Only two weeks after opening Pink Mamma, No Entry opened as well. No Entry, what’s this? It’s Pink Mamma hidden bar. A speakeasy like we’d love to find more often. Hidden behind the door of a cold room, in the Italian restaurant basement, No Entry did not take long to seduce curious passersby. It’s barely 8 p.m. and people are already queuing to (re)discover the bar.
Once you’re in, a very beautiful universe – created by Martin Brudnizki – is offered. Muted atmosphere, bench seats and pink velvety armchairs and an incredible number of flowery carboys in which infuse about 792 US gal of alcohol!
Speaking of alcohols, we discover not less than 320 varied tag references behind the bar. The house specialty? Ancient bottles of Italian liquors that are sometimes very looked for by collectors. Bottles that the place lovely barmaid chef Alberto Sinibaldi as well as the other Big Mamma bars unearthed while travelling across Italy as true passionate connoisseurs. With such rare gems, Alberto offers custom-made cocktail creations that people love.
For the others, there’s a lot to do with the summer list and the 15 cocktails prepared with local alcohols and specialties from all over Italy: Chianti, Marsala, Lambrusco Reggiano… The idea? Creating cocktails inviting on a journey and inspired by the varied regions from Italy.
What’s more? Barmen take care of you as soon as you arrive and explain, showing on the list, the composition of cocktails, they even advise you and lead you towards this or that creation more likely to suit your liking.
As for me, my heart goes for the “VAL D’AOSTA” with Vodka Ketel One, Caffè Espresso, Galliano Ristretto, Frangelico, Sassolino liquor, crème fraiche and chestnut cream. In addition to being sweet and soft, this cocktail is beautiful, served in a wonderful 3-hole wooden container (called “grolle” in French) from which billows out smoke created by dry ice. In terms of service, this cocktail is to be drunk directly from the container.
If you’re more into dry and strong cocktail, go for the “PIEMONTE” based on Rhum Zacapa 23 Anos, Barolo Chinato, Vermouth del Professore Bianco, Chinotto Quaglia, bitter cherry, bitter orange. Topped by a huge rectangular ice cube, stamped No Entry, this cocktail is enhanced by the chocolate cherry!
If you like bitterness, go for the surprising “TRENTINO ALTO ADIGE” based on Whisky Rye Bulleit, apple juice Kohl Pinova, maple syrup and lemon-thyme, fir liquor, lime, Talisker Skye, egg white.
Finally, among the best-sellers you find the sweet “PUGLIA” (Gin Tanqueray London Dry, crema di burrata, vanilla extract, orange blossom, lime, yellow lemon, egg white, cane sugar syrup), or the smoking “EMILIA ROMAGNA” (Gin Playmouth, strawberry and raspberry syrup, Modena balsamic vinegar, cranberry juice, Lambrusco Reggiano).
We must say that No Entry literally surprises us with sometimes gourmet sometimes dry cocktails, but each is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
So, when are you going?
Alcohol abuse is bad for your health, please consume with moderation.
Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.
Location
Pink Mamma
20 bis Rue de Douai
75009 Paris 9
