The Great Parisian Plate Debate

41, rue de l’Arbre Sec, 75001
Tel. 01.49.26.90.60

I cannot tell you what Le Garde-Robe means in French, nor do I care to find out.  What I can tell you is that when I read the name aloud it sounds like “Guarded Robe,” which makes it sound quite mysterious.  This is somewhat ironic, given that I departed this wine bar knowing about as much about it as I did going in - that is to say, nothing.

Hot days in Paris can be exceptionally torturous for American males.  Most of us are handicapped by the irresistible urge to wear undershirts beneath our unfortunately long sleeved professional attire, which, when combined with the teeming mass of Parisians rubbing on each other in a skinny metro car, makes these warm days particularly hellish.  In a failed effort to cool down, the waiter was duly directed to bring us his most stylishly chilled bottle of white wine.

Eventually we were joined by a fellow American friend - who had just purchased a large fan at the Darty shop around the corner, by the way - and the wine was joined by an average platter of cheese.  Which was then joined by a second bottle of wine.  I’m not sure if the heat or the quality of the first bottle was responsible for the second, but all you need to know is that it was nice enough that we decided to order it again.

Le Garde-Robe is a decent little place, I suppose.  There wasn’t much interaction with the waiter during this experience, and about 99% of the time was spent sweating at a table outside.  I poked my head inside long enough to notice the left wall contains numerous bottles, all awaiting a thirsty visitor, and the bar itself is located down a quiet street right off of Rue de Rivoli.  So, perhaps a good little spot to stop in at if you’re tired of pushing shoppers and tourists out of your way while walking down the busy street, but if you’re in your home arrondissement just look around - I’m sure you will find a comparable wine bar.