfect choice for a dinner among lovers or friends. And last but not least, A la Renaissance will now work together with the Parisian roaster Ten Belles to offer delightfully-tasting cups of caffeine.
Address: 87 Rue de la Roquette, 75011 Paris
