Monday 17 February 2014

Pas Comme Les Autres Béziers

Given the wine making heritage of France it always surprised me how hard was to find a "bar" that takes wine seriously. The options were extreme - a full-blown restaurant meal or chancing a glass from an unmarked bottle in the ubiquitous café come bar. In between was a void, even in the largest of towns.

Gradually things are looking up. Recently opened Pas Comme les Autres in Béziers (3 Rue Porte Olivier near Les Halls) is run by 2009 UK Sud de France Sommelier of the year Romain Henry. Wine takes centre stage and you can nip in for a glass or two at the bar.

Food, though, certainly isn't an afterthought although carefully devised to avoid the expense of a full time kitchen out the back. The fayre will include quality charcuterie and cheese. Tartines will be assembled and cooked behind the bar. My cassoulet with pork (picture below) won't win a food beauty contest but was packed with flavour.



A wine list isn't printed. Wander over to the display and choose a bottle (add 7€ for le droit de bouchon) or have a glass of whatever has been opened on a whim. Vin Naturels and Bio feature strongly - the motto here is Vins Vivants.

Facebook readers will find Pas Comme les Autres there, or better still just GO.




3 comments:

  1. Yes a great discovery last year, had a terrific mozarella salad with the best mozarella outside of Italy. And great wines. Good for a drink or eating or both

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  2. Nice place indeed, I hope my wines to be selected there soon.
    Anyway, Graham I'd like to contact you, About the new path (natural) of Domaine de Pélissols since I took over the familly estate. Regards

    Vincent Bonnal

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  3. Good to know Graham, the wine bar scene has been on the increase in Béziers for a while now. Béziers is happening!

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