The Great Parisian Plate Debate

102, Quai de jemmapes, 75010
Tel. 01.40.40.78.78

“Dude, Johnny Depp owns this bar. I’m telling you.”
—The immortal words of Dan, at a table outside Hotel du Nord

I was just returning from a weekend out of town, having taken in the cultural wonders of yet another beautiful European city, and a bottle of wine didn’t exactly skyrocket to the top of my evening’s list. But that mindset swiftly disappeared into the abyss once I sat down at a little wooden table outside the Hotel du Nord. As the Great Parisian Plate Debate’s other bar choice of the 10eme, le Verre Volé, the Hotel du Nord is situated on the Canal Saint Martin – simply a gorgeous area to walk around in. If I ever have the good fortune of moving back to Paris, I have placed the 10eme and the 14eme at the top of my list. I certainly wouldn’t mind living in the 5eme, where I currently am, but if I’m footing the bills I will probably choose an apartment where I still have some of the paycheck left after paying the rent.

Although we sat outside, that didn’t stop us from taking a glance inside. And a good thing we did, because the inside is incredible. My attention was first drawn to the black and white tiled floor, which looked so perfect that I cannot understand why every bar isn’t doing it. After an appreciative nod I took in the rest of the bar; it looks like a bar should. The interior of the Hotel du Nord could give lessons to other bars who need help sprucing up their interior. White tiled walls, phenomenal lighting, the black and white of the floor giving way to dark wooden flooring, atop which perched simple little tables covered by even simpler and charming white tablecloths. Brilliant, Hotel du Nord. I put my hands together and tip my cap to you.

Back at our table outside Dan ordered a plate of greens and sausage – fairly typical fare, nothing outrageously special, but then it was just greens and sausage. Dan, well aware of my inability to speak French, refused to ask the waiter if the Hotel was indeed owned by Mr. Depp, probably because he knew he was wrong. He underestimated, however, my preference to prove him wrong even at the risk of embarrassing myself with the rudimentary French that occasionally I direct toward the city’s population. In this case, the waiter was able to understand my question and was happy to inform (in English) that no, Johnny Depp does in fact *not* own the Hotel du Nord. No matter. Johnny Depp – and you, if you happen to be in the 10eme – should absolutely visit the gem they call the Hotel du Nord.

Dan: First of all, Christian is a bastard.  Secondly I wholeheartedly agree with his newfound love for the 10eme arrondissement.

In my defense, it was a well established rumor that can be verified by google.  If you’re going to be that picky you clearly just need another bottle of wine and some good charcuterie.  Besides, maybe he does in secret.  Didn’t think about that, did you big guy?