Absinthe Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

It appears that the team behind Chez Vous, the most wildly anticipated restaurant set to open in Mumbai this month, is a little absinthe-minded. Head chef Cedric Combe, especially. It is under his influence that the Green Fairy (as absinthe is fondly known) plays such a big part in the development of this French bistro, set to replace Sundance Cafe at Churchgate – splashes of green in the decor, vintage posters featuring the spirit on the walls, absinthe fountains on the table.

And how do we know this? Because it’s always been bpb’s job to zero in on the most important aspect of a buzz-worthy hotspot: the booze.

Imp Potent

Chef Combe’s spirit has clearly rubbed off on co-owner owner Frederic Fernandez, who when asked about absinthe’s role at the bar, begins by quoting Oscar Wilde. “There is nothing more poetic in the world than a glass of absinthe. What difference is there between a glass of absinthe and a sunset?” Will the cocktails at Chez Vous be as romantic? Sounds like it. Absinthe and creme de menthe is your pass to see the Green Fairy; a feisty mix of absinthe, orange juice and a dash of grenadine go into Orange Bomb; and a refreshing Paris Je t’aime holds chartreuse and French lemonade (start at Rs 500). The impatient (and brave) can take the quick route with absinthe shots for Rs 350.

While 30 percent of the bar menu here will incorporate absinthe, it will also feature fun French liquors like cognac, pernod pastis, ciroc, French grape-based vodka and chartreuse, shaken and stirred into a batch of creative cocktails.


Green Hours

From Picasso to Degas, Monet to Van Gogh, intellects, poets and painters would often meet at Parisian cafes at 5 pm to discuss how they would change the world over a glass of absinthe. Chez Vous will try and recreate this 19th century scenario with green hours between 5 to 7 pm. Wonder what plan we’ll hatch under the influence?

And to make your experience more authentic, Chez Vous will be serving the drink just the way it was back then. Cold water and ice will be poured into an absinthe fountain. After this, an absinthe spoon with sugar will be placed on a glass filled with the spirit. Water from the fountain will be allowed to slowly drip on the sugar, and the absinthe will start to change colour. When the glass is full, it’s ready to drink. Cheers!

Behind Bars

bpb gets Chez Vous to share a quick and dirty absinthe cocktail recipe off their menu. We suggest you try this at home.

Royal Absinthe: Mix 15 ml absinthe (available at Topmost Wines, Bandra and Peekay Wines, Crawford Market) and 15 ml Cointreau. Add tonic water and drink.

Getting there: Chez Vous, ground floor, Eros cinema building, M.K Road, Churchgate, opening soon.