Food and wine pairing menus – are you a fan?
Food and wine pairing menus – are you a fan? I have a ‘go-to’ wine selection that I default to when dining out, so I always appreciate the opportunity to expand my repertoire and try wines I wouldn’t normally order. That said, pairing menus can be style over substance.
That’s definitely not the case at Paris Wine Bar, where you can expect a seriously generous wine-pairing experience at a very pocket-pleasing price. Which explains why, on a dark, rainy Monday evening at the end of January (when funds are typically tight), the place was packed (on a Monday!) for its five-course Winter Wine Tasting.
Why you’ll love it
- Great value – a five-course pairing that feels generous.
- Proper pours – no dainty thimbles of wine here.
- A chance to discover new favourites – thoughtful pairings that go beyond the obvious.
- Cosy, welcoming atmosphere – relaxed like a local, but with French wine bar flair.
- Perfect for a midweek treat – that feels special.
- A neighbourhood feel with a French wine bar polish
If you don’t know Paris Wine Bar, it has the warmth and easy hospitality of a neighbourhood pub, with the sophistication of a French wine bar. The wine list is extensive, but the knowledgeable team offer reliably spot-on recommendations for the indecisive.
It’s the sort of place you can pop into for a glass of wine, share a bottle with friends, or make an evening of it with sharing plates from their tapas menu.
Meet the hosts: Ruby and Luca
This was the first food and wine pairing event of the year, with more planned regularly, according to super-friendly manager Ruby, who welcomed us into the cosy setting.
Our wine host for the evening was Luca – a passionate Italian with extensive wine knowledge. His enviable task was “matching the intensity of the wines with the intensity of the food”. Before each course, he introduced the wine and explained the thinking behind the pairing. He expertly steered the choice away from the obvious and threw in a few curveballs.
The menu: five courses, no gimmicks
The five-course menu was thoughtfully balanced: well-executed classics, unfussy dishes with no gimmicks – just flavours that work.
Course 1: Seared tuna and an Italian sparkler
We began with melt-in-the-mouth seared tuna that was perfectly cooked and served with a sweet, creamy avocado and mango salsa.
Naturally, a sparkling wine was the first pairing, but instead of a classic Champagne, Luca poured a lesser-known Italian Franciacorta. It had the depth of its French cousin, but with a zesty lightness. I felt obliged to sample a second glass – just for comparison purposes, of course. It was a strong start!
Course 2: Falafel with a Spanish Albariño
This was followed by Moroccan-style chickpea falafel with a crisp shell and soft, fluffy centre – just how a falafel should be. The roasted aubergine accompaniment was full of flavour, while pomegranate seeds added juicy bursts of crunch. A Spanish Albariño was a smooth, well-judged match.
Course 3: Ravioli and a red wine curveball
The third course, spinach and ricotta ravioli, showcased expert culinary skill: perfectly plump parcels coated in basil pesto that wasn’t overpowering or garlicky. This was surprisingly paired with a dangerously drinkable Italian Montepulciano. Red wine with a non-tomato pasta? A revelation!
Course 4: Bistro-style quail with a Languedoc red
The meat course was a classic French bistro dish: quail served on a bed of lentils. This homely bowl was earthy, comforting, and full of depth. No unnecessary embellishments – just quality ingredients cooked well. It was paired with a smooth, rich red wine from the Languedoc.
Course 5: Chocolate brownie with an unexpected pairing
The sweet finale came in the form of a rich, indulgent chocolate brownie served with smooth caramel ice cream. I was intrigued (and slightly wary) of the ‘chocolate wine liqueur’ pairing, expecting something Baileys-esque and sickly. Instead, it was light, fruity, and the perfect partner to the gooey brownie.
Final thoughts: worth booking again!
All the dishes were beautifully presented, the portions generous, and the wine pours equally so. The atmosphere was convivial and unpretentious. In fact, I enjoyed the evening so much I’ve already booked a table for the next wine pairing event – which tells you everything!
