Tina, Cristina and Pierre Chomet's new casual tapas bar, Paris 6th arrondissement

Tina is the name of this new tapas bar-restaurant opened by Cristina and Pierre Chomet on rue Vaugirard in Paris's 6th arrondissement, a stone's throw from their first restaurant, Ambos. The name, as you may have guessed, comes from the contraction of Christina's first name, quite simply.

To the question:"What's the idea behind this restaurant?", Cristina replies:"Here, we come for the cool! It's not like Ambos, where you come for a more refined meal. Here, you come to have an aperitif, share tapas and wine in a relaxed way after work. You can even come before going to Ambos."

In short, Tina's is a no-holds-barred place where you can have a good time, clear your head, have a laugh with friends and enjoy delicious tapas in complete relaxation. No fuss, no muss, the idea is to have a good time and, of course, we love it. Especially since the tapas are so good.

While Ambos is all about sharing creations inspired by their experiences around the world, Tina's focus is on Spain, and in particular Catalonia, the country where Christina lived from the age of 14 to 19. From this period, she has fond memories of tables shared with family and friends. A"merry mess", as she puts it, that she feels is somewhat lacking in Paris.

On arrival, we discover a convivial, Gaudi-style tapas bar. A preformed ceiling makes you feel like you're in a troglodyte house, a mix of burnt parquet and colorful mosaics, and a large long bar where you can see the cooking taking place before your very eyes. We come and sit at the bar to chat and watch the tapas being made live.

The short menu features a fine selection of authentic dishes. While the tapas on offer are still modest to begin with, although there are some nice combinations with Brie de Meaux and oysters in escabeche, Christina tells us that the menu will evolve with creations by the two chefs.

The menu :

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The menu offers classics such as the Tortilla, which we still like soft, and the unmissable Pan con tomate, as well as crunchy options like Croquettas. The Bikini offers a tasty blend of sobrasada and brie, like an ultra-gourmand croque-monsieur, while the Guildas boqueron and the Oysters en escabéche add marine touches that awaken our taste buds.

The "Pata negra " with pan con tomate , featuring Iberian ham, is ideal for sharing, as the plate is generous. Cheese lovers will turn to the Manchego / membrillo and its diced candied fruit, a perfect match. Beef tartare with a knife and capers is a real treat for the taste buds. Piquillos and Anchovies in Cantabria oil are also available.

Complete your experience with Petit Vic,Ensaladilla rusa orAjo blanco / fromage frais / hazelnuts, for a varied meal reflecting the richness of Spanish cuisine with a touch of creativity.

If you're having a full meal here, finish with a small dessert such as the chocolate cream with olive oil and toast, or the lemon and almond rice pudding. The restaurant also boasts an attractive wine list, which goes very well with the dishes on the menu. The menu was developed in collaboration with Ambos' maître d'hôtel and the chef's former oenology teacher, whom she met while studying in Spain. This teacher, who recently opened his own business, enables Tina to offer Spanish wines that are rare or not widely available in France.

In short, if you're looking for a warm , authentic restaurant where you can just have a laugh and have a good time, both on the plate and in the atmosphere, head for Tina Paris 6e.