The Hidden Bar at Noelle - Lautrec
The Hidden Bar at Downtown’s Noelle hotel is always full of surprises. Each iteration is like walking through a door in the forest of The Nightmare Before Christmas to discover a new enchanted land, only this time the look of the door remains the same. The Christmas bar over the holidays, Miracle, was certainly magical (and popular) and while their newest concept, Lautrec, is more subdued, it is a welcome change to be able to sit and enjoy a beautiful French-styled cocktail the way the French do- with leisure.
Everything about Lautrec is delightful. From the twinkling, fantastical entrance to the interior inspired by French painter and Absinth aficionado Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. The décor is seductive in a whimsical sort of way- fun, flirty, and begging for an Instagram photo like you just happened to throw a champagne party for your friends in your Parisian themed boudoir.
Speaking of champagne, bubbles are abundant at Lautrec (as they should be) from offerings by the bottle to clever takes on classics such as the French 75, Kir Royale, and Death in the Afternoon.
It’s the perfect place to stow away your inhibitions and try something new. Lautrec offers Absinthe service – a sugar cube suspended over absinthe with a slow drip of water upon it so that the perfect balance of sweetness and dilution slide into the glass, creating a palatable (and delicious) pour of Absinthe. It’s fancy and intoxicating (in more ways than one). Also offered is Chartreuse Vep – one of the finer things on this planet. All the things to be loved about standard green Chartreuse- slightly bitter, slightly more sweet, vital, herbaceous, floral, and potent- but aged for a longer period of time so that it finishes with more finesse. If you haven’t tried this bright green beauty of a liquor, now is the time.
More than a bar, Lautrec is an experience. No two visits are the same, between the multitude of drink choices to the ever-changing surprises awaiting you. From performances to artists, you never know what might be lingering behind the lavish curtains.
As the concept of Hidden bar is ever-changing, make sure you catch Lautrec before it’s gone. If someone asks you if you want to go tonight, simply say “oui”.
