English

Rouge

happners' hot spots

Rouge sits in the antique-dealers' district, on a terrace running along the old Château fortress, looking out over the port Lympia. Everything is built so people talk: a long counter where you're welcomed for a glass, natural wines the team pours for you to taste before you pick, and a menu of real small plates in mini-portions that push you to order for two, then three. Around a hundred references, dishes from the South-West, an easy, friendly crowd. Open every day, no reservation, kitchen running late.

2 Rue de Foresta, 06300 Nice

The caviste made us taste the same wine, side by side.

I was hesitating at the counter, and so was the guy next to me. The caviste poured us the same wine to try, and we both pulled the same face. We ordered the bottle together and split the small plates. I hadn't come in expecting company.

Inès, 27