Watching--a Pub from Brittany--Nominoe

If you are looking for an intimate pub with good ambiance and a taste of Brittany, search no further. You can find these things at Nominoe, so named after the first King of Brittany.

The owner is from Brittany and the address is 13 rue de Castex, 75004, Ph: 01-42-72-95-35, Metro: Bastille, near Place Bastille.

The lighting is dark, but not too dark, just intimate. The floor is inlaid with broken pieces of colored tile, which makes the floor both attractive and practical. The space is small, but large mirrors have been mounted on the walls, which enlarge the space and permit people-watching. The light reflects warmly in the bottles behind the bar and in the mirrors.

The seating is unusual for either pub or restaurant. On one side of Nominoe there are two small, very low tables with cubes and a bench for seating. On the opposite wall is mounted a bar-height shelf. Customers seated or standing here face the wall to eat and drink. The third surface for customers is the bar itself, at which place customers can talk with the owner.

This arrangement possibly does not provide the most conducive environment for camaraderie. I would suggest replacing the shelf on the wall opposite the tables with a long, narrow table and two benches, which would allow for more comfortable eating and socializing.

The dinner began with Chouchenn, a very strong aperitif from Brittany. It is a form of mead and is made by the fermentation of honey in water. I am now a fan of Chouchenn. This was followed by a dozen fresh oysters from the farm of the owner’s sister. They were delicious—even without lemon. Sliced sausage from Brittany was served next, accompanied by a jar of tuna salad—label on—made with fresh ingredients and accompanied with bread and butter. These also were delicious.

Knives for the butter and napkins were absent. However, I am not certain if the owner wishes to emphasize serving food, or just alcohol, because there were few food items and no dessert items listed on the blackboard. The owner, after several years in the restaurant business, opened Nominoe for himself…it is the realization of a personal goal…so, he is now free to do what he wishes.

The customers seemed to be having a good time, and their laughter and conversation added to the warm ambiance. The music selection was superb and the owner was friendly.



So I suggest, “Give it a try.” Nominoe is a unique place in Paris.



Until next time…Lilou